October 10, 2007 eNotes - National Association of Conservation Districts">

October 10, 2007
index to previous eNotes

1. Senate Committee Considers Farm Bill Proposal
Late last week the Senate Finance Committee completed action on the Heartland, Habitat, Harvest and Horticulture Act of 2007 which will be joined with the Senate Agriculture Committee’s action on the 2007 Farm Bill. The $15.05 billion “4-H Bill” provides tax credits for the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program and the Grassland Reserve Program and establishes a permanent disaster assistance trust fund. The legislation also includes the provisions of the Endangered Species Recovery Act which establishes tax credits for landowners who undertake actions to improve habitat for threatened or endangered species.

The Senate Agriculture Committee scheduled and subsequently canceled work in their committee last Thursday. The Committee may undertake work the week of October 22. Discussions on the elements of the Farm Bill proposal continue in Washington. NACD is working to ensure conservation programs receive strong funding and that the legislation protects the locally-led delivery system.

2. Congress Passes Temporary Appropriations Solution
On September 29, President Bush signed into law a Continuing Resolution that will keep the federal government funded and running through November 16, 2007. At the time the continuing resolution was signed, not a single appropriations bill had been completed.

In general, it is very difficult for federal agencies such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to operate under a Continuing Resolution. Agencies receive only a limited amount of their budget—about 12 percent—at this time. They cannot obligate any long-term funding, and many functions, including travel, are limited.

It is a very basic operation when agencies are funded under a Continuing Resolution. Agreements with local conservation districts or states will likely not be funded until a final bill is passed. In simple terms, our federal partners only have the authority to spend money through November 16. At this point, if individual appropriations bills are not passed, Congress must pass another Continuing Resolution or an omnibus spending package. We all need to be patient as the government operates under the Continuing Resolution. We will continue to keep you apprised as Congress works to complete the individual appropriations bills.

3. Program Administration Changes Cause Continued Concern
NACD continues to work on the issue of proposed changes to conservation program administration. Proponents of the change seek to include language in the 2007 Farm Bill that would transfer administration of conservation programs from NRCS to the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

NACD’s most recent Action Alert on this issue was issued in September, urging states and districts to contact Senators to ask them to oppose shifting program administration in the 2007 Farm Bill. Last week, NACD staff met with officials with FSA and NRCS to discuss concerns of the proposed changes. While the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has yet to take an official position on the issue, NACD hopes to have more detailed information from USDA regarding the impact of such a change. We will pass along any new information as we receive it.

As Senate Farm Bill discussions continue, NACD and districts must stress that there are serious concerns and questions that would not be fully considered if program administration changes are included in Farm Bill legislation. This week is Columbus Day Recess for the Senate; be sure to take advantage of your senators’ home visits and contact or meet with them to voice concerns regarding potential program administration changes.

For more information on this issue and talking points, visit NACD’s website at http://www.nacdnet.org/policy/action/alert_09-13-07.phtml.

4. NACD Continues to Seek Landcare Opportunities for Districts
NACD’s immediate past-president Bill Wilson represented NACD last week at a National Landcare Workshop in Blacksburg, Va. Nearly 80 participants shared ideas and successes on the progress of several local Landcare projects in Virginia and North Carolina. The primary goal of the workshop was to develop next steps for the local, state, regional and national levels to advance the locally-driven concept of caring for natural resources. Wilson’s presentation depicted how conservation in America can use Australia’s well-established Landcare approach.

The Landcare concept incorporates a balance among economic, social and environmental goals. It also offers another way to share the conservation needs and successes in this country with a larger audience including new landowners; traditional farmers and ranchers; and members of the general population.

Last year, NACD joined the National Association of Regional Councils and the National Association of RC&D Councils in an MOU expressing commitment to continue to work toward establishing Landcare in the U.S. NACD will continue to represent districts in Landcare efforts.

5. 509 Capitol Court—A Hubbub of Activity Worth Your Investment
While it’s far from a home on the range, districts’ D.C. home is a very busy townhouse located just blocks from the U.S. Capitol. In addition to its prime location, the office is a sound investment that continues to gain value in a prime real estate market. The NACD office, located at 509 Capitol Court, is a very busy place. On an average week, the office sees:

500 staff hours,
7500 emails,
250 pieces of mail,
500 phone calls,
10 hours of conference calls and
15-20 visitors.

Whew, it makes you tired just thinking about it! The NACD Headquarters Office has been a hubbub of activity for the past 20 years, and our building is a little tired too. It’s past time to invest in much needed updates and renovations. We want to have an office that reflects the image of districts and an office where we can be proud to host visitors and partners. We need your help! Call (202) 547-6223 or go to http://www.nacdnet.org/events/509campaign/ to learn more about the campaign or to donate.

Thank you to those who have donated already. We’re just over 10 percent of our goal of $280,000. See the list of contributors at http://www.nacdnet.org/events/509campaign/donors_list.phtml. Contributions to the 509 Capitol Court Campaign are tax deductible.

6. Reno: Green Beyond its Boundaries
We’re headed to Reno in February and we hope you are too. It is the perfect location for NACD’s 2008 Annual Meeting, themed “Conservation beyond Boundaries.” The city, located on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Washoe County, Nevada, is well-known for both its indoor and outdoor recreation activities. Within a fifty mile radius of Lake Tahoe and the largest concentration of ski areas and ski facilities in the world, Reno visitors can enjoy activities such as biking, camping, hunting, fishing and mountain climbing.

But there is more to the “Biggest Little City in the World” than just recreation. Two conservation districts actively serve Reno and the surrounding areas. District and city leaders are active in conservation activities, including the Lower Truckee River Restoration Project. Reno’s urban forestry efforts earned it the title, “Tree City USA,” from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Reno has also embraced the concept of becoming a “green” city. In an effort to reduce its impact on the environment, the City of Reno’s Green Initiative encourages residents and businesses to conserve energy and water resources.

The possibilities are endless! Join us in Reno in February 10–13! To register or learn more about NACD’s 2008 Annual Meeting, go to our website at http://nacdnet.org/events/annualmeeting/. For more information about the city of Reno’s conservation efforts, visit the city’s website at http://www.cityofreno.com/.

7. BLM Issues Decision on Vegetation Treatment and Fuels Reduction Study
On October 5, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) issued a decision that will guide the use of herbicides on public lands administered by the agency. The decision allows for the use of four new approved herbicides; provides updated analysis on 17 currently approved herbicides; and identifies those herbicides that the BLM will no longer use on public lands. The decision was developed on a national level to analyze the environmental effects of herbicides for treating and managing vegetation on Western public lands. BLM stated that the decision will enhance the agency’s ability to control and manage vegetation—including invasive weeds—and help reduce fire-prone fuels, such as cheat grass. Though this document does not authorize any actions on the ground, it will likely be repeatedly used as a reference in site-specific analyses of proposed BLM herbicide projects. The text of the document and other information relative to the decision may be viewed online at http://www.blm.gov/wo/st/en/prog/more/veg_eis.html.

8. National Wetlands Awards Program Accepting Nominations
The National Wetlands Awards Program is accepting nominations for the 2008 National Wetlands Awards. These awards recognize and honor individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation's wetlands. The 2008 Awards will be given in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. The deadline for submitting award nominations is January 15, 2008. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit www.nationalwetlandsawards.org or send an email to wetlandsawards@elu.org.

9. NACD Calendar of Events
October 11-12, Great Lakes Committee Meeting, Ann Arbor, MI
November 15, NACD at NAFB Trade Talk, Kansas City, MO
December 12-13, Tribal Conservation District Workshop, Las Vegas, NV

For queries about this newsletter or to subscribe, contact editor Lisa Lerwick, NACD Director of Communications, at Lisa-Lerwick@nacdnet.org or 202-547-6223.