National Association of Conservation Districts

National Association of Conservation Districts

NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.

Small Acreage

Horses and pondThe fastest growing clientele of conservation districts across the nation are the owners of small, privately owned lands used for agricultural, wood harvest, recreational, and other purposes. For example, conservation districts in the state of Washington identified over 200,000 small livestock operations recently. And a 2008 AARP article reported that small organic farms are a rapidly growing interest of retirees.

The intense use of these limited acres can cause severe erosion and nutrient runoff, degrading both water and air quality and adversely affecting the entire watershed. They can also degrade wildlife habitat, increase the spread of invasive species, and otherwise damage the natural resources. Often these small acreage working lands are located in the urban-rural interface where they face great scrutiny by area residents and commuters. Few of these landowners have the knowledge or technical expertise to manage their natural resources, creating the potential for cumulative and long-term damage to the water, soil, and air quality of local communities. Many may not even realize the environmental impact of their operations or have any knowledge about regulations.

These operations are not typically eligible for conservation assistance programs through USDA or state agriculture agencies, and yet may be subject to local ordinances and state/federal environmental regulations. As a result, districts across the country are striving to help these increasing numbers of truck farms; floral and tree nurseries; orchards and vineyards; aquaculture; recreational livestock such as horses, llamas, goats, sheep; firewood harvesting; and more.

Note to Members: A team of NACD’s Urban and Community RPG is working on ways to help districts with the small acreage conservation issues. We invite you to share your District’s experience and needs by sending it in writing to Debra Bogar at deb-bogar@nacdnet.org.


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