IASWCD logo transparent
Conservation INsight
August 1, 2018
IASWCD News
SWCD Region Meetings in August & September
IASWCD, ISDA and IDEA have planned five region meeting locations and dates for Supervisors and Staff this year. Join us for an optional tour (at 3 of the locations) and an evening of beneficial training, discussion and networking!
A light-hearted competition between regions will take place based on attendance. Bring a canned good/non-perishable to the meeting and receive extra points for your region!
Specific meeting agendas and updates can be viewed on the  IASWCD Conservation Calendar .
 Northwest - August 30
Northeast - September 10
Central - September 13
Southwest - August 20
Southeast - August 22
Flyer:   Region Meetings
IASWCD Resolution Submission
Districts - if you would like to submit a resolution for consideration, please fill out this  Google Form . Resolutions are  due to the IASWCD office by Friday, September 7, 2018 .
Upcoming Conservation Awards
Friend of Conservation, Supervisor of the Year and Conservation Farmer of the Year Awards information on the IASWCD Awards page . Nominations due by September 7 .
NACD News
Forestry Notes
FN is a monthly publication produced by NACD in collaboration with the USDA Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters. Each edition includes prime examples of district-led forestry projects and partnerships focused on finding and implementing solutions to modern forestry challenges. 
New Tools for Promoting Soil Health
The Soil Health Institute (SHI) is a non-profit organization that utilizes the input and collaboration of partnering organizations, including NACD, to further their goal of supporting soil stewardship and advancing soil health.
NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason serves as co-chair of the SHI Communications and Education Action Team, a group of professionals from various organizations, agencies, institutions and related industry. The team has spent time over the past year developing two tools for SHI that will assist in the promotion of soil health: an  online catalog of soil health educational resources  and a  soil health events calendar .
The online catalog of soil health educational resources guides users to different materials and information on soil health to assist in educating children as well as adults. While this catalog is extensive, you may  go online and submit additional resources  for possible inclusion in the catalog.
The  Soil Health Events Calendar  helps promote soil health events around the country. Additionally, you can search the calendar for the next soil health event in your area. Anyone with an upcoming soil health event open to the public is encouraged to submit details online to add to the calendar. Events can range from local field tours to state, regional and national conferences.
NACD Announces 2019 Annual Meeting Theme, Call for Breakout Sessions
NACD and the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts (ATSWCD) are pleased to announce the theme for the  2019 Annual Meeting  in San Antonio, Texas, is “Mission Focused: Fulfilling Our Legacy.” The 73rd Annual Meeting w ill b e held Feb. 2-6 at the San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter.
NACD is now  accepting applications for breakout sessions  for the 2019 Annual Meeting. Applications must be submitted to NACD Northeast Region Representative and Policy Specialist Eric Hansenat  eric-hansen@nacdnet.org  by Friday, September 14.
Urban Forestry Survey
NACD is assisting the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition (SUFC) to track urban forestry projects across the country in an attempt to gain insight on common partnerships and project locations. The final results will be mapped and available for viewing. We encourage conservation districts engaged in urban forestry projects to  take this short, three minute survey . Please email NACD Forestry Specialist Mike Beacom (mike-beacom@nacdnet.org) if you have questions.
NACD App
The “NACD.” app is available for free download in the iTunes Store and Google Play store and enables NACD Communications to send push notifications regarding NACD updates such as press releases, blogs and important legislative actions. The app will also provide members with real time information during NACD gatherings and meetings.
IDEA News
2018 IDEA Fall Conference
"Review the Basics, Renew Your Mind, Regenerate Your Passion"
October 2-4, 2018
Fourwinds Lakeside Inn & Marina,
Bloomington, IN

ISDA News
Clean Water Indiana
The State Soil Conservation Board (SSCB) is accepting competitive proposals for targeted projects up to three years in length. Application deadline is September 14, 2018.

Leadership Institute Plus + Workshop
"Leading Multi-generational Teams"
August 28, 2018
USDA-NRCS News
Information Sessions on MRBI and NWQI
NRCS is kicking off a new round of Mississippi River Basin Initiative and National Water Quality Initiative projects. There will be opportunities for planning projects in Fiscal Year 2019, and for targeted financial assistance through Farm Bill Programs beginning in Fiscal Year 2020. Indiana NRCS will be holding three information sessions on these opportunities:
For additional information please contact Jill Reinhart, ASTC Partnerships at  jill.reinhart@in.usda.gov  or at 317-295-5883.
USDA Invests in 22 New Projects to Spur Innovation in Grazing Lands, Organic Systems and Soil Health
WASHINGTON, July 26, 2018 – USDA will invest more than $10.6 million for 22 new projects that will drive public and private sector innovation in conserving natural resources in 27 states. The competitive  Conservation Innovation Grants  program helps spur development and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies. 
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. Authorized by the 2002 Farm Bill, CIG uses Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funds to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or nongovernmental organizations, American Indian Tribes, or individuals. Producers involved in CIG funded projects must be EQIP eligible.
Through the NRCS CIG program, public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. Grantees leverage the federal investment by at least matching it.
Purdue Extension News
Purdue Women in Agriculture Webinar
What Does It Mean To Diversify My Farm?
August 14, 2018 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. EST 
Biophysical, economic, and socio-cultural factors play a part on how a farmer should think about diversification. We will explore how these factors impact a grower's ability to diversify and what plans they should put in place to diversify their farm. 
IDNR News


Visit DNR at the State Fair & More
Read MyDNR: Indiana's Outdoor News
Other News
Conference on Connections between Soil Health and Human Health
The Soil Health Institute (SHI) is holding a conference on "Connections between Soil Health and Human Health," Oct. 16–17in Silver Spring, Md. This conference will explore relationships between soil health and food safety, human health and nutrition, as well as explore opportunities for research. Attendees from both the soil health field and the human health field with an interest in this area are encouraged to attend. For more information and to register, please visit the SHI website .
ICP logo
Invasive Species Training
for ICP Employees
Featuring Dawn Slack, TNC as Keynote Speaker.
Various additional speakers featured at each site.
Four dates, four locations. $10/person. Bring your own lunch and drink.

View the individual dates on the IASWCD Events Calendar for specific agendas and site instructions.

  • August 16 - NW Training
  • August 23 - SE Training
  • August 29 - NE Training
  • August 30 - SW Training
Indiana Association of Floodplain and Stormwater Management Conferece
Complying with your floodplain & stormwater management requirements is vital for the environment and a healthy economy in our communities. Gain training and earn continuing education credits for professional development. Connect with water resources professionals.
Proposed Terrestrial Invasive Plants Rule
The public comment period is open for the proposed terrestrial plant rule. Please use the following link:  https://www.in.gov/nrc/2377.htm  to access the NRC rule webpage. At the bottom of the page is a list of rules that are open for comment. The terrestrial plant rule is listed last. Click on the “comment on this rule” link and you will be directed to a page that allows you to input personal data in required fields (name, city, county, email address) and a section to write a comment about the proposed rule. If your comments require more space than allowed with the electronic form, please mail your comment with the LSA document number (LSA #18-316) to the following address: Natural Resources Commission, Division of Hearings,  100 North Senate Avenue, Room N103, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 -2200.
join_our_team_sign.jpg
Job Postings  :
Current list of Conservation Job Opportunities now posted on the  IASWCD website.
  • District Administration Manager, LaPorte County Soil & Water Conservation District
Note: Job Postings can be submitted to Amy Work at:  amy-work@iaswcd.org .  Please include job description and deadline to apply in a single PDF file or with a link.
Upcoming Conservation Events  :
August 2 - ICP- SE Pollinator Training
August 3-8 - NACD Summer Meeting
August 12-13 - Indiana Water Summit
August 3-19 - Indiana State Fair
August 7 - Native Plant Stewardship Class, Brown Co.
August 12-13 - Indiana Water Summit, Indianapolis
August 15 - River Friendly Farmer Awards Ceremony
August 16 - ICP Invasive Species Training
August 20 - SW SWCD Region Meeting
August 21 - Native Plant Stewardship Class, Brown Co.
August 22 - Drainage School
August 22 - SW SWCD Region Meeting
August 23 - ICP Invasive Species Training
August 28 - Leadership Institute
August 28-30 - Soil Health & Sustainability, Beck Ag Ctr
August 29 - ICP Invasive Species Training
August 30 - NW SWCD Region Meeting
August 30 - ICP Invasive Species Training
August 30 - Davis Purdue Ag Center Field Day
September 5-6 - IAFSM Conference, Evansville
September 6 - Tri-State Technical Training Field Day
September 7 - IASWCD Awards Deadline
September 7 - SWCD Resolutions due
September 10 - NE SWCD Region Meeting
September 13 - CENTRAL SWCD Region Meeting
September 28 - SSCB Meeting, NRCS, Indianapolis
October 2-4 - IDEA Fall Conference, Bloomington, IN
October 30 - SSCB Meeting, TBD
November 30 - Leadership Institute
December 7 - Leadership Institute
For a complete list of upcoming conservation events,  go to the Events Calendar on the IASWCD website