Concord, NH (February 28, 2025) – The New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts (NHACD) proudly announces the successful adoption of three key conservation policy resolutions by the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) Board of Directors at the NACD Annual Meeting held February 8-13 in Salt Lake City, Utah. This achievement highlights the vital role of local conservation districts in shaping national conservation policy.

As a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting New Hampshire’s ten conservation districts, NHACD plays an active role in the development and advocacy of conservation initiatives. NHACD is a member of the NACD, which represents over 2,900 conservation and soil and water districts across the United States and U.S. territories. Through the Local Working Group (LWG) process, conservation priorities and policy recommendations are formulated at the grassroots level and elevated to national discussion.

During the 2023 LWG meetings in Cheshire and Sullivan Counties, three resolutions were proposed and subsequently approved at the NHACD Annual Meeting. These resolutions were then presented by Lionel Chute of the Sullivan County Conservation District to the NACD Northeast Regional Board in December 2024. With minor modifications, the resolutions advanced to the NACD Resolution Committee and were ultimately approved and adopted into NACD policy.

The three adopted resolutions are as follows:

1.    Supporting Additional NRCS Payment Scenarios for Reduced Impact Logging – Recognizing the increasing need for reduced impact logging (RIL) practices due to climate change and diminished winter snowpack, NHACD advocated for NRCS payment scenarios to incentivize logging practices that minimize soil erosion, protect water quality, and preserve forest integrity.

2.    Expanding EQIP Funding to Include Renewable Energy Generation – NHACD proposed expanding the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to support renewable energy generation on farms. By incorporating energy generation projects, such as solar panels and small wind turbines, within the existing EQIP cost-share model, the resolution aims to streamline access to funding and promote greenhouse gas reductions in agricultural operations.

3.    Including NRCS Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) Fence (Code 382) as a Supporting Practice Under CPS Pest Management Conservation System (Code 595) – To effectively mitigate crop damage by deer and other large herbivores, NHACD advocated for the inclusion of exclusion fencing as a supporting practice under CPS 595. This addition aligns with existing NRCS practices and enhances farmers’ ability to protect crops from mammalian pests.

“The adoption of these resolutions is a significant milestone that demonstrates how local conservation efforts can drive national policy,” said Stephen Scapicchio, NHACD President. “We are proud of the work done by our conservation districts and the commitment of local stakeholders who contribute their expertise and passion to these important initiatives.”

As NHACD continues its mission to support conservation efforts across the state, it encourages community members, our farmers and foresters to participate in the upcoming 2025 Local Working Group meetings scheduled throughout March. These meetings offer a crucial opportunity for individuals to help shape conservation policy at the local and national levels. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact their local conservation district for details on meeting times and locations.

For more information about your county conservation districts, upcoming LWG meetings, or how to get involved, please contact your local Conservation District or visit their website!

The Cheshire County Conservation District, Sullivan County Conservation District, and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) will host the 2025 Local Work Group Meeting on Wednesday, March 12th from 5:30-7:30PM at the Walpole Town Hall (34 Elm Street, Walpole, NH).

Registration is required, here!

For additional information, questions, or for assistance in registration, contact info@cheshireconservation.org or (603) 904-3011

USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider and lender.

The Cheshire County Conservation District promotes the conservation and responsible use of our natural and agricultural resources for the people of Cheshire County by providing technical, financial, and educational assistance. Our goal is to encourage the stewardship of healthy soils, productive ecologically sound farms, diverse wildlife, productive sustainable forests, healthy watersheds, and clean water to ensure those resources are available for future generations. Established in 1945, the Conservation District operates out of Walpole, NH where we work alongside the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and other conservation partners. For more information, contact Amanda Littleton at 603-756-2988 ext.4 or email at amanda@cheshireconservation.org

Since 1945 and 1946, the ten NH Conservation Districts have promoted the conservation and responsible use of the Granite State's natural and agricultural resources. For more information about the programs offered in your county, contact your local conservation district.

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