Applications for NACD’s two new grant programs, Climate-Smart Commodities and Perimeter Fencing for Feral Swine, are due by Friday, October 13, 2023.

Call for Climate-Smart Concept Papers

With funding from the USDA, NACD is seeking concept papers for projects that foster private-public partnerships, scale implementation of climate-smart practices, advance Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV), and support producer participation in resulting markets. NACD’s total subaward budget for this competitive program is nearly $80 million. The first phase, the current call for concept papers and rough orders of magnitude by October 13 will facilitate a matchmaking process across potential projects and partners.

Submit a concept paper and learn more about this important opportunity to get conservation on the ground to help capture carbon and greenhouse gases, and connect producers with climate-smart markets here and by watching this webinar.

Seeking Applications for Perimeter Fencing for Feral Swine Grant Program

On behalf of NRCS, NACD will manage and administer a $7.5 million cost-share program that incentivizes landowners and operators to install or repair perimeter fencing to restrict feral swine access and impacts. In addition to cost-share offerings, applications may also include the following activities:

• Outreach to landowners and operators, including enrollment into the cost-share program; or
• Technical assistance associated with the design, implementation, and approval of perimeter fencing projects.

Watch an informative webinar, and learn more about this program and submit an application here.

SUBMIT BREAKOUT SESSION PROPOSALS FOR NACD ANNUAL MEETING

Hosted in partnership with the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts, NACD's 2024 Annual Meeting will take place in San Diego, California from February 10-14, 2024. Join us for great networking opportunities, speakers, and tours exploring the theme "Operation Conservation!"

There is also still time to submit breakout session proposals for the upcoming meeting. These informational breakout sessions focus on the work of conservation districts and their partners across the country. Submit a presentation, sharing session, success story, etc. related to one of four themes: Community Outreach; Climate Resilience; Conservation Capacity & Partnerships; and Diverse & Nontraditional Agriculture.

Proposals are due by Friday, October 13, 2023 using this online form.

Save up to $130 on registration with early-bird prices, now through December 22. Registration is now open, and tour options will be added soon. Find everything you need to know on NACD's website.

After registering, don't forget to make your hotel reservations! The meeting will be held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina. Discounted room rates in NACD's reserved block start at $259/night plus tax. You can make a reservation online or call 1-888-236-2427 and identify yourself as a guest with the National Association of Conservation Districts. The last day to reserve available rooms in the room block is January 19, 2024.

NGLI 2024 COHORT APPLICATION EXTENDED

The Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) is extending the application period for the 2024 cohort to October 15! 

This year-long hybrid program hosted by the National Conservation Foundation (NCF) is designed to give district supervisors the skills and experience they need to confidently lead districts into the future. If you have been on the fence about applying, this is your opportunity to become the best version of yourself!

If you are interested in advocacy, communications, leadership styles, delegation, networking, or strategic planning (plus more!), this is the program for you!

For more information or to apply please see our website or email Program Manager Aubrey Evans at aubrey-evans@nacdnet.org.

KACD PARTNERS WITH

IOWA TRIBE FOR CLIMATE-SMART PRACTICES

The Kansas Association of Conservation Districts has partnered with the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska to provide support for regenerative agriculture and climate smart practices on tribal land.

"In order for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska to progress ahead, they sometimes have to go backwards and take a look at some of our old ways," said Chairman Timothy Rodd. "Reintroduce those old ways in today's modern life to get back life as a whole. Family. Community. Food. And overall health and well-being of the community."

After decades of intensive traditional farming, The Iowa Tribe is taking steps to adapt to climate impacts and building resilience into the health of their lands, community, and economy. This triumphant return to more traditional practices is getting accomplished with technical and financial assistance from the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts. Chairman Rhodd hopes that their experience making this important shift will allow other farmers to see the benefits and help make the transition a little easier to follow.

For more information on this partnership, visit the KACD website or watch this video that documents the thought process behind moving to regenerative practices and various projects that the Tribe is undertaking.

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

On Saturday night, President Biden signed a continuing resolution (CR) into law to extend funding for the federal government at current levels for 45 days. Congress will continue working to consider and pass appropriations bills, including the Fiscal Year 2024 USDA appropriations bill, before the CR expires on November 17. The 2018 Farm Bill expired on September 30 and has not been extended. Fortunately, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) reauthorized and provided additional funding for NRCS conservation programs, which will continue to be administered. Other important USDA programs, including crop insurance and commodity programs, will also continue to function.  

Last week, USDA announced the availability of more than $3 billion for agricultural producers and forest landowners across the country to participate in NRCS conservation programs and adopt climate-smart practices. USDA also released an expanded list of Climate-Smart Agriculture and Forestry Activities that are eligible to receive IRA funding. 

NACD'S NORTHEAST REGION GATHERS IN MAINE

In September, the NACD Northeast Region convened in Portland, Maine, for its annual meeting. Representatives from the 12 states, conservation districts, NRCS, and affiliated partners, gathered to deliberate on pressing conservation issues. Under the overarching theme, "It's All Connected: Resilience for a Changing Climate," the event took a practical approach to address the challenges posed by our shifting environment.

Speakers shared insights into the complexities of climate change, shedding light on both challenges and opportunities. The discussions were grounded in real-world scenarios, emphasizing the practical aspects of building resilience. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree's remarks resonated with the audience, emphasizing the crucial role played by the districts in these changing times. John Piotti, President of American Farmland Trust, further underscored the significance of the role of the districts and the work they do in support of their communities and producers.

Most years, the meeting concludes with a capacity building session or workshop but recognizing the significant need for engaging future conservation leaders, the organizers developed a half day conservation career expo. Attendees were joined by local community partners, organizations, state agencies, and other conservation professionals to host 50 local high school and college students. The morning networking concluded with a conservation career panel that highlighted federal careers, agriculture, the districts, and forestry. Following the event, students reported not only better understanding the array of conservation career options but reported better understandings of their own career aspirations.

As the event concluded, attendees departed with a deepened sense of connection. The interactions at the expo and the discussions during the meeting not only strengthened existing partnerships but also fostered new ones. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose, aware of the challenges that lie ahead, yet inspired by the collective resolve to face them. The northeast region is appreciative of the Maine Association of Conservation Districts and their hard work putting together such a productive and inspiring meeting.