The National Conservation Foundation's (NCF) 2024 Cohort for the Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) program is visiting Washington, D.C. this week to meet with congressional staff, agency leaders, and national environmental partners. Meetings and trainings are focused on NACD’s federal advocacy requests, particularly farm bill and appropriations priorities. The cohort members are learning more about how to advocate for conservation locally and nationally.

Want to be part of this opportunity? Applications are now open for the 2025 Cohort through September 30!

NGLI is a year-long training that equips the cohort with the skills needed to build a better tomorrow. Ideal candidates are elected or appointed district officials currently serving a conservation district who have exhibited strong leadership and would like to carry that leadership further into service of conservation districts. In these changing times, we need strong leaders that can adapt and carry us through change to help conservation districts emerge stronger on the other side.

If you have identified a candidate, or think you may be one yourself, check out the NCF website to see if NGLI might be the next step in your leadership journey!

SUBMIT A BREAKOUT SESSION PROPOSAL FOR NACD ANNUAL MEETING

NACD is accepting breakout session proposals for the upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, on February 8-12, 2025!

These informational breakout sessions spotlight the work of conservation districts and partners across the country. Sessions typically run between 45-90 minutes long and often showcase several speakers. Session proposals are now being accepted through Wednesday, October 2, 2024.

This year, NACD is seeking proposals that fit into one of four themes:

• Community Outreach
• Conservation Implementation: Now and in the Future
• Conservation Capacity, Funding, and Operations
• Conservation Partnerships

New this year, NACD is requesting a short, 30-second optional video from breakout session applicants. Videos will allow candidates to share information about their projects, celebrate their work, and help NACD promote our annual meeting program. The videos can be informal and are an excellent way to help NACD learn more about you and your district!

NACD's breakout sessions are some of the most popular activities among meeting attendees and provide a platform for districts to share their initiatives with one another. Spread the word about this opportunity and consider submitting a proposal!

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON?

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATES

The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a continuing resolution (CR) this week to avoid a government shutdown when current funding expires on October 1. The House CR contains controversial provisions that could not pass the Senate and notably does not include a farm bill extension. The current farm bill also expires on October 1. Lawmakers must pass a farm bill extension or a full bill by the end of this year to avoid triggering outdated laws that would increase the prices of some commodities. NACD is continuing to press for quick passage of a farm bill that integrates all remaining Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) conservation investments.

Watch these congressional subcommittee hearings tomorrow, Wednesday, September 11, at 10:00 a.m. ET:



• The House Agriculture subcommittee and the House Agriculture Appropriations subcommittee hearing on food distribution shortages among tribal and elderly communities, watch here.
• The House Natural Resources subcommittee hearing on bills related to the Endangered Species Act, watch here.
• The House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee hearing, “Waters of the United States Implementation Post-Sackett Decision: Experiences and Perspective,” watch here.

CAROLL COUNTY CD OPENS KYSOC BRAILLE TRAIL

The Carroll County Conservation District (CCCD) recently held their grand opening of the Kysoc Braille Trail in Carroll County, Kentucky. The trail, at 0.7 miles long, was the product of CCCD’s Educational Advisor and Director of the CCCD Nature Center at Camp Kysoc, Gail Becraft, who was instrumental in the evolution and success of the trail. Numerous community partners were also essential to the development, construction, and continued maintenance of the trail. The Kysoc Braille trail is featured on AllTrails.com, as well as the AllTrails app.

Recent upgrades to the self-guided trail include the addition of tactile tiles, updated markers with English text and Grade 2 Braille, and cleared and smoothed walking paths. Additional features on the Braille Trail were developed for blind or low-vision visitors to explore, such as the Sensory Garden, which was purposefully planted and designed to delight all five of your senses. As visitors stroll under an expansive tree canopy, they can hear a wealth of nature sounds from wildlife and a nearby stream.

On July 26, 2024, a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in celebration of the Braille Trail. Students and instructors from the Charles W. McDowell Center for the Blind in Louisville led the inaugural hike on the trail. CCCD board members, representatives from the community, and industry partners also attended the event.