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Did you know that our education materials for 2024 are all about forestry? Though spooky trees and woods are often the settings of our favorite scary stories, there is nothing frightening about protecting our forests!
This fall, share the importance of conserving woodlands with students in grades K-8 using NACD's curriculum guide, worksheets, and other activities and materials. These materials celebrate the theme "May the Forest Be With You Always," and are available now for FREE download. With lessons plans, activity guides, and ready to go presentations, the 2024 Education Materials have everything a district employee or educator needs to teach forestry conservation in an interesting and engaging way. There are also accompanying student journal resources for extending the learning experience.
For 68 years NACD Stewardship Week has been reminding us of our responsibility to conserve natural resources and promote the idea of conservation with all ages. For more information on NACD Stewardship Week or any of the NACD conservation education resources contact us at stewardship@nacdnet.org.
| EPA SEEKS COMMENTS ON NPS §319 GRANTS GUIDELINES | |
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking comments on a revised draft of the nonpoint source (NPS) §319 grant guidelines. This revision incorporates two years of engagement with states, tribes, territories, and other local community stakeholders that engage in NPS water quality projects. The revisions include new flexibilities and expectations to ensure the equitable delivery of §319 NPS program benefits for communities impacted by NPS water quality challenges. Among other updates and clarifications, the draft guidelines support the use of new science and information to advance climate resilience through NPS solutions.
The “Draft Revision for Public Comment: Nonpoint Source Program and Grants Guidelines for States and Territories” can be accessed here.
The EPA will be taking comments through December 31, 2023.
Comments can be submitted:
EPA will host a webinar on December 5, 2023 from 3:00-4:30 p.m. ET to provide an overview of the guidelines. Register here to attend.
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WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON:
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE
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Last week, Mike Johnson (R-La.) was unanimously elected by his caucus to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives and has since set an ambitious legislative agenda, which includes keeping the federal government funded and reauthorizing the farm bill. Representatives are expected to meet on Wednesday evening to vote on a package of appropriations bills, including one to fund USDA and FDA this fiscal year. The Senate is also working to pass their appropriations bills and develop a farm bill. The agriculture committees in each chamber are working to develop their farm bills, but funding concerns, policy disagreements, and other Congressional priorities may delay the process and require passage of an extension. Congress must pass an additional continuing resolution or full appropriations bills before federal funding expires on November 17 to avoid a government shutdown.
On Thursday, November 2 the House Committee on Natural Resources will be holding their Member Day hearing, where Members of the committee are given time to raise the concerns of their constituents. The hearing will begin at 10:15 a.m. ET and interested members of the public can access the livestream and agenda on the Committee webpage.
|  | ANCHORAGE SWCD: CULTIVATING ALASKA'S FUTURE | In November 2021, the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD) in Alaska was re-established with a renewed focus on addressing local environmental challenges. The district has swiftly expanded its team, with four experienced employees specializing in natural resource management. Current initiatives include the Invasive Species Program, Urban Agriculture Program, and Native Plants Program, along with collaborations on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). ASWCD's Native Plants Program has shown early promise, cultivating thousands of native plant seedlings to aid in local ecosystem restoration. This program also promotes community involvement and collaboration with neighboring Tribal Conservation Districts. |  | The scarcity of locally adapted native plant materials has been a significant challenge for land managers in Alaska. The Anchorage SWCD recognized this issue and, in partnership with neighboring districts, initiated a project to locally produce native plants suitable for ecological restoration. With support from partners, four native plant nursery sites were established. These nurseries aim to provide regionally adapted native plant species for ecological restoration projects. | |
ASWCD has big plans to expand their native plant offerings, which will help land managers in Alaska handle their challenges more effectively. They will also lead an economic feasibility study that's essential given recent conservation investments and the growing need to adapt to climate change. The demand for native plants is on the rise, and various organizations rely on them, but the current supply isn't keeping up. The study aims to assess the opportunities and obstacles to create a local native plant nursery industry. This isn't just about plants, it's about building a sustainable future. Native plants are essential for strong ecosystems as they support biodiversity and are essential in landscape restoration. Local nurseries have a key role to play in meeting the growing demand while reducing the carbon footprint from imports.
The revival of the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District reflects the community's commitment to environmental stewardship. The ASWCD Native Plants Program's early success and upcoming projects demonstrate a dedication to building a more sustainable and resilient future, making their mission all the more relevant.
Read the full story on NACD's blog. Sign up for Forestry Notes to see more stories like this every month.
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NACD Seeks Northeast Region Representative | |
NACD is hiring for the Northeast Region Representative position. This role is responsible for providing assistance to NACD member conservation districts and NACD’s Board to advance conservation and resource development, assist in the implementation of the association’s policies related to the region, and provide broad support to the NACD Communications Team. This is a service-oriented position focused on creating and maintaining relationships and increasing the effectiveness of NACD’s support of conservation districts and their state associations.
This is a full time remote position based in the Northeast Region - CT, DC, DE, MA, MD, ME, NJ, NH, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV. Interested candidates should apply by Friday, November 10 for priority consideration. Learn more on NACD's website.
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Economics of Soil Health Systems Farmer Focus:
Shun Binford
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NACD, the Soil Health Institute, and NRCS recently released economic findings from 30 farmers who adopted soil health management systems. Each week, we will be highlighting one farm from this study.
In Alabama, the Shun Binford farm increased profitability by lowering production costs with cover crops & minimum tillage. Originally, Shun sought out cost share programs from USDA to help him get started with conservation practices. He stuck with it once he was able to reduce his fuel costs by making fewer passes across his fields.
Check out a video, producer narrative, and fact sheet about this farm, and all other farms in the study, here.
| NACD Committee Member Awarded for Invasive Species Advocacy | |
Piper Sherburne, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts South East Region Director, Chair of the Berks County Conservation District, and member of the NACD Invasive Species Subcommittee, was nominated and selected to receive the North American Invasive Species Management Association Advocacy Award!
This award recognizes outstanding leadership and advocacy in the policy/program realm at state, tribal, and/or federal levels. Special attention is given to advocacy for congressional bills, support, outreach, and/or policies that directly advance invasive species prevention and management.
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Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day, or other events on NACD's Calendar of Events!
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