NACD, in partnership with NRCS, has issued the request for proposals for Technical Assistance (TA) Grants. With an anticipated $27 million in funding, TA grants will support technical positions in high-need areas, strengthening conservation delivery across the U.S. and territories.

The TA Grants program provides resources to conservation districts to address the growing demand for voluntary working lands conservation. The funding supports boots-on-the-ground assistance to help producers develop conservation plans, implement practices, and access programs like EQIP and CSP. To date, NACD’s Technical Assistance grantees have supported over 108,000 producers and improved conservation outcomes on more than 6.8 million acres nationwide.

The TA Grants program also prioritizes advancing technical skills and assistance to producers. Grantees are encouraged to help employees pursue Job Approval Authority (JAA) and Certified Conservation Planner credentials, increasing local capacity to independently implement conservation practices.

Eligible applicants include conservation districts, state or territory associations of conservation districts, conservation district's state or territory agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Indian Tribal governments or intertribal consortia.

Applications are due by November 6, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET and must be submitted through the NACD Application Portal. The application portal will open for applications on September 17, 2025.

A public informational webinar will be held on September 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET.

For more information, to apply, or to register for the informational webinar, visit NACD's website.

SPEAK AT NACD'S 2026 ANNUAL MEETING

Don't forget to submit your breakout session proposal for NACD's 2026 Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas, on February 15-19, 2026!

Breakout sessions spotlight the work of conservation districts and partners across the country. New to this year, we are also accepting proposals for training sessions to help conservation district board members and staff build their skillsets. Sessions typically run between 30 and 90 minutes long and often showcase several speakers. Session proposals are now being accepted!

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

• Build and Expand Your Skillsets – Professional development and technical training
• District Management: Embracing Change – Examples of districts overcoming challenges, adding new projects or technical capabilities, responding to change, and developing strategies for resilience
• Conservation Innovation – Use of innovative approaches and technologies
• Partnerships for Impact – Partnerships and innovative ways districts are growing capacity

If selected, speakers are responsible for their registration, lodging, and travel expenses.

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 session proposal by September 26, 2025!

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your proposal before submitting, please reach out to NACD’s Director of Membership Engagement, Dr. Ariel Rivers, at ariel-rivers@nacdnet.org.

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS FOR NACD'S HALL OF DISTINCTION

NACD is proud to celebrate our members and their contributions to conservation, and one of the ways we do that is through our Hall of Distinction. Through NACD’s Hall of Distinction, state and territory associations can recognize current and past conservation leaders for their extraordinary work to advance conservation at the national level. States and territories may induct one person to the Hall of Distinction every year. Inductees are reviewed by NACD’s District & Partner Relations Committee and will be announced at the 2026 NACD Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

To make an induction, state and territory associations are asked to send NACD information via this online form by December 19, 2025. Learn more about the Hall of Distinction, including eligibility criteria, here.

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON? GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

This week, members of Congress are resuming negotiations on funding for Fiscal Year 2026. While little action is scheduled on individual spending bills, much of the focus on the Hill this week will be on a plan moving forward. Momentum is building towards a short-term Continuing Resolution (CR), which would allow time for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to make necessary concessions.

Also on the docket is the backlog of appointees to roles within the Executive Branch, including key positions at USDA. On Monday, Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced that he would be moving to change rules in the chamber to speed up the consideration of hundreds of nominees, allowing for the consideration of certain nominees “en bloc.” The controversial move could lead to significantly faster filling of roles nominated by the President.

On Wednesday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m. ET, the House Agriculture Forestry and Horticulture Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled “Promoting Forest Health and Resiliency Through Improved Active Management.” The hearing will be livestreamed here.

Also on Wednesday, September 10, at 10:00 a.m. ET, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee will meet to discuss the draft of the Wildfire Emissions Prevention Act and the Renewable Fuel for Ocean-Going Vessels Act.

HEIR'S PROPERTY AND CONSERVATION

Did you know that heirs’ property affects an estimated 9 million acres across the country? Land becomes heirs’ property when someone passes away and there is no legal will in place that names a beneficiary to whom their property will pass. Often, multiple generations are added without clear ownership being established, and this further complicates the situation, as each heir has equal interest in the parcel.  

While legal assistance will likely be required to resolve ownership of heirs’ property, there are organizations that can help these landowners navigate the process. Additionally, many states have laws in place to provide due-process protections for heirs’ property landowners.

Head to NACD's blog to read more about heirs’ property and the implications it has for working lands across the US.