Is there someone in your circle of influence that has been deserving of recognition for their work in conservation? Have their contributions and the impact of those contributions deserved more than a polite “thank you?” Is there a project or program that was established or completed with great success due to their contributions?
Through the 2021 NACD Service Awards program, NACD provides you an opportunity to give national recognition to these outstanding individuals and organizations for their work and leadership in conservation. All nominees receive a certificate of honorable mention and the winners will be honored at the 2022 NACD Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla. on February 15.
The NACD Service Awards are divided into two categories:
The Friend of Conservation Award recognizes an individual, business, organization or agency outside the association for outstanding contributions to the conservation of our nation’s natural resources. Any individual, business, organization or agency that is not directly associated with conservation districts at the local, state/territory or national level is eligible to receive this award.
The NACD Distinguished Service Award recognizes an individual within the association, a conservation district or a state/territory association that has made significant contributions to the conservation and proper management of our nation’s natural resources. Nominees can be involved with districts or the association at any level, including past NACD officers. Nominations are also accepted for individuals posthumously.
Additionally, NACD is extending the deadline for nominations until Friday, September 10 to allow for additional submissions. Visit the NACD website to nominate your conservation leaders today, and to view previous award winners, visit the NACD Awards Archives. |
CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN TENNESSEE GATHER FOR 77TH ANNUAL CONVENTION |
On August 22-24, conservation districts in Tennessee gathered at The Guest House at Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. for the Tennessee Association of Conservation Districts' (TACD) 77th Annual Convention.
The event kicked off Sunday with meetings of TACD, TACD Auxiliary, the Tennessee Conservation District Employees Association (TCDEA), the Tennessee Resource Conservation and Development Council and the State Soil Conservation Committee. A vesper service and welcome reception were held in the evening.
NACD Secretary-Treasurer Gary Blair shared news and updates and provided an overview of NACD during Monday’s general session, which also included virtual presentations from President of the American Farm Bureau Federation Zippy Duvall and NRCS Chief Operating Officer Terry Cosby. Business luncheons were later held for supervisors and the TCDEA and TACD Auxiliary, followed by TACD committee meetings and a scholarship auction in the evening. Attendees also had a chance to enjoy a tour of Elvis Presley’s Graceland during some afternoon free time.
Tuesday opened with a general session focused on soil health, including a presentation on carbon markets and carbon farming by Sarah Varble, Indigo’s Head of Community Partnerships, followed by TACD and TCDEA business sessions and a roundtable discussion. A banquet and awards ceremony on Tuesday evening concluded the event. The Rutherford County Soil Conservation District was awarded Conservation District of the Year, and their employee, Stacy Fuller, was presented with the Outstanding District Employee Award.
The 78th TACD Annual Convention is planned for Aug. 6-10, 2022 in Knoxville.
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NCR-SARE CALLS FOR FARMER RANCHER GRANT PROPOSALS |
Farmers and ranchers in the North Central region are invited to submit grant proposals to explore sustainable agriculture solutions to problems on the farm or ranch. Sustainable agriculture is good for the environment, profitable and socially responsible. Proposals should show how farmers and ranchers plan to use their own innovative ideas to explore sustainable agriculture options and how they will share project results.
Farmer Rancher grants are for ideas initiated by farmers and ranchers and are offered as individual grants ($15,000 maximum) or team grants for two or more farmers/ranchers who are working together ($30,000 maximum). NCR-SARE expects to fund about 40 projects in the 12-state North Central Region with this call. A total of approximately $720,000 is available for this program.
Interested applicants can find the call for proposals online as well as useful information for completing a proposal here. Applicants with questions can contact Joan Benjamin, Associate Regional Coordinator and Farmer Rancher Grant Program Coordinator, at benjaminj@lincolnu.edu or 573-681-5545.
Proposals are due on December 2, 2021, at 4 p.m. Central.
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RCD NO-COST CHIPPING PROGRAM GAINING IN POPULARITY |
The Resource Conservation District (RCD) of Santa Cruz County got a jump start on a key piece of its forest health programs just a year after the worst fire on record in the county.
The RCD reached out to landowners in the wildland urban interface (WUI) to get involved in its No-Cost Chipping program this spring, a two-fold approach that reduces fuels and also promotes establishing defensible space around the home.
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The RCD typically has performed the program in the fall when vegetation is drier, but after the C.Z.U. Lightning Complex Fire, staff worked to offer the program in the summer and get more people participating.
“Wildfire season is coming earlier and earlier and becoming longer and longer,” said Angie Gruys, RCD Communications and Programs Specialist. “We have a pretty dense population in the wildland urban interface, so we’re reducing fuels in larger scales to create safe ingress and egress and prevent the forests from burning in such a destructive way.”
Last August, dry lightning caused the C.Z.U. Lightning Complex Fire, an intense, destructive event that burned about 90,000 acres of forest, including Redwoods, which typically are more resistant. Nearly 1,500 structures were destroyed and thousands of families displaced.
By chipping dead vegetation and understory instead of using burn piles, landowners reduce the opportunity for embers or sparks to spread with the wind and start wildfires. The program also makes it easier to educate landowners about maintaining a 100-foot defense around their residence and other structures.
The program, which offers no-cost chipping for residents who have cleared vegetation within 100 feet of residences or 10 feet on either side of a private road, is funded through monies from CalFire and the California Fire Safe Council. While there is a three-pile limit, the RCD has the ability to allow more based on circumstances, Gruys said. Chips are blown back onto the property for residents to use.
Read more on NACD's blog. Read the most recent edition of Forestry Notes here. |
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NACD Offices
Closed for
Labor Day
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NACD's offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 6, in recognition of Labor Day.
On this day, we want to thank all those who work hard to ensure that conservation practices are implemented nationwide.
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NACD Seeks Candidates for Chief Program Officer |
NACD is seeking candidates for a full-time Chief Program Officer, based in the Washington, D.C. headquarters.
This position will be tasked with advancing conservation, resource development, and providing leadership in the implementation of the association's soil and water conservation programs.
Learn more about the position and how to apply here. Apply by Wednesday, September 15, 2021 for priority interview consideration.
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NACD Seeks Candidates for HR and Finance Coordinator |
NACD is seeking candidates for a full-time HR and Finance Coordinator, based in the Washington, D.C. headquarters.
The NACD HR and Finance Coordinator will support an array of human resources and finance functions from recruitment and benefits to accounts payable and receivable.
Learn more about the position and how to apply here. Apply by Friday, September 10, 2021 for priority interview consideration.
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Submit a Breakout Session Proposal for Annual Meeting |
NACD is still accepting proposals for breakout sessions for the 76th Annual Meeting to be held in Orlando, Florida, February 12-16, 2022.
NACD offers a number of informational breakout sessions during the annual meeting, focusing on the work of conservation districts and their partners across the country. Sessions typically run 60-90 minutes long and most often showcase several speakers at 20-30 minutes each.
This year, NACD is seeking proposals that fit into one of four themes:
- Natural Resources Policy & Protection
- District Operations & Partnerships
- Stewardship & Outreach
- Conservation Innovation
Applications can be completed online and must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 24, 2021.
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Share Your Conservation District’s Success Story |
Help NACD celebrate 75 years by submitting past, recent or ongoing conservation district success stories; a profile of a person who embodies NACD's commitment toward conservation; a successful project; video; or anything else you think should be featured in our special 75th Anniversary newsletter!
Submit your story here to be featured. You can view past editions of the special 75th Anniversary newsletter here.
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Donate to Friends of NACD to Receive Limited Edition Cap |
It’s not too late to receive a free NACD 75th Anniversary cap with your $75 or more donation to Friends of NACD! Supplies are limited though as we wrap up FY21 fundraising, so don’t delay.
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Promote your conservation district or state association's tree sale, annual meeting, webinar, field day or more on NACD's Calendar of Events!
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