The resolution, sponsored by Rep. Newhouse (WA-04), was considered during the Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife hearing held today, along with several bills. The committee recognized and celebrated the 75th anniversary of NACD and its commitment to the nation’s land during the hearing.
“NACD was founded on the philosophy that conservation decisions should be made at the local level and that we should all strive to advocate for commonsense policy reforms that empower those closest to the land – not bog them down with unnecessary or overburdensome regulations,” said Chairman Newhouse. “This bipartisan resolution indicates Congress’ strong support of NACD’s continued mission and a commitment to lifting up the efforts of local districts and conservation throughout the communities we represent. I am proud to be joined by 33 of my colleagues in recognizing NACD and the amazing work they do to promote responsible land management, and I look forward to the work they will do in the next 75 years.”
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ANOTHER CHANCE TO RESERVE A ROOM FOR ANNUAL MEETING |
NACD's 76th Annual Meeting is right around the corner and the deadline to reserve a room at the discounted rate has been extended through tomorrow, January 26!
The meeting, hosted in partnership with the Association of Florida Conservation Districts, will be held in Orlando, Florida from February 12-16, 2022, at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Disney Springs Resort. The theme for this year's meeting is "Conservation Defined For All" and will be integrated into sessions and activities at the event!
The deadline to reserve a room at the Hilton resort has been extended through tomorrow, Wednesday, January 26. This is the last chance to take advantage of the discounted room rate of $222/night. After January 26 reservations may no longer be available, so book now!
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To make this in person event possible, this year’s Annual Meeting will have additional COVID-19 precautions and protocols in place for the well-being of attendees. In accordance with CDC guidelines, the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Resort requires all guests to wear a properly fitting mask or face covering in all public areas, which include our conference spaces. Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and face masks will be provided as additional precautionary measures throughout the event. More information regarding other COVID-19 precautions will be sent to registered attendees prior to the event.
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DONATE AND PREVIEW ITEMS FOR NCF'S UPCOMING VIRTUAL/LIVE AUCTION |
The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) will host their auction to support Envirothon, the Next Generation Leadership Institute, and other conservation education programs during NACD's Annual Meeting. The auction will be held live in-person and virtually on Monday, February 14 at 6:00 p.m. and is hosted thanks to the sponsorship from Prince George's Soil Conservation District.
The 2022 National Conservation Foundation Virtual/LIVE Auction is now open and available to preview at http://bidpal.net/ncf2022.
The online auction will be open for virtual bidding at 3:00 p.m. Eastern on January 31, 2022 and run through 10:00 p.m. Eastern on February 14, 2022. All items will be up for bid virtually, and some items will also be auctioned live during the NCF Auction event. Live bidding on these items will open at the highest virtual bid and online bidders will be able to continue their bidding in real time during the live auction.
If you would like to donate an item to the 2022 NCF Virtual/LIVE Auction, it isn’t too late! Contact Keith Owen, NACD Director of Education at keith-owen@nacdnet.org. Include a description, good photo, who is donating the item, and an estimated value.
The NCF Virtual/LIVE Auction helps support and fund NCF's mission to identify and advance strategic programs and partnerships to deliver conservation solutions through locally-led conservation and to develop the next generation of conservation leaders.
Learn more about the auction here.
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BELMONT SWCD LAUNCHES CHRISTMAS TREE REPURPOSING PROGRAM |
In just a year, the Belmont Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Ohio doubled its participation in a Christmas tree repurposing program designed to increase wildlife habitat.
“It’s always a concern – depletion of habitat – but it’s also just a way of keeping trees out of landfills that will take years to decompose, and a way to give back to nature and back to the earth,” said Belmont SWCD Program Administrator Hannah Carpenter.
“At Christmas, we are in the spirit of giving to others, but we tend to forget to give back from what we took from nature,” she said. “A lot of people don’t know what to do with their Christmas trees, so this is a great alternative.”
Wildlife Specialist Sterling Brumfield, who was hired in October 2020, brought the idea of repurposing the trees shortly after he joined the office. However, there was little time for planning – the district received 23 trees that first year.
This year, the count doubled to close to 50 trees. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources takes some of the trees to various public lands to sink into state-owned ponds to promote fish habitat. They also use others to create natural habitats for smaller forest creatures.
Though it will be a few years for the trees to be established enough that wildlife will use it, Carpenter said the program is already seeing success.
As more people become aware and participate in the program, Carpenter said the district could look at expanding to offer additional alternatives, such as assisting individual landowners with wildlife habitat ideas.
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NACD Welcomes New Operations Coordinator |
NACD welcomed Jesse Navarro as our new Operations Coordinator on Monday, January 24.
Navarro comes to NACD from American University, where he was a Senior Administrative Assistant for the Department of Health Studies. Prior to that role, he spent nearly four years at LIUNA Local 11 in DC. There, Navarro began as an administrative assistant before being promoted to office manager.
Navarro attended Norwich University, a private military school in Northfield, VT, where he majored in Communications. He was also a collegiate runner during his freshmen and sophomore years at Norwich.
Navarro has considered Martinsburg, WV home since the summer of 2006. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends while attending many different sporting events around the U.S., exploring new cities, and staying active.
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Last Chance to Apply for UAC Grants |
This is the last chance to submit applications online for NACD’s Urban Agriculture Conservation (UAC) grants before the deadline on January 31, 11:59 p.m. local time.
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CARCD Hiring for Multiple Positions |
The California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD) is hiring three Program Managers for various programs. See additional information at the links below:
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Learn About NACD's Insurance Benefits for Members |
You can still take advantage of NACD's new insurance benefits for members! When you renew your NACD membership at the Gold Level or above, you become eligible for insurance benefits through Mercer. All Gold Level or higher membership contributions for fiscal year 2021 will qualify for eligibility.
This program offers coverage for your health and wellbeing, including ACA-compliant health insurance, supplemental benefits, life insurance, auto/home protection, and more.
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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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