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!

If selected, speakers are responsible for their registration, lodging, and travel expenses. On a case-by-case basis, limited stipends may be available to offset some travel costs. Speakers in need of a stipend can indicate this in the proposal form.

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!

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY

FOR NGLI 2025 COHORT

Have you considered taking the next step in your leadership journey? This is your last chance to apply for the upcoming National Conservation Foundation's (NCF) Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) 2025 cohort! 

Applications are due on September 30, 2024.

NGLI is a year-long training that equips the cohort with the skills needed to build a better tomorrow. Given the challenges facing our land and our environment, there has never been a more important time to invest in the education and development of future conservation leaders. The program includes a gathering at the NACD annual meeting, a six-day, mid-year session, and virtual learning sessions throughout the year.

View the complete application process and the commitments required of each accepted participant and learn more about the NGLI program, its objectives, requirements, and much more on the NGLI program page.

Contact Keith Owen, NACD Director of Education at keith-owen@nacdnet.org with any questions.

TA GRANT APPLICATION EXTENDED TO OCT. 7

NACD is still accepting proposals for the 2024 Outreach and Technical Assistance Grants (TA2024) program! In partnership with NRCS, NACD anticipates the award of approximately $18 million in conservation operations technical assistance (COTA), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding. The full Request for Proposals is available on the TA2024 webpage.

Proposals must be submitted by no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on October 7, 2024. 

Applicants are encouraged to submit innovative and impactful project proposals that demonstrate a clear need for technical assistance and a strong potential for positive outcomes. Detailed guidelines and application materials are available on the NACD website.

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON?

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATES

Congressional leaders have reached an agreement on a bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown and extend FY24 spending levels until December 20, 2024. The CR still needs to be passed by both chambers before lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn on Friday until after the November 5 elections. The CR does not include controversial provisions included in a previous iteration, nor an extension of the current farm bill, which expires at the end of the month. Agriculture Committee leaders have forgone efforts to pass an extension to try to reach an agreement on a full farm bill by the end of the calendar year.

Today, the House of Representatives is expected to vote on Rep. Bruce Westerman’s (R-AR) bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, which would simplify the review processes for forest management projects and provide forest managers with additional tools to prevent wildfires. NACD endorses the bill. Additional information can be found here.

Last week, the House Natural Resources Committee approved H.R 9533, the “ESA Amendments Act of 2024,” on a party line vote. The legislation has been referred to the full House of Representatives for consideration. The bill is the product of a year-long effort by the Endangered Species Act Working Group and looks to clarify existing definitions and establish an environmental baseline to better measure successful outcomes. See the committee webcast here.

URBAN CONSERVATION FORUM KICKS OFF IN DALLAS

Last week, the Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts hosted their inaugural Urban Conservation Forum at the Bristol Carpenter Livestock Building at Fair Park in Dallas. The event attracted over 75 attendees, including a diverse group of professionals, community members, and the entire board of Texas' Association of Soil and Water Conservation District Directors, all eager to engage in discussions on urban conservation strategies.

The forum showcased a diverse lineup of speakers who provided valuable insights into financial, technical, and marketing aspects of urban conservation, along with various conservation resources they employed to enhance their operations. A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Jeff Bender of Profound Food, who inspired attendees with innovative strategies for sustainable practices.

Another significant moment was the panel discussion of women from historically underserved communities, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in conservation efforts. Their contributions were celebrated, emphasizing how diverse perspectives enrich the conversation efforts and strengthen the community’s impact on environmental stewardship and local food production.

The Urban Conservation Forum proved to be a vital platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration, empowering participants with resources and connections to implement actionable steps toward sustainable urban agriculture development.