We are buzzing with excitement about the National Association of Conservation Districts' (NACD) 2025 Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah, in just a few days! Hosted in partnership with the Utah Association of Conservation Districts, this year's meeting theme will explore "Bee the Change: Reaching New Summits in Conservation."

Conservation professionals from around the country will be gathering to discuss the successes, obstacles, and changes in conservation currently. If you're joining us, get ready for a completely refreshed agenda, which includes NACD board meetings, breakout sessions from local and national conservation leaders, a distinguished lineup of keynote speakers, NCF's Live Auction, the chance to network with conservation and ag professionals at the National Conservation Showcase, and so much more!

Make sure you're up-to-date on all events, sessions, and more by downloading the meeting app on your smartphone. After you've set up a public profile, you will be able to create a personalized schedule and even message and network with other attendees right from the app.

We can't wait to bee with you soon!

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON?

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

Recent executive actions, recently rescinded OMB memorandum M-25-13, and federal court decisions on lawsuits filed against subject memorandum have created uncertainty and confusion related to the administration of conservation grants and programs. Last week, NACD issued a memo based on our best understanding and interpretation of relevant orders, communications, and actions. However, the situation is changing daily and the impacts are still unclear. Federal agencies are working to interpret and implement these orders and will share guidance as soon as possible. Please continue to reach out to NACD staff with questions, concerns, and to share information.

On January 29, NACD sent a letter to USDA requesting an exemption to the pause on IRA financial assistance funds for conservation districts and their associations.

On our blog is a short summary of the status of the OMB directive originally issued last week to temporarily pause the obligation or disbursement of all federal financial assistance.

Congressional Updates:

On Wednesday, December 5 at 10:30 a.m. ET the Senate Committee on Agriculture is holding a hearing titled: “Perspectives from the Field: Farmer and Rancher Views on the Agricultural Economy, Part. 1.” Panelists include the American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, and National Corn Growers Association.

Brooke Rollins’ nomination to serve as USDA Secretary will be considered by the full Senate after the Senate Committee on Agriculture voted unanimously to advance her nomination. Her Senate confirmation vote could be scheduled as early as next week. Senate Finance Committee advanced Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services by a vote of 14-13. The full Senate will now consider his nomination.

CULTIVATING CHANGE: WLCC MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Becca Krasky, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is exploring her interests in the field of environmental stewardship through her service with the Working Lands Conservation Corps (WLCC). With a passion for sustainable agriculture, pollinator conservation, and community engagement, Becca’s journey reflects a commitment to protecting natural resources while supporting others in their stewardship of the land.

The WLCC is a partnership between the USDA-NRCS, NACD, The Corps Network, and AmeriCorps where Becca serves as a Corps Member placed at a conservation host site. The program aims to develop the next generation of conservation leaders by offering hands-on opportunities to address on-the-ground conservation challenges.

Today, Becca serves on the Habitat Team at host site, Monarch Joint Venture (MJV), in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her work centers on collaborating with private landowners to promote monarch butterfly conservation while advancing soil health, water quality, and sustainable land stewardship. From creating educational resources and supporting mapping projects to assisting with restoration planning for MJV’s Prairie Oaks property, Becca’s role involves a blend of technical expertise and community engagement.

One of Becca’s proudest achievements thus far is the designing of a native seed mix for the Prairie Oaks property, a project that allowed her to apply skills she developed in a course on native seed mix design. Collaborating with her supervisor and colleagues, she created a diverse, balanced, and robust seed mix of over 80 species that will help restore critical pollinator habitat on this 20-acre property.

Becca Krasky’s story is just one example of how the WLCC empowers individuals to drive meaningful change. Through her work with the WLCC and MJV, Becca is building a legacy of ecological restoration, community engagement, and sustainable practices that will benefit people and the land in the Minnesota community and beyond.

Read more about Becca's experience on NACD's blog.

ANTELOPE CREEK RIPARIAN RESTORATION PROJECT

The Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD), based in Oregon, serves the diverse and ecologically rich landscapes of Jackson County. Situated within the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion, the county is home to a variety of ecosystems, including oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests, and riparian areas. These landscapes play an essential role in supporting the region’s communities by providing clean water, timber, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. However, these natural resources face ongoing challenges, including water quality issues, wildfire risks, and the need for sustainable management. JSWCD has long been at the forefront of addressing these challenges, working with local landowners and partners to implement impactful conservation solutions.

Among Jackson County’s critical watersheds, Little Butte Creek is particularly important. This tributary of the Rogue River supports salmon and steelhead habitats, provides irrigation water, and serves as a primary source of drinking water for more than 150,000 residents. The creek flows into the Rogue River just upstream of the Medford Water Commission’s intake, making its health essential to maintaining high-quality water supplies. However, the watershed faces challenges, including sedimentation, bacteria, and elevated water temperatures, especially during the summer irrigation season. Addressing these issues is crucial for protecting aquatic ecosystems, ensuring clean water for local communities, and preserving the watershed’s recreational and agricultural value.

With a $737,805 grant from the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, JSWCD is set to restore 41 acres of riparian forest along Antelope Creek, one of Little Butte Creek’s tributaries. The project will include removing invasive plants, planting native trees and shrubs, and installing livestock fencing and off-channel watering systems. In addition, the project will eliminate polluted runoff from flood-irrigated pastures and improve irrigation water management on more than 160 acres, reducing sediment and bacteria entering the watershed. These actions will protect water quality, enhance wildlife habitats, and support the long-term health of the Antelope Creek watershed.

This project builds on JSWCD’s history of tackling complex conservation challenges in the county. The district has been a leader in improving water quality in the Little Butte Creek watershed, prioritizing efforts that address sedimentation and riparian restoration. In northeastern Jackson County, the district has focused on forest health and wildfire resiliency, particularly after the S. Obenchain Fire in 2020. These efforts include thinning overgrown forests, removing invasive species, and restoring native vegetation to reduce wildfire risks and promote healthier ecosystems.

Learn more on NACD's blog. Read more stories like this one each month in the Forestry Notes newsletter.