SUBMIT A BREAKOUT SESSION PROPOSAL FOR NACD ANNUAL MEETING

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!

APPLY FOR NACD OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM

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.

The TA2024 program aims to enroll new and underserved producers into conservation programs. Eligible organizations will help provide outreach, education, mentoring, and technical assistance that helps farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners make informed decisions on their lands to enhance its sustainability.  

Key Highlights of TA2024: 

• Eligibility: Conservation districts, state associations, and partnering organizations are encouraged to apply. 
• Funding: Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with amounts varying based on project scope and impact. 
• Focus Areas: Proposals should increase the number of producers who implement conservation plans and practices, improve economic and environmental resilience, and increase opportunities for civic engagement.  
• Application Deadline: Proposals must be submitted by no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on September 30, 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

The House and Senate return to session next week and will be focused on passing bills to fund the federal government before Fiscal Year 2024 funding expires on October 1. It is unlikely that final bills will be agreed to before the deadline and a continuing resolution is expected to be considered to extend federal funding until at least after the election in November. 

Progress on the farm bill is still stalled and will take a back seat until federal funding legislation is finalized. The 2018 Farm Bill extension expires on September 30. Congress needs to pass a full bill or another extension by the end of the year to avoid triggering laws that would increase the prices of some commodities.  

IRON BARAGA CD AND PARTNERS INTRODUCE FIELD DAYS ACROSS MICHIGAN

Conservation district foresters in Michigan get the opportunity to educate the public in many different ways, including through educational outreach events.

This winter, the Iron Baraga Conservation District (IBCD) partnered with many other agencies across the state and the Women Owning Woodlands Network (WOW) to bring learning opportunities to different areas across the state. The WOW Network strives to bring topical, accessible, and current forestry information to woodland owners and forest practitioners through news articles, blogs, events, resources, and personal stories. They support women in forest leadership, women who manage their own woodlands, and all who facilitate the stewardship of forests.

After partnering with many other conservation districts, Michigan State University (MSU), Michigan Technological University (MTU), NRCS, and others, the IBCD was able to bring statewide field events to Michigan. The district and its partners decided to change the slogan to “Women Owning and Appreciating Woodlands” to ensure everyone felt welcome to attend, even if they don’t own any forest land.

In order to spread the word about the event and pass information along to those unable to attend a field day, the district offered a webinar. Following the webinar, field days were scheduled for any and all who were interested. The field days covered many different topics and activities, no two were the same.

The field day IBCD hosted was at Michigan Tech’s Ford Forest in Alberta, MI. The Ford Forest is about 3700 acres, owned by MTU, and used as a classroom for students studying natural resource professions and for ongoing research at the university. Two of MTU’s professors joined IBCD at this event to talk about wildlife habitat and ongoing research on the Ford Forest focused on climate change adaptation. During this event, attendees walked through many different forest stands and research sites. Wildlife habitat, forest health, silviculture, timber harvesting, and climate change were the main points of discussion.

While the adults walked around to learn more about forest management, kids were welcome to participate in activities, including building a bird feeder, a scavenger hunt, and more with the Women in Natural Resources Club at MTU. At the end of the walk, attendees enjoyed coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies! The public was welcome to hang around and talk with any of the Natural Resource professionals in the area. Lots of connections were made and knowledge obtained!

This is just one example of the many amazing events conservation districts in Michigan put on. If you are interested in hearing about events in your area, contact your local conservation district or follow their Facebook page!