Conservation districts and conservation partners need strong leaders as we navigate new challenges every day. To stay engaged at every level of these challenges and emerging issues, it is important to train new leaders and provide continued growth opportunities for existing leaders in the field of conservation.

The NACD Leadership Development Subcommittee has created this Guide to Leadership Training Programs, a researched and compiled list of training programs from across the country that offer opportunities for personal and professional growth. Areas of training include topics such as civic engagement, communication and media, community engagement, networking and partnership building, and so much more. NACD does not endorse any of these training programs but provides this guide as a resource for those looking to build or refine their leadership skills.

If you know of a leadership training program in your state or community that would be a good addition to this guide, please contact NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason at beth-mason@nacdnet.org.

2024 NGLI COHORT BUILDS LEADERSHIP SKILLS DURING VISIT TO D.C. AREA

The five members of the 2024 cohort of the National Conservation Foundation’s Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) traveled to the Washington, D.C. area and across the eastern panhandle of West Virginia for new learning opportunities last week. The cohort met for their second in-person session of the year-long commitment to developing their leadership skills.

Conservation districts are working with new partners and overcoming new challenges in small agriculture, urban agriculture, and grassroots advocacy for conservation. NGLI is an opportunity for conservation district officials to strengthen their understanding of how NACD works with partners and seeks to develop funding for conservation.

The September in-person session expanded the cohort's knowledge of working with legislators and advocating for conservation effectively. The cohort also explored expanding beyond traditional partners and effective ways to work with media outlets and social media. The meeting culminated in a field day that explored the diverse and creative farm-to-table and community-supported agriculture operations in West Virginia.

Interested in joining the 2025 NGLI cohort? Applications are open through September 30, 2024. Find more information on the NCF webpage, or by contacting Keith Owen, NACD Director of Education at keith-owen@nacdnet.org.

TA GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

NACD has extended the deadline for proposals for the 2024 Outreach and Technical Assistance Grants (TA2024) program! Applications are now being accepted through October 7, 2024. 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 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

Last week, Sen. Hickenlooper (D-CO) introduced the bipartisan Water Project Navigators Act, which would create and provide funding for “navigator” positions in western states, including Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. NACD joined the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts and other partners in endorsing the bill. This bill would also encourage and simplify the development and implementation of multi-benefit water projects at the local level. For more information, read Sen. Hickenlooper's press release .

Last week, the House failed to pass a continuing resolution (CR) to temporarily fund the federal government after fiscal year 2024 ends on October 1. Both chambers of Congress are focused on passing a CR before a scheduled recess at the end of the month. Last week, Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee David Scott signaled his intention to forgo passing a farm bill extension to work to pass a full bipartisan bill before the end of the calendar year. NACD is continuing to advocate for passage of a farm bill this year that integrates all remaining IRA conservation investments into the conservation title.

Yesterday, NACD submitted comments to inform USDA’s implementation of the SUSTAINS Act, which expands the agency’s authority to accept contributions of private funds to support locally led, voluntary conservation programs.

SW & PACIFIC REGIONS HOST MEETING IN ANCHORAGE!

Last week, the NACD Southwest and Pacific Regions wrapped up their 2024 Region Meeting in Anchorage, Alaska! Hosted in partnership with the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts and Alaska Village Initiative, the meeting focused on the harmonious relationship between conservation and living with the land.

The meeting consisted of a variety of speakers and diverse breakout sessions, including the Native American Conservation Corps, presentations exploring the nuances of Alaska’s changing landscapes, USDA Acting Senior Advisor for Climate Smart Commodities Katina Hanson, NRCS Tribal Liaison Pedro Torres, Grays Harbor Conservation District’s unique approach to funding conservation activities, and many other speakers and breakouts focusing on issues not only affecting Alaska but the entire Pacific and Southwest Regions.

Attendees were challenged to think outside of the box regarding partnerships and work to elevate all voices to make conservation efforts even more robust. The two regions met to dig into how they can best collaborate with each other and provide support for all resource concerns in the Southwest and the Pacific. The group was treated to a salmon bake and traditional native dancing, as well as tours to a muskox farm and Turnagain Arm, and the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District’s urban garden project.

Next year’s Southwest and Pacific Region Meeting will be held in Colorado from September 9-12, 2025.