JOIN NACD ON CAPITOL HILL TOMORROW FOR SPRING FLY-IN

Join us in D.C. for NACD's 2025 Spring Fly-In, tomorrow, March 26!

Each year, hundreds of conservation district leaders from across the country travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in NACD’s Spring Fly-In. This event provides our members with the opportunity to build relationships with their congressional representatives, highlight the importance of locally led conservation, and advocate for strong federal conservation policies. This Fly-In is critical for conservation districts and our country’s conservation delivery system.

The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. ET in the Hart Senate Office Building, room 902 with a Breakfast Briefing, followed by individually scheduled meetings with congressional offices, and will end with a reception at 5:30 p.m. ET in the Russell Senate Office Building, room 325. Please RSVP here.

Learn more about the priorities we are advocating for this year — including impacts of Executive Orders, Farm Bill, appropriations, wildlife, and forestry and wildfires — in our issue papers here.

Visit the Fly-In page for more information, including recordings from our recent advocacy trainings and answers to your frequently asked questions.

HEAR ABOUT OUR PARTNERSHIP SEED PROGRAM WITH PF/QF

AT CONSERVATION COFFEE

Join Michael Retterer of Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever (PF/QF) to learn more about the PF/QF Nationwide Habitat Program for Rights-of-Way and the PF/QF seed program at NACD's next Conservation Coffee on April 10, at 3:00 p.m. ET. Register for free here!

The seed program provides affordable, high-quality habitat mixes that meet and exceed USDA conservation standards and specifications. Through a partner program, conservation districts can serve as points-of-sale for these products and earn 10% unrestricted revenue in the process.  

Recordings of all past Conservation Coffees are available on NACD’s YouTube channel. If you would like to present on a future coffee, reach out to Dr. Ariel Rivers, NACD’s Director of Membership Engagement.  

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON?

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

Last week, USDA announced new leadership to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. The FPAC mission area plays a vital role in delivering USDA programs directly to farmers and ranchers across the country, from disaster assistance and risk management to conservation efforts that protect and enhance working lands.

Following the announcement, NACD issued a press release applauding the selection of Aubrey Bettencourt as Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

“NACD welcomes Aubrey Bettencourt to the helm of NRCS at a critical time for America’s producers and our conservation delivery system,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “Our country’s 3,000 local conservation districts play a vital role in the effective administration of NRCS conservation programs, and they stand ready to work closely with Chief Bettencourt to serve our producers and champion the effectiveness of voluntary, locally led conservation."

NACD also applauds the selection of the following leaders to FPAC: Deputy Under Secretary Brooke Appleton, Chief of Staff Andrew Fisher, Farm Service Agency Administrator Bill Beam, Risk Management Agency Administrator Pat Swanson, and NRCS Chief of Staff Colton Buckley.

A PASSION FOR CONSERVATION AND JOURNEY WITH THE WLCC

For Rachel Post, conservation has always been more than just a career path; it’s a lifelong passion. Originally from Kansas City, Rachel grew up fascinated by National Geographic articles about environmental issues worldwide. However, it was during her time at the University of Wyoming, where she earned a degree in Environment and Natural Resources, that she realized the importance of conservation efforts closer to home. Her experiences on working lands and farms instilled in her a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and landscapes, shaping her desire to make a tangible impact. Rachel’s journey led her to the Working Lands Conservation Corps (WLCC), an AmeriCorps program supported through NACD that provides educational opportunities and hands-on experience and allows individuals to immerse themselves in their local environment while fostering community engagement.

Based in Colorado Springs and working out of Woodland Park, Rachel’s current projects focus on forest and stream management. She has gained hands-on experience identifying tree species, assessing wildlife movement, and studying the ecological dynamics of Ponderosa Pine and dry conifer mixed forests in the Rocky Mountain region. Through landowner outreach and conservation planning, she helps private landowners implement best management practices to preserve and restore their land. Like many young professionals entering the conservation field, Rachel initially doubted whether her background would be sufficient for such a competitive role. While she had worked on farms, in trail crews, and even as a delivery driver, she lacked high-profile internships. However, she quickly proved that dedication and a willingness to learn are just as valuable as experience. Since joining the WLCC, Rachel has become an integral part of her team, expanding her skill set and even beginning the process of becoming a partner affiliate with NRCS.

Rachel’s contributions to conservation go beyond technical fieldwork. She is actively involved in implementing a wildlife forestry project in the Trout Creek Pass wildlife migration corridor, a multi-agency effort involving Colorado Parks and Wildlife, NRCS, and The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies. Additionally, she plays a key role in the Teller-Park Conservation District’s noxious weed management program, where she educates homeowner associations and community groups about invasive species control methods. Being a part of the Conservation Corps has transformed Rachel’s perspective on conservation. She has witnessed firsthand how practical, on-the-ground efforts drive real change in local ecosystems. The experience has solidified her desire to pursue a long-term career in natural resources or wildlife management.

Read more about Rachel's journey on NACD's blog.

OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION WORK HONORED IN ARKANSAS

At their annual meeting, the Arkansas Association of Conservation Districts (AACD) recognized Jerry Don Clark as the recipient of the Outstanding Conservationist Award. This prestigious honor highlights Clark’s lifelong commitment to conservation and sustainable farming practices that have set a standard in Arkansas agriculture.

Clark has long been a leader in conservation efforts, implementing innovative water management strategies that enhance sustainability while maintaining high production levels. His dedication to responsible land stewardship has earned him recognition at both state and national levels over the years. He has continuously adapted to new challenges, incorporating surface water irrigation systems, tailwater recovery, and other conservation-focused technologies to ensure long-term resource viability.

“Jerry Don embodies the principles of sustainable agriculture and resource stewardship," said Debbie Moreland, AACD Executive Director. "His efforts serve as a model for future generations of farmers who seek to balance productivity with conservation.”

Clark’s influence in conservation spans from the local to the national level. Locally, he has served on the Craighead County Conservation District Board, where his leadership has directly impacted sustainable agricultural practices in his community. At the state level, he has played a crucial role as past president of the AACD, helping to advance conservation initiatives throughout Arkansas. Nationally, he has represented Arkansas as a state board member for NACD and has served as chair of the South Central Region Board, extending his impact beyond state lines. Through his advocacy and leadership, he has inspired many in the agricultural industry to embrace conservation-minded practices, ensuring the protection of Arkansas’s natural resources.