Welcome to the 79th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Conservation Districts!
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Welcoming all NACD board members! If you are new to NACD’s Board, join us in this session to learn more about your role as a new board member; if you are a seasoned Board Member, join us for a refresher on your roles and responsibilities! We’ll discuss how to navigate Annual Meeting, meet fellow board members, go over roles and responsibilities throughout the year, and answer any questions. This is a great networking opportunity to meet staff and leadership, so please plan to actively participate!
"Bee the Change: Setting Projects up for Success and Changing Mindsets Towards Growth" This session will provide employees with an opportunity to learn from a panel of district employees who have implemented successful programs. Hear how they engaged their boards and partners to implement programming. There will also be an opportunity to hear from partners who are working with districts to hear their perspectives on empowering districts to grow and expand opportunities.
Saturday February 8, 2025 1:00pm - 5:00pm MST
Park City (3rd)
Meeting of the District & Partner Relations Committee, comprised of NACD board members from the following 19 states and territories: California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Palau, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virgin Islands, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the Legislative Committee, comprised of NACD board members from the following 19 states and territories: Alaska, American Samoa, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wyoming. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the Natural Resources Committee, comprised of NACD board members from the following 19 states, territories, and freely associated states: Alabama, Arizona, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Georgia, Guam, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Vermont, Washington. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the NACD Board of Directors members from the North Central Region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the NACD Board of Directors members from the Northeast Region: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the NACD Board of Directors members from the Northern Plains Region: Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the NACD Board of Directors members from the Pacific Region: Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and Palau. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the NACD Board of Directors members from the Southeast Region: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Perimeter seating open to all.
Meeting of the NACD Board of Directors members from the Southwest Region: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Perimeter seating open to all.
Join Dr. Ariel Rivers, NACD’s Director of Membership Engagement, to learn more about NACD and meet new friends and colleagues! We invite anyone to attend who is new to the organization or the NACD Annual Meeting, or is interested in learning more about what NACD does and how we function. We’ll go over how to navigate the meeting to have a great experience, provide introductions to NACD leadership, staff, and members, and network around NACD programs and activities. Bring questions!
Come meet others leveraging NACD grants in their district, learn more about NACD grant opportunities, and ask the NACD programs team your questions during this session!
Come socialize and join folks in welcoming the open of the National Conservation Showcase, which will be open throughout the meeting for attendees to learn from various partners and even pick up some NACD stewardship materials!
Business meeting of the Association of Conservation Executive Directors (ACED), and NACD affiliate organization comprised of executive directors of state and territory associations.
Join the NCDEA Executive Board and Region Directors for this district employee networking event. Learn about NCDEA and meet the directors serving each region. All district employees are welcome!
Sunday February 9, 2025 5:30pm - 7:00pm MST
Traverse (4th)
A plenary session to welcome participants to NACD's Annual Meeting, hear NACD's President's Address, and be inspired by keynote speaker Erik Weihenmayer, one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in the world.
Immediate Past President Michael Crowder holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in natural resources and environmental sciences, as well as numerous conservation awards, including Benton County and Washington state’s “Wildlife Farmer of the Year” awards, the Washington Association... Read More →
President Kim LaFleur is the state advisor and program director for the Massachusetts FFA Association and an independent consultant to agricultural organizations and associations. LaFleur has served as president (2007-2010) and vice president (2010-2012) of the Massachusetts Association... Read More →
Erik Weihenmayer is one of the most celebrated and accomplished athletes in the world. In 2001, he became the only blind person in history to climb Mount Everest. When he stood on the top of Carstensz Pyramid in 2008, he completed his quest to climb all of the Seven Summits-the tallest... Read More →
Homer SWCD has become a cornerstone for community knowledge sharing, and the NACD TA Grant has been a pivotal funding source for the expansion of activities by our local agriculture program. Come learn about ways we're sharing vetted, locally curated Alaskan agricultural and local habitat knowledge through our KNOW YOUR LAND series of talks, the Homer Grown public radio show, local soil testing initiatives, and our multitracked strategy to get this knowledge out to the people and rural villages
This session has been cancelled due to limitations related to federal travel, but we hope you'll stay tuned to future learning opportunities about NACD's work related to Public Lands, and our partnership with the Bureau of Land Management.
Access your public lands and talk to BLM!! NACD Public Lands Subcommittee would like to highlight and discuss the important relationship between districts and federal land management agencies. This program will provide insight into implementation of the Public Lands Rule and others, building partnership at a local level and the importance of local input and community involvement in major land use decisions.
Dive into this interactive networking session to connect with forestry professionals from conservation districts, the Forest Service, and other key partners. This dynamic hour will focus on sharing insights, resources, and opportunities to enhance forestry programs.
Engage in small-group discussions on topics such as funding strategies, innovative conservation practices, and collaborative approaches to shared stewardship. Whether you’re looking to spark new partnerships or tackle common challenges, this session offers a valuable opportunity to build relationships, exchange ideas, and leave with actionable strategies to support your forestry efforts.
Indy Urban Acres (IUA) is a non- profit urban farm that harvests 60,000 pounds of produce annually in Indianapolis, IN and distributes all of its produce to local community partners that serve individuals experiencing food insecurity. IUA serves 250 families in need through its veggie box program and engages over 1000 volunteers annually. Come learn about the conservation partnership between IUA and Marion County SWCD that has implemented a variety of soil health practices on the farm.
Join NACD’s Outreach Program Analyst for a dynamic and interactive session aimed at building trust and meaningful connections with conservation district officials and employees. This workshop is more than just a discussion, it’s an opportunity to share your region’s challenges, successes, and opportunities while shaping strategies that drive impactful conservation efforts. Your voice matters, and your insights are key to fostering collaboration that strengthens our work in communities across the country. Let’s come together, exchange ideas, and build lasting partnerships that make a difference!
This session will cover NACD’s Annual Stewardship Week celebration, contests, K-8 education programs, and the NACD Marketplace. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss adapting district programs to align with evolving conservation goals and review NACD’s education initiatives. There will be time for questions and feedback with members of NACD's Education Team. Join us to explore ways districts can enhance community outreach through stronger, more inclusive educational programming.
This session is for previous and current NACD Urban and Community Conservation grantees and anyone interested in urban and community conservation and agriculture. Come meet your peers and learn about different projects going on around the country.
Join this informal session to learn how the Department of Defense’s (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program and U.S. Department of Agriculture work together through the Sentinel Landscapes Partnership to protect critical agricultural lands and natural resources, strengthen military readiness, and support local communities. Representatives from the DOD REPI Program will share opportunities for conservation districts and their partners to engage with military installations and sentinel landscapes across the country to achieve shared goals.
Monday February 10, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm MST
Park City (3rd)
This event is included in the cost of full registration.
Hear from keynote speaker Marilyn Vetter, President and CEO of Pheasants Forever, and celebrate photo and poster contest winners, NACD membership awardees, and more during this plated luncheon.
President and CEO, Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever
Marilyn Vetter became the third CEO in Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s history at the beginning of 2023, succeeding longtime President & CEO Howard Vincent who was appointed in 2000. She brings twenty-five years of strategic leadership, business management, and volunteer experience... Read More →
As part of the ACTION Climate-Smart Commodities Partnership project being led by OpenTEAM, CTIC, Houston Engineering and The Nature Conservancy are leading development of the CTIC Conservation Connector, a new web app whose initial purpose is to allow farmers, ranchers, landowners and trusted advisors find conservation and climate-smart ag programs available to them, as well as service providers who can assist with the planning, implementation, and verification of incentivized practices.
The session will dive into building and sustaining locally led volunteer efforts through meaningful and rewarding volunteer development and fostering personal satisfaction.
Matt Ward is Chairperson for the Hudson-Essex-Passaic (HEP) Soil Conservation District based in Bloomfield, NJ. The 67-year-old has served for nearly 39 years as a district supervisor. Past board member, NJ State Soil Committee, and is 2nd Vice-President for the New Jersey Association... Read More →
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Enabling Farmer Choice to Advance Precision Management of Pesticides to Scale Outcomes for Pollinators - Targeted use of inputs is prevalent in farming. Farmer access and choice for precision management of inputs is key. Selective use of high impact pesticides like neonics should be no different, but today neonics are routinely applied as coatings to most commodity crop seeds. This session will discuss the need for supporting farmer choice about the need for agronomic justification of use.
Ugly to Beautiful: Changing the Visual Acceptability of Cover Crops - Cover crops and no till can make a field look "messy" which can discourage farmers to use these practices. National Wildlife Federation and the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition completed a 16 month communications campaign to better understand this social barrier and test messaging to try and shift the visual acceptability of conservation practices from "ugly" to "beautiful". We will discuss our messaging campaign and the results that will better inform outreach messaging across the country.
Manager, Pollinator Conservation, World Wildlife Fund-US
Clay Bolt is the Manager of Pollinator Conservation for World Wildlife Fund-US (WWF-US), Manager of Communications for WWF-US’ Great Plains Program, and a conservation photographer focused on supporting policy that protects insects from pesticides and other threats. Clay’s words... Read More →
TSPs provide third-party technical assistance to NRCS program participants and can be instrumental in addressing targeted resource concerns in your region. This session will discuss the process of becoming a TSP and how NRCS and partners benefit from utilizing TSPs.
Hear three exciting presentations during this session!
Dairy Conservation Navigator: Simplifying Sustainability for Farms and Farm Advisors - Learn about and give feedback on Dairy Conservation Navigator, an online platform offering practical, credible insights to help farmers and advisors make informed sustainability decisions. It simplifies complex topics, providing clear information on the economic, management, and environmental impacts of various practices, making it a valuable resource for on-farm decision-making.
Farmer Outreach Approaches for Reaching Beyond the Choir - Reaching farmers who are "beyond the choir" of those already engaged in conservation requires social science-based approaches. We will share three, interrelated outreach approaches to reaching segments of farmers who might be called the "moveable middle." The approaches facilitate farmer-to-farmer learning. Our evaluation data show these approaches help increase participating farmers' willingness to adopt practices. Learn insights to inform your farmer outreach!
The Economic Case for Soil Health: Engaging Producers with Scientific Evidence and Real-World Case Studies - Need evidence on costs and benefits of soil health practices for crop and livestock producers? Learn about six 2-page research summaries and 20+ 2-page case studies from American Farmland Trust.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Capacity Through Partnerships in Times of Need - Within North Carolina, we have an agreement that allows employees in the conservation partnership to be trained to complete Damage Survey Reports (DSR's) in response to natural disaster to expedite the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP). This agreement builds capacity, enhances partnerships, and supports the mission of delivering conservation in real times of great need. David and I will share the successes of the work performed through our agreement. We will highlight the steps taken to get the agreement in place and accomplishments and services provided to citizens and local governments.
The Emergency Watershed Protection Program in East Providence: A Case Study In Partnership - Rhode Island USDA NRCS is a nationwide leader in using Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) funding to conserve land and assist residents in the state's increasing number of flood prone areas. In this case study, learn how USDA NRCS, Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts, and Northern Rhode Island Conservation District worked together with the City of East Providence and other stakeholders to bring relief to residents of a flood prone neighborhood along the Runnins River.
Hear three exciting presentations during this session!
Conservation Planning Training: Access to Certification - Join us for a panel discussion with staff and supervisors around the benefits and challenges on the path to becoming a certified planner. Through the discussion, we'll share key updates on several programs and initiatives designed to support conservation planners in their training and certification, as well as new resources on how to navigate from access to certification.
Navigating NRCS Policy for Certified Conservation Planners - In August 2024, NRCs updated Conservation Planning Policy (Title 180, General Manual, Part 409) to clarify and streamline the planner designation levels and requirements. During this session, representatives from the NRCS Conservation Planning Branch will provide an overview of the conservation certification requirements and changes from the recent policy updates.
Unlock the Future of Integrated Conservation Tools with AI-Powered Applications - In this session you will learn about the current state of NRCS's primary planning tool: Conservation Desktop (CD) /Conservation Assessment and Ranking Tool (CART), how NRCS is overcoming obstacles of slow bandwidth and internet speeds and share the vision of future workflows and AI tools usage to benefit all NRCS and partners working directly with producers.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Building a Soil Health Partnership - The Utah Soil Health Partnership began in response to the state's low adoption rates of no-till (47th out of 50) and cover crops (45th out of 50). Initially launched in 2017 with small workshops, it has grown into a comprehensive program focused on education, research, and outreach, guided by the Utah Soil Health Advisory Committee. This presentation will cover the past seven years of progress, key lessons learned, and the collaborative efforts that have fostered a commitment to soil health.
PA's New Ag Conservation Program: A District Partnership Success Story - Have you heard about ACAP, PA's new Ag Conservation Assistance Program? PA districts get annual state funding for Ag BMPs. How did that happen, how can it happen in your state? Learn ACAP's partnerships, initial impact, & long-term goals.
This event is included in the cost of full registration.
Join us for the annual National Conservation Foundation (NCF) Live Auction! Auction proceeds directly fund NCF's conservation education programs, which prepare students and adults to be the next generation of natural resource protectors.
Lane Nordlund is a trusted voice in agriculture and rural America. Raised in Central Montana, Nordlund’s deep roots in production agriculture shape his award-winning work as a farm broadcaster. He co-anchors Western Ag Network reports, airing on over 114 radio stations across ten... Read More →
Agroforestry professionals and conservation district leaders: this session is for you! Facilitated by the National Agroforestry Center, this interactive networking hour will spotlight the vital role of collaboration in advancing agroforestry practices. Hear inspiring success stories, exchange ideas on overcoming challenges, and explore thematic discussions ranging from climate resilience to integrating agroforestry into conservation planning. With opportunities to connect with the National Agroforestry Center and peers in agroforestry-focused districts, this session is designed to foster partnerships and equip you with new tools and resources. Let’s build a stronger agroforestry network—together.
Ten years ago, with the support of the USDA NRCS, NACD launched the Soil Health Champions Network with the goal of implementing soil health practices on more acres through supporting education, outreach, and research. As the Network celebrates this milestone, this focus group aims to source input from Soil Health Champions and partners for the future of the NACD Soil Health Champions Network. While this focus group is open to all attendees, the NACD Soil Health Champions will be the primary audience. Come help guide us into the next decade for soil health!
Join NACD's Director of Membership Engagement, Dr. Ariel Rivers, in a safe space to discuss the rewards and challenges for women leaders in the conservation space. All are welcome to join, to share successes and highlight programs that have created new pathways for women leaders and others. Please come prepared to engage and discuss, and bring your willingness to network in a welcoming and inclusive space.
From the Columbia River Basin to the Mississippi and beyond, conservation districts and partners are working to ensure a future for aquifer recovery and groundwater access. Working together with agencies both state and federal, tribes, individual landowners, universities, and local communities, districts are making an impact that will have lasting effects.
Spokane Conservation District's Direct Seed Loan Implementation Program: How to Make EPA Clean Water Funding Work For You - In this session, you'll hear from the Spokane Conservation District about how they have successfully partnered with the Washington Department of Ecology and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to fund their Direct Seed Loan Implementation Program.
This session previously included the following presentation, as well, but stay tuned to NACD's publications for how to attend a virtual session about the program at some point in the future!
Introduction to the Conservation Innovation Grants Program (Presented by Caroline Sherony and Leah Hermens) - This talk will give an introduction and overview of the NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. The conservation innovation grants program is a USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) grants program that aims to improve innovation in agricultural operations in order to improve conservation of US natural resources on private lands.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Georgia's Conservation Districts and Feral Hog Control - Feral swine are one of the greatest invasive species challenges facing Georgia causing significant damage to agricultural crops and natural resources. The economic impact of damage caused by feral swine in Georgia is estimated at over $150 million. Conservation Districts and GACD are partnering with state and federal organizations to lead multiple efforts to address this growing problem including outreach and education, equipment rental and control services.
Managing Invasive Species on Rangelands: Staying with a Wicked Problem - Invasive annual brome increase in Great Basin shrublands has altered historical fire regimes and shifted landscapes to annual grasslands. Reestablishing the values of these lands requires using available research and knowledge, but with an increased emphasis on 1) detailed long-term conservation planning with well-defined contingencies 2) flexible availability of technical and financial assistance for landscape-scale implementation and 3) integration of site-specific monitoring results.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Creating a Vision and Steps to Action - Kona SWCD to present their innovated ideas and the process it took to get where we are today. A presentation to highlight where we were, where we are, and where we would like to continue, including the steps it took to get there and the partnership and communication that is necessary.
Forging Future-Ready Conservation Districts in the Pacific Islands: Strengthening Leadership and Collaboration - The Southern Guam SWCD led the recent "Forging Future-Ready Conservation Districts" event, empowering Pacific Island conservation districts to address regional challenges through strategic capacity building. This session will highlight how the event cultivated leadership, enhanced collaboration, and promoted innovative conservation solutions tailored to island contexts. Participants will learn about approaches to building strong networks and fostering resilience in diverse environments.
Hear three exciting presentations during this session!
Cultivating Conservation Leaders: The SMCM-NARCDC Internship Partnership - Join us for an insightful session where we explore the successful partnership between St. Mary's College of Maryland (SMCM) and the National Association of Resource Conservation & Development Councils (NARCDC). This collaboration has created exclusive internship opportunities that are shaping the future of resource conservation. This session will highlight how strategic partnerships can drive innovation and sustainability in conservation efforts.
How to Start an AmeriCorps Program to Expand your Conservation Efforts - Learn how to develop and manage an AmeriCorps program in your local conservation district. The Hamilton County (OH) Conservation District started a program 2.5 years ago and has been able to leverage the service of 6 AmeriCorps members to increase education and conservation efforts in the southwest Ohio region. Presenter Gwen Z Roth, Education and AmeriCorps Program Manager, will share the great and not so great parts of the programs as well as many useful tips.
Natural Resource Apprenticeship Program - The Spokane Conservation District's Natural Resource Apprenticeship Program partners with many different entities in the community to provide three years of education and training for young people who are interested in a career in natural resources.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Construction of an Off-Channel Wetland Treatment System Optimized for Nutrient Removal - Clermont SWCD and the East Fork Watershed Cooperative completed construction of an off-channel nutrient removal wetland in November 2023 utilizing a 3-acre reservoir formerly connected to a low-head dam. This session will review the project design and results of a monitoring program which show that the wetland treatment system has been highly successful in reducing nutrient loads to the East Fork Little Miami River and ultimately East Fork Lake which has been experiencing annual HABs since 2009.
Incentivizing Phosphorus Reduction in the Kalamazoo River Watershed via Novel Reverse Auction Program - Supported by the US EPA's Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, this 4-year collaboration between Delta Institute, Allegan Conservation District, and Michigan Farm Bureau was designed to reduce phosphorus runoff to Lake Michigan from agricultural fields through a performance-based incentive program.
Allegheny County Conservation District's Urban Soils Program has supported the growth of urban agriculture in Pittsburgh over the past 8 years. ACCD will review history of the Urban Soils Program's implementation and development, while sharing progress on the current expansion efforts to pilot soil health remediation on 2 urban farms, funded by NACD's 2024 Urban and Community Conservation Grant.
NEW Solutions has legislative authority to administer Experienced Worker Programs, for the purpose of utilizing talent, skills, and experience of individuals aged 55 and older to provide technical, professional, and administrative services. These programs support various Federal agencies, including USDA, DOI and others, in achieving mission-critical objectives.
Our partnership with these agencies strengthens the workforce to meet the nation's expanding conservation needs. As highlighted in a recent Agri-Pulse article, USDA’s reliance on external partnerships underscores the pressing need to address conservation staffing challenges—a need in which NEW Solutions is a recognized leader.
During this session, participants can learn about the following: 1. Leveraging Experienced Talent: How Experienced Workers Support Conservation Projects 2. Overview of key tasks undertaken by experienced workers, including conservation planning, mapping, disaster recovery, and staff training. 3. Highlighting the unique contributions of experienced professionals in specialized areas such as dam safety and emergency action planning, where their knowledge is indispensable.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Creating Unexpected Partnerships - What does a public library, a yoga studio, and a local artist have in common with the LPNNRD? In this case, nature. During this session, we will discuss different events and subsequent partnerships that were forged to help connect people to the outdoors in unique ways. The partnerships we will talk about range from single day events to quarterly meet ups, and a permanent trail at one of our recreation areas. Join Sydney to learn more about what we've learned and where we're headed next!
What Your Seed Library Can Do For You - Seed libraries are a common approach for disbursing conservation education and, of course, free seeds! But how can a seed library do more? Join to learn about stacking messages and recruiting volunteers.
Precision Farming with Smart Soil Insights: How Advanced Soil Profiling Enhances Farm Economics and Ecology
Traditional soil analysis is limited in scope and insight. Breakthroughs with in-field sensors and in-lab analytics provide a complete soil profile to help maximize yield and minimize impact.
Explore the value of STAR's adaptable framework in aligning state partners & amplifying conservation efforts using a locally led, science-based approach to evaluating & guiding practice adoption.
For those interested in becoming a Certified TSP, this required training will provide an in-person option to satisfy the “NRCS-NEDC-000191 TSP Orientation and Conservation Planning” course. For current and renewing TSPs, this training session will cover TSP program updates, the TSP Registry renewal and modification processes, and other helpful guidance. A hard copy Certificate of Completion for NRCS-NEDC-000191 will be provided to attendees at the end of the session.
H2Ohio addresses urgent water quality problems, such as algal blooms from agricultural runoff. Starting in 2020, H2Ohio has encountered challenges in contract management and efficient program delivery. With more than $60 million in annual support, the initiative works with local SWCDs to implement BMPs across 1.8 million acres, which creates opportunity and trials along the way.
In 2022, the Ecosystem Services Market Consortium (ESMC) and over 60+ member companies and organizations across the agricultural supply chain, launched Eco-Harvest a Scope 3 ecosystem services market program for agriculture that incentivizes producers to adopt regenerative agriculture. This presentation will highlight lessons learned ramping up to Eco-Harvest launch and conducting four years of projects. The speaker, Alana Pacheco, will focus on some of the challenges ESMC has faced in developing and executing projects and solutions to these challenges including opportunities for co-investment. She'll also provide a case study from one specific project in Kansas.
Pacheco will cover how Scope 3 programs, when designed with agriculture in mind, can provide significant opportunities for increased ecosystem services - including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, increase soil carbon sequestration, improved water quality and water use efficiency, and increased biodiversity. These projects can also help producers increase soil health, improve resiliency, and earn income for practice changes.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
Benefits of Snow Survey to conservation in the U.S. West - Water conservation efforts in the U.S. West have benefitted from water supply forecasts based on snowpack conditions for over 100 years. This breakout session will focus on the use of NRCS Snow Survey data and reports to inform & support conservation efforts both historically and for the foreseeable future. Speakers will include NRCS Water Supply Specialists employed by the Snow Program as well as water managers from local Conservation Districts to underscore the importance of this partnership.
Engaging Climate Conversations: Helping Planners Navigate Climate Strategies - This session explores the powerful role of conservation partnerships in driving climate mitigation and resilience. Through collaboration with USDA, NRCS, and RCDs, participants will learn about the climate change and mitigation projects happening across the U.S. and gain insights on how planners can effectively guide clients in climate mitigation outreach and education. The session will include an interactive segment where participants can share their training needs and hear how to get involved.
Climate-smart opportunities are available in historic numbers, but finding the right producers and matching them with the correct opportunity is challenging. National Pork Board, Ducks Unlimited, and Trust in Food share insights and tangible examples of how data can be used to better understand producers, adapt program design to their unique needs, and accelerate practice uptake. Learn how this methodology can be applied to conservation uptake in your community.
Hear two exciting presentations during this session!
A Case for Utah Agriculture & How the Agricultural Water Optimization Program is Helping - The Agricultural Water Optimization Program has two goals. First, maintain viable agriculture without increasing depletion. Second, enhance water availability and minimize impacts on water supply, water quality and the environment. This discussion will give a case for maintaining viable agriculture in Utah and how doing so can be mutually beneficial to farmers and other environmental interests.
Biochar as a Soil Amendment: Science and Practical Implementation Under NRCS 336 - Soil Carbon Amendment, CPS 336, provides cost share for using amendments to sequester carbon in soil. This session provides training in implementing CPS 336 while learning about biochar and compost.
