NACD Annual Meeting 2025

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.

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 two exciting presentations during this session!

1. 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. 
2. 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.

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.  

Hear three exciting presentations during this session!

1. 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. 
2. 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.
3. Increasing Conservation District Funding: A Success Story in Montana - Going into the 2021 biennial Legislative Session, Montana's Conservation Districts faced a catastrophic budget shortfall. Through the leadership and  advocacy of the Montana Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), support of individual CDs, and collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC), the subsequent 2023 Legislature created and funded a CD Fund within a constitutional trust, comprising a permanent and generational funding solution for Montana's Conservation Districts. 

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.

This presentation will highlight Field to Market's tools and programs that foster collaboration among supply chain actors, conservation organizations, academia and governments. Dubuque County SWCD will present their collaborative projects with Sand County Foundation and growers in Iowa, which use our Fieldprint Calculator to measure and advance the environmental impacts of conservation practices on agricultural land.