National Association of Conservation Districts

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

NACD 2012 Annual Meeting • January 29 - February 1, 2012 • Las Vegas, NV

Monday, January 30
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

• Tillage: A Major Success Story for Conservation
  Over the past twenty-five years, the changes in how producers till the land in raising crops has helped achieve significant changes in the loadings or runoff from fields all over the country. Two presentations will help you and producers in your district be successful.
  
  
• Reaching the Masses with our Conservation Message
  This session highlights partnering with local media to provide accurate environmental information on current issues and upcoming events. It will also discuss ways to reach underserved audiences by identifying the reasons they have not used conservation practices and what could motivate their participation.
  
  
• Districts Leading the Way in Outdoor Education
  Getting kids outdoors is the hot topic in education. Conservation districts have been doing outdoor projects with kids for over 50 years! Join us to learn about a mobile classroom, an environmental education center on flooded areas, and a straw bale classroom and community garden project.


• Wild About Conservation
  This panel will provide an understanding of the integration of endangered species conservation within Farm Bill programs, including an overview of the national effort between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NRCS. This presentation also looks at the ways that Districts have approached the status of Sage Grouse under the Endangered Species Act.

Monday, January 30
4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

• Developing Partnerships to Control Invasive Species
  Invasive species continue to be a problem across the nation. Join us for a closer look at how partnerships have played a crucial role in addressing invasive species in Lake Erie and Nevada.
  
  
• Howdy, Partner!
  Conservation districts get much of their work on the ground by working with others, whether restoring a lake, protecting land, or working with other governmental units. Come "draw" on these speakers for ideas to help you back home.
  
  
• The Information Age
  Conservation districts can be on the forefront of the information age. Hear the latest news on technological innovations such as OhioERIN - the Ohio Earth Resources Information Network, and Suite Water, a resource planning tool developed for Wyoming's Conservation Districts.
  
  
• Water Management: A World of Possibilities!
  Water is an important resource with many useful and innovative applications. Join us for a session exploring two different issues: the reuse of "wastewater" and a nationwide collaborative project to measure precipitation.
  
  

Tuesday, January 31
1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

• TMDLs – Turning Lemons into Lemonade
  TMDL isn't a four-letter word! It can actually be a successful program, when conservation districts lead the way. Hear from states who are leading by example. The session will be capped off by a report from the EPA Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee.
  
  
• How to Get Projects from an Idea to Reality
  Conservation districts across the country are involved in wide array of projects. These projects are designed to address local natural resource concerns, working with landowners, businesses, agencies and communities. Every project starts with an idea and evolves through the work of board members, staff and partners. This session showcases three unique examples in our host state.
  
  
• Voluntary Stewardship Programs – A New Direction for On-the-Ground Conservation
  Voluntary Stewardship Programs are a new approach to delivering existing conservation programs in a manner that targets resources concerns in a specific geographic area. Results for landowner involvement and program implementation are tracked with resource monitoring to show overall resource improvement.


• Tillage: A Major Success Story for Conservation
  Over the past 25 years, changes in how producers till the land in raising crops have helped achieve significant changes in the loadings or runoff from fields. Two presentations will help you and producers in your district be successful.

Tuesday, January 31
3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

• Stormwater Management, Urban Conservation and Source Water Protection
  As districts shift from rural to urban, it's important to keep up with the times and practices. Hear how conservation districts across the country are developing creative ways to manage stormwater issues. Also learn more about the Source Water Collaborative and how to get involved!
  


• Funding ... Catch It Where You Can
  Learn about unique and non-traditional funding opportunities for conservation districts in these slow economic times. Presenters will share success stories, such as developing a "Friends of your Conservation District" program and more.
  
  
• Where Does Your Food Come From? We Know!
  This session will showcase the 2012 NACD Education materials "Soil to Spoon," with sample sets for the first 100 participants. Get great materials and ideas for this year's Stewardship Week as well! Enjoy fun activities (for all ages) from Soil to Spoon and Ag in the Classroom that you can take back and use to promote the importance of conservation.


• Can an Old Dog Learn New Tricks? New Technologies for Conservation Planning
  New technologies are changing the way conservation planning is done, and this time it's for the better. Participants will learn about new tools that will provide landowners with more information in less time.