National Association of Conservation Districts

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONSERVATION LEADERS LOBBY CONGRESS ON CRITICAL ISSUES

WASHINGTON, D.C.—March 30, 2006—More than two hundred conservation leaders from across the country met in Washington, D.C. this week for the National Association of Conservation Districts' (NACD) 2006 Spring Legislative Conference.

During the two-day event, conservation leaders reviewed major public policy and legislative issues affecting natural resource conservation in America. Participants followed these discussions with one-on-one meetings with top government officials and Congressional representatives.

The conference provided the opportunity for our folks to come to Washington and communicate conservation priorities to members of Congress and key committee and agency staffs," said NACD President Bill Wilson, a rancher-surveyor from Kinta, Okla. "It was a chance to have face-to-face discussions in the nation's capital with key lawmakers while Congress is in session."

Wilson said the visits were well-timed and well-received. "It was a good time to be in Washington," he said. "It is a crucial time for conservation as we deal with budget issues and an approaching Farm Bill. Farmers and ranchers know the value of the land and want to use natural resources wisely. We want to help Congress see the importance of giving landowners the tools they need for working lands conservation."

Leaders heard similar messages across the board during their Hill visits. Lawmakers expressed concern about a tight budget and stressed the need for a cooperative effort that crosses regional lines, party ties and traditional coalitions.

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The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts and 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD’s website is at www.nacdnet.org.