National Association of Conservation Districts

National Association of Conservation Districts

NACD's mission is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation.

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DISTRICT LEADERS EMPHASIZE CONSERVATION
PRIORITIES ON CAPITOL HILL

WASHINGTON, D.C.—July 26, 2007—Conservation leaders from across the nation gathered in Washington, D.C., this week to stress the importance of conservation on Capitol Hill. The group came together for the National Association of Conservation Districts’ 2007 Summer Legislative Conference.

NACD’s 2007 Legislative Conference was a huge success,” said NACD President Olin Sims, a rancher from McFadden, Wyo. “We had great turnout from the states, a dynamic speaker line-up and effective meetings with lawmakers. Conservation district leaders came to Washington and spoke with one voice on Capitol Hill—what an impact!”

Meeting participants networked, heard from key Congressional and Administration leaders, participated in an interactive advocacy training session, met with lawmakers and attended NACD’s Congressional Reception. More than 200 representatives from 42 states and the Pacific Basin participated in the event.

Key speakers at the conference included Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA), Congressman Collin Peterson (D-MN), USDA Deputy Secretary Chuck Connor, DOI Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett, Forest Service Chief Gail Kimbell and USDA Assistant Deputy Undersecretary Gary Mast.

It was an excellent time to be in Washington,” Sims said. “We heard from Senate Agriculture Chairman Tom Harkin and House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson. With the Farm Bill on the House floor this week, we truly were part of the action.”

Additional conference details are available on NACD’s website at www.nacdnet.org.

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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.