National Association of Conservation Districts

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NACD COMMENDS USDA ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER BASIN INITIATIVE

NACD President Steve Robinson, a producer from Marysville, Ohio, today issued the following statement following USDA Secretary Vilsack's announcement regarding the Mississippi River Basin Initiative.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 24, 2009 – "Today Secretary Vilsack announced a major new initiative to address the health of the Mississippi Basin and waterways. On behalf of the National Association of Conservation Districts, I commend USDA for taking steps to help landowners address the natural resource challenges in the Basin.

"NACD and conservation districts look forward to participating in the priority-setting process as outlined today by Secretary Vilsack. The Initiative will help support and strengthen locally-led conservation efforts all across the Basin, ensuring conservation districts and their customers have the resources needed to make wise use of natural resources.

"Our members in these twelve states have a lot to offer in helping deliver the necessary conservation measures to improve the health of this major Basin. Once again, we commend USDA and NRCS for stepping up to protect this major national treasure."

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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.