NACD Home

August 21, 2007
index to previous eNotes

1. Districts Stepping Up to the Plate in Capitol Court Campaign
2. Nominees Sought for the NACD/ NAPPC Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award
3. Online Training Available to Districts at No Cost
4. NACD Hires New Western Issues Specialist
5. "The Hidden Treasure” Reprinted and Ready for Distribution
6. USDA Allocates $16 Million in Emergency Conservation Aid to 18 States
7. EPA Announces 16 Finalists for Targeted Watersheds Grants Program
8. New Districts on the Web
9. NACD Events---90-day outlook

1. Districts Stepping Up to the Plate in Capitol Court Campaign
In July, NACD launched the 509 Capitol Court Campaign to raise money for the renovation and maintenance of the three-level town house district leaders purchased 20 years ago in Washington D.C. The office building has served as “home” for district leaders, national officers and dedicated staff over the last 20 years, but after two decades, some maintenance, repairs and changes are greatly needed.

NACD would like to thank all those who have contributed to the 509 Capitol Court Campaign to date. We ask those of you who have not yet contributed for your support. If the necessary repairs and renovations are to begin this fall as planned, additional donations are needed. If you have questions or would like to contribute, please contact NACD Treasurer John Redding at john-redding@nacdnet.org or visit http://nacdnet.org/events/509campaign/ for further details.

2. Nominees Sought for the NACD/ NAPPC Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award
The NACD/NAPPC Farmer-Rancher Pollinator Conservation Award recognizes an individual or family in the farm and ranch community in the U.S. who has contributed significantly to pollinator species protection and conservation on working and wild lands. The North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC) and NACD encourage conservation stewardship through their recognition and appreciation of these individuals and organizations and hope to catalyze future actions on behalf of pollinators through public recognition of the award winner. All activities that contribute significantly toward pollinator conservation will be considered by award judges. These activities included but are not limited to “on-the-ground” pollinator conservation best management practices, development of conservation partnerships and demonstration projects that promote pollinator awareness and conservation.

The nomination deadline of September 14, 2007 is quickly approaching! Take time today to nominate a deserving individual or family.

3. Online Training Available to Districts at No Cost
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering all conservation district employees access to over 2,500 online SkillSoft courses twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Courses are grouped into four collections: Business Skills, IT Professional, Desktop/End User Skills and Legal Compliance/Federal Government and can be accessed at no cost from any location with an Internet connection. In addition to these training courses, AgLearn also provides access to comprehensive training records management services, Individual Development Plan (IDP) developmental support, skill assessments and more.

To take advantage of this training resource, conservation districts, state conservation agencies and state association employees can contact eAuthHelpDesk@ftc.usda.gov or call (800) 457-3642 for assistance with an eAuthentication password or login. For more information on AgLearn or to view the tutorials, log onto the AgLearn website at www.agLearn.usda.gov.

4. NACD Hires New Western Issues Specialist
NACD is pleased to announce the hiring of Ralph Thier as the association’s new Western Issues Specialist. Thier, an Idaho native, comes to NACD with a strong background in forestry and land management issues. The majority of his career has been with the U.S. Forest Service, State and Private Forestry. An entomologist by training, Ralph brings outstanding technical knowledge and field experience to the team. We look forward to Ralph joining the NACD staff in early September. Welcome, Ralph!

5. "The Hidden Treasure” Reprinted and Ready for Distribution
“The Hidden Treasure” woody biomass comic book has been reprinted and is now ready for distribution. The initial printing of 100,000 copies in December 2006 was exhausted in a six week period.  Now, thanks to a generous donation from the American Equipment Manufacturers Association and additional funds from some of their member companies, NACD has printed an additional 300,000 copies.

NACD initially developed The Hidden Treasure through a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of the Interior and the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture. The comic book presents messages that are closely tied to the goals and objectives of the Forest Service's National Fire Plan, helping children in late elementary to middle school understand the real worth of our valuable forest resources.

Costs range from 13 to 20 cents a copy, depending on quantities ordered, plus shipping and handling. To preview a copy and inquire about ordering the comic book and related educational materials, go to www.nacdnet.org/education/hiddentreasure.

6. USDA Allocates $16 Million in Emergency Conservation Aid to 18 States
USDA recently announced $16 million in new Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) funding to help farmers and ranchers in 18 states rehabilitate land damaged by natural disasters or drought.

The additional $16 million in ECP funds was authorized through the emergency supplemental spending approved and signed into law in May. It provides emergency funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters and for carrying out emergency water conservation measures in periods of severe drought. Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committees determine land eligibility based on on-site inspections of damage, taking into account the type and extent of damage.

Unlike other ECP funding, the new $16 million excludes participants whose income exceeds certain levels. Also, under existing regulations, payments are limited to $200,000 per "person" per disaster. Producers may apply for ECP funding through applicable local FSA service centers.

For more information on ECP go to FSA’s website at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=copr&topic=ecp.

7. EPA Announces 16 Finalists for Targeted Watersheds Grants Program  
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced the eligibility of 16 finalist organizations to apply for a total of $13.36 million through EPA's Targeted Watersheds Grants Program. Selected organizations will implement a variety of activities to improve the health of their watersheds. Projects include plans to restore and enhance wetland and riparian habitats, support agricultural best-management practices, promote low-impact development, as well as a variety of innovative and incentive-based programs to mitigate toxics and promote financial sustainability.

EPA initiated the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program in 2002 to encourage successful community-based approaches to protect and restore the nation's watersheds. Since 2003, more than $40 million has been provided through Targeted Watersheds Grants. The program encourages the protection and restoration of the country's water resources through cooperative conservation and by supporting collaborative watershed partnerships.

For more information on the finalists, go to http://epa.gov/twg/implementation.html.

8. New Districts on the Web
Listed below are the latest districts to publish websites, some of which are hosted on our NACD server. As more districts are recognizing the value of a website as a way to better communicate with their customers, NACD is happy to assist them by registering domain names and providing server space. Go to http://nacdnet.org/resources/webhosting/ for information about NACD’s web hosting services or send an email to Linda-Campbell@email.nacdnet.org.  

For queries about this newsletter or to subscribe, contact editor Lisa Lerwick, NACD Director of Communications, at Lisa-Lerwick@nacdnet.org or 202-547-6223.