October 16, 2007 eNotes - National Association of Conservation Districts">

October 16, 2007
index to previous eNotes

1. Conservation Day Call-In for Farm Bill Conservation Programs
NACD is joining environmental, wildlife organizations and other groups for a Senate call-in day in support of a strong Conservation Title in the 2007 Farm Bill. Tomorrow, October 17, has been identified as “Conservation Day,” as the Senate prepares their version of the 2007 Farm Bill. NACD urges you to join the effort. Call your Senator and let him or her know the importance of a strong Conservation Title in the Farm Bill and how it affects the work producers undertake with the assistance of these programs. Remember to stress support for the current locally-led conservation program delivery system and the administration of USDA conservation programs. Additional information on the Farm Bill, conservation program administration and conservation program funding can be found at http://www.nacdnet.org/policy/action/.

In related Farm Bill activity, NACD sent a letter last week to Senate Agriculture Committee leaders requesting that funding made available from tax credits be retained in the Conservation Title. The Senate Finance Committee recently approved conservation tax credits that would allow for Farm Bill conservation program dollars to be spent in other areas. NACD stressed that these funds should remain for conservation programs in the 2007 Farm Bill. The conservation tax package is expected to be added to the Senate Agriculture Committee’s Farm Bill proposal. Ag Committee work is expected to begin next week.

Remember to make your calls to the Senate tomorrow, October 17! Call 202-224-3121 and request to be connected to your Senator’s office.

2. House Passes 25 X ’25 Resolution
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Congressional resolution on Monday, expressing the sense of Congress that by the year 2025, at least 25 percent of the total energy consumed in the U.S. should be from renewable sources. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN) and Ranking Member Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) issued a statement praising the vote as providing a roadmap for renewable energy production. Efforts on the resolution were spearheaded by the 25 X ’25 Coalition, of which NACD is a member. NACD Executive Board Member Jack Majeres represents the Association on the Coalition.

For more information on the 25 X ’25 Resolution, see the full House press release at http://agriculture.house.gov/list/press/agriculture_dem/pr_101507_25x25.html.

3. District Input Needed On Urban Community Conservation Inventory
Last February, the NACD Board of Directors approved a national strategy to enhance the Association’s assistance to member districts’ work in urban and community conservation. The strategy goals are to broaden awareness of districts; increase networking and exchange opportunities; offer relevant training; and expand federal support in these areas. A clear snapshot of districts’ current activities and needs in developed and developing areas of all sizes, from large metro to small villages, is key to achieving these goals. To obtain this snapshot, NACD is conducting a nationwide inventory.

If your district has not received a copy of this easy-to-complete form, please download and fill out the Urban Community Conservation Inventory form. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Deb Bogar.

4. NACD Staff Welcomes New Member at Planning Meeting
NACD staff members gathered in Washington, D.C. this week to plan, strategize and continue to seek ways to better serve our members. Field staff joined headquarters staff for a two-day meeting where the group welcomed new team members, participated in annual meeting planning, defined staff roles and presented departmental updates.

In addition to a number of staff members that are new this year, the team welcomed Nicole Aiken who will start next week as Executive Administrator. In her new role, Nicole will serve as primary liaison to the Board of Directors, assist NACD’s CEO and officer team and facilitate annual meeting planning.

NACD’s staff team is a lean machine working every day on behalf of our member districts. We help member districts, district officials, state associations and national leaders all achieve the national mission—to serve as America’s Voice for Natural Resource Conservation.

5. October Forestry Notes Online
The October edition of Forestry Notes is now available online. This latest issue contains information on how the Flexible Energy Communities Initiative helps communities use woody biomass and solar power to prepare for an uncertain energy future; how Morgan County in Alabama uses firebreaks to prevent fire from devastating its wetland property; and more.

Go to http://nacdnet.org/news/publications/forestrynotes/ to read more. Also, be sure to download the Adobe Acrobat .pdf file and check out Forestry Notes’ new design!

6. New Water Quality Assessment Resources Available
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has new tools available on its redesigned nutrient pollution website. The site serves as a basic informational tool for public awareness and provides information on best management practices for producers and states. The site houses useful tools like scientific literature reviews, data monitoring information, guidance manuals and webcasts to help states establish numeric water quality criteria for nitrogen and phosphorus. Conservation districts can use this site as an educational tool for producers and community members. To view the website, go to http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/criteria/nutrient/.

7. NACD Calendar of Events
November 15, NACD at NAFB Trade Talk, Kansas City, MO
December 12-13, Tribal Conservation District Workshop, Las Vegas, NV

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.