By Beth Mason, NACD North Central Region Representative, and Ellie Stuckrath, NACD Communications Specialist

This week, the NACD Board of Directors members from the North Central Region convened during NACD’s Summer Conservation Forum & Tours to approve a cooperative work plan with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 

The effort builds on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by NACD and USFWS in 2023 to encourage closer working relationships, facilitate accomplishments of conservation tasks, and provide the opportunity for information exchange. Recognizing the potential of that agreement, leaders in NACD’s North Central Region saw an opportunity to leverage the MOU and expand the possibilities for collaboration with USFWS. 

“The national MOU gave us an exciting opportunity to take our partnership with USFWS to the next level through this work plan—moving beyond something symbolic and creating the potential for real impact across the region,” said NACD North Central Region Representative Beth Mason. 

Mason proposed the idea of a regional work plan to NACD and USFWS leadership, where it was met with enthusiasm from both parties. A joint task force was quickly assembled to guide the planning process: Sergio Pierluissi, Partners for Fish and Wildlife Coordinator, USFWS; Caitlin Nagorka, Wisconsin Assistant State Coordinator/Acting State Coordinator, USFWS; Brent Sodergren, Indiana/Ohio State Coordinator, USFWS; Kris Swartz, NACD North Central Region Chair; Sam Steiner, NACD North Central Region Executive Board Member; and Beth Mason. 

The task force initially sought input from regional board members and state association executive directors through a survey designed to identify priorities and opportunities for collaboration. The survey responses quickly revealed that many had limited familiarity with USFWS programs and partnership opportunities at the regional and state levels. 

Rather than viewing that as a barrier, the task force saw it as an opportunity. The group shifted its approach and organized an in-person planning session that brought together additional conservation partners to spur more engagement with the USFWS and generate new ideas for collaboration. 

The meeting proved invaluable. Through panel discussions highlighting successful partnerships between USFWS and other state agencies/partners, small-group discussions, and facilitated planning exercises, participants identified shared priorities and developed the foundation for a regional work plan with actionable goals. 

After multi-level reviews and incorporating feedback, the final work plan was presented to the region board during last month’s virtual meeting and received formal approval this week at NACD’s Summer Conservation Forum & Tours. 

The work plan establishes a framework for a more coordinated regional partnership focusing on three main priority areas—relationship building/partnership development, conservation delivery, and communication and outreach—each supported by specific goals and action items designed to move collaboration from concept to implementation. 

NACD North Central Region leadership is optimistic about what this partnership can achieve. 

“I think the work plan developed by the North Central Region and the USFWS will lead to increased interaction and cooperation between our conservation districts and the USFWS on projects that help fulfill both our missions,” said North Central Region Chair Kris Swartz. 

From simple actions, such as extending invitations to meetings and events, to more collaborative efforts, like joint landowner site visits, the work plan outlines both practical and ambitious ways to strengthen relationships, build trust, and enhance the conservation delivery system throughout the region. 

Learn more and read the full work plan here. 

Interested in developing a similar partnership in your region? Reach out to NACD Government Affairs Director Libby Wawro for additional information and guidance.