Forestry

Earlier this year, Forestry Notes highlighted how Hurricane Helene reshaped the conservation landscape across western North Carolina. The storm left a lasting mark on forests and watersheds, with more than 187,000 acres damaged in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests and hundreds of miles of roads and trails blocked by debris. That coverage also noted how conservation…… Continue reading →

The Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District (MCSWCD) serves a landscape that stretches from the Lake Ontario shoreline south through the Genesee River Basin. Based in Rochester, New York, MCSWCD works across urban and rural settings, partnering with landowners and producers, municipalities, and community partners to implement conservation practices that protect soil and improve…… Continue reading →

Conservation districts across the country continue to lead the charge on locally led conservation, bridging gaps between partners to enhance conservation outcomes, connect landscape-scale efforts, and drive greater impact where it matters most. As federal funding streams shift and traditional stewardship models evolve, districts are continuing to serve as vital local partners, critical to the…… Continue reading →

In California, the Resource Conservation District of Tehama County (RCDTC) continues to grow its reach through hands-on conservation and wildfire preparedness efforts. This spring, RCDTC’s Arbor Day activities in Red Bluff offered a glimpse into the district’s year-round work. From planting native oak and conifer saplings to leading educational activities on forest health, the outreach…… Continue reading →

 When Hurricane Helene swept across western North Carolina, it left a lasting mark on the region’s forests, watersheds, and communities. According to preliminary data released by the U.S. Forest Service, the storm caused moderate to catastrophic damage to more than 187,000 acres across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, including the loss of vegetation on…… Continue reading →

Landowners in Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are facing increased fire risks as dense stands of balsam fir, weakened by decades of fire suppression and recent spruce budworm outbreaks continue to die off at an alarming rate. The scale of the problem is unprecedented with approximately 665,000 acres of balsam fir affected in 2023 alone, making it…… Continue reading →

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) recently held a session at its Annual Meeting that focused on the importance of agroforestry practices in conservation and the critical role conservation districts play in supporting landowners. This session, featuring case studies from Nebraska’s Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) and Snohomish Conservation District, highlighted the practical applications of…… Continue reading →

The Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD), based in Oregon, serves the diverse and ecologically rich landscapes of Jackson County. Situated within the Klamath-Siskiyou Bioregion, the county is home to a variety of ecosystems, including oak woodlands, mixed conifer forests, and riparian areas. These landscapes play an essential role in supporting the region’s communities…… Continue reading →

The Hubbard Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) in Minnesota has advanced local conservation through innovative forestry and environmental programs. A key effort, supported by a 2023 NACD Urban and Community Conservation (UAC) Grant, has helped establish scalable forest gardens, enhancing food security, wildlife habitat, and the urban forest canopy. The work also included installing…… Continue reading →

Located in Arizona's scenic Gila County, the Tonto Natural Resource Conservation District (NRCD) plays a key role in conserving the Tonto National Forest, which spans nearly 2.9 million acres and serves as a vital ecological and economic resource. With most of the land in the district under federal ownership, Tonto NRCD focuses on sustainable management…… Continue reading →