Forestry

On April 29, 2024, a significant agreement was signed between the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the Caribe Soil and Water Conservation District. This agreement aims to manage the Gabia Forest in Coamo, Puerto Rico, a 233-acre subtropical dry forest designated as a Special Reforestation Area. Located on the south coast…… Continue reading →

Since its establishment in 1957, the St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District  in New York has been committed to safeguarding environmental resources. The district has evolved to encompass a wide range of initiatives, including forestry management. In 2004, the district assumed responsibility for the management of all county owned forestry land, effectively replacing…… Continue reading →

Jefferson Conservation District (JCD) in Colorado, in collaboration with partners, has secured federal grants totaling over $19 million to address forest restoration, wildlife habitat preservation, and wildfire mitigation across the Northern Front Range. This initiative, funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) aims to thin out dense forests on private lands,…… Continue reading →

In the lush landscapes of Georgia, a relentless battle wages against the invasive, highly damaging feral swine. These descendants of domestic pigs, now wide-spread and invasive, pose a significant threat to agriculture, natural habitats, and local economies. Amid the challenges posed by these destructive creatures, a coalition of conservation districts, governmental bodies, and research institutions…… Continue reading →

Building upon the foundation of innovative conservation practices, Knox-Lincoln SWCD and Waldo County SWCD in Maine introduced a Conservation Landscape Certification Program designed to empower landowners in being the best land stewards possible. This initiative aligns with the broader efforts of conservation districts in promoting best management practices and fostering sustainable landscapes. The certification program…… Continue reading →

In response to the devastating wildfires that swept through California's North Bay Counties in October 2017, local partners including the Napa Resource Conservation District (RCD) created the North Bay Forest Improvement Program (NBFIP). The NBFIP is a collaboration between Napa RCD, Mendocino RCD, and Sonoma RCD, along with the Clear Lake Environmental Research Center (CLERC)…… Continue reading →

In November 2021, the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District (ASWCD) in Alaska was re-established with a renewed focus on addressing local environmental challenges. The district has swiftly expanded its team, with four experienced employees specializing in natural resource management. Current initiatives include the Invasive Species Program, Urban Agriculture Program, and Native Plants Program, along…… Continue reading →

In the heart of Kentucky, Boone County is home to an array of habitats, from lush forests to meandering streams. These natural areas play a crucial role in preserving local biodiversity and enhancing the quality of life for its residents and at the forefront of conservation efforts in Boone County is the Boone County Conservation…… Continue reading →

  Carlton Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD) in Minnesota recently announced a new project trialing the application of biochar with a USDA Forest Service Wood Innovation grant. Brad Matlack, District Manager of CSWCD is a dedicated conservationist with over two decades of experience under his belt. Over the last several years, he’s spearheaded a…… Continue reading →

Nebraska's Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) are government entities with a unique responsibility to protect the state's natural resources. The boundaries of the 23 NRDs are based on the major river basins in Nebraska, which allows them to respond to local conservation and resource management needs. NRDs throughout the state work with landowners and partners to…… Continue reading →