NEWS RELEASE

NACD and Bureau of Land Management Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Conservation Efforts 

Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), formalizing a strengthened partnership to advance conservation and shared stewardship across America’s public and private lands. 

The agreement was signed by NACD President Gary Blair and Acting BLM Director Bill Groffy, underscoring a shared commitment to collaborative, locally led conservation efforts that support sustainable land management, natural resource protection, and community resilience. 

“This MOU represents an important step forward in aligning federal and local conservation priorities,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “By working together, our nation’s conservation districts, NACD, and BLM can leverage our respective strengths to deliver practical, on-the-ground conservation solutions that benefit producers, communities, and the landscapes we all depend on.” 

This partnership aims to enhance and encourage coordination between local conservation districts and BLM field offices, promoting initiatives in line with the multiple-use mandate, such as soil health improvement, water resource management, wildfire mitigation, and habitat restoration. Through this collaboration, NACD and BLM will also work to expand outreach, share technical expertise, and support voluntary conservation practices nationwide. 

“BLM values strong partnerships with local organizations like NACD,” said Acting Director Bill Groffy. “This agreement helps ensure that we are effectively engaging with conservation districts to better serve the public and responsibly manage our shared natural resources.” 

The MOU reflects a mutual commitment to fostering innovation, strengthening communication, and advancing conservation strategies that are responsive to local needs while addressing national priorities. 

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About the Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 Western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The Bureau of Land Management also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. 

About the National Association of Conservation Districts
The National Association of Conservation Districts is the nonprofit organization that represents the nation’s 3,000 conservation districts, their state and territory associations and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. For 90 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. For more information about NACD, visit: www.nacdnet.org.