Building Fire-Resilient Forests in Minnesota’s Arrowhead Region 04/01/2025
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 →
Agroforestry in Action at NACD’s Annual Meeting 03/04/2025
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 →
Jackson SWCD: Antelope Creek Riparian Restoration 01/30/2025
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 →
Cape Atlantic Conservation District is Advancing Forestry in NJ 06/27/2024
New Jersey maintains a diversity of plant and animal species by ensuring habitat for native species and actively managing invasive species. Atlantic white-cedar stands, which are currently being restored, play a critical role in the state's biodiversity, benefiting various plant and animal species, including several that are threatened and endangered. Despite forests being the…… Continue reading →
Jefferson Conservation District & Partners Lead $19M Forest Resilience Initiative 03/28/2024
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 →
California Resource Conservation Districts Enhance Forest Health and Fire Resilience 11/28/2023
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 →
Anchorage SWCD: Cultivating Alaska’s Future 10/31/2023
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 →
Nurturing a Passion for Nature in the Heart of Kentucky 09/26/2023
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 →
Innovation in Conservation – Carlton SWCD’s BioChar Project 08/29/2023
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 →
Massachusetts Town Forest Conference (Ashland, MA) 08/15/2023
We are excited to announce the Massachusetts Town Forest Conference, a free event with registration and agenda available at bit.ly/3Kf27wZ. The conference promotes collaboration between professionals and volunteers who manage community forests, including foresters, planners, arborists, conservation commission members, land trusts, non-profit organizations, and forest landowners. It recognizes local efforts to enhance the climate resilience…… Continue reading →