NACD is pleased to announce that its Northeast Mid-Atlantic Forests and Water Partnership project has been awarded a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Forest Service’s (USFS) Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) program. This grant will enable NACD and our partners to collaboratively advance science-based restoration initiatives in priority forest landscapes and key watersheds across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

The Northeast Mid-Atlantic Forests and Water Partnership brings together a coalition of agencies and organizations dedicated to enhancing forest and water priorities across a 13-state footprint, from Maine to West Virginia and Ohio. This collaboration will leverage the expertise of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), state agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and conservation districts.

“This grant allows us to establish a regional forum that promotes science and research impacting forest management and water quality," said Annica McGuirk, NACD Northeast Region Representative. "Through strategic coordination, we will align partners across the region in support of restoration projects, share valuable lessons learned, and continue to drive alignment between the forest and water sectors to achieve greater on-the-ground outcomes."

The Northeast Partnership's inaugural projects will be launched in Ohio and Connecticut. In Ohio, the Ohio Division of Forestry will engage forest landowners on the importance of best management practices to protect water quality and promote sustainable forest management as well as provide additional access to Ohio’s Forestry Pollution Abatement Plan program to prevent water pollution from forestry operations. Conservation districts in southeast Ohio will support these efforts and provide landowner education and outreach. In Connecticut, the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation will be leading a series of trainings on a new Geographic Information Systems toolkit for mapping riparian restoration, providing landowner outreach and education in support of sustainable forest management, and leading riparian restoration projects in priority drinking watersheds for several major cities.

Read the full announcement in NACD's newsroom.

NCF'S NEXT GENERATION LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The National Conservation Foundation's (NCF) Next Generation Leadership Institute (NGLI) is a district official leadership program aimed towards the cultivation of the next generation of local, state, and national conservation leaders.

The program prepares future leaders in conservation through the development of personal, civic, and organizational leadership skills. NCF and NGLI are now recruiting members for the 2024 cohort. Ideal candidates are currently serving district officials who would like to further develop their leadership roles. The year-long NGLI program includes travel to NACD Annual Meetings in 2024 and 2025, a 5-6 day mid-year session, as well as virtual learning sessions throughout the year. Applications for the 2024 NGLI Cohort will be accepted through September 30, 2023.

If you or someone you know is interested in participating please reach out to Program Manager Aubrey Evans or visit the NGLI website.

SUBMIT A BREAKOUT SESSION PROPOSAL FOR NACD'S ANNUAL MEETING

NACD is accepting breakout session proposals for the upcoming 2024 Annual Meeting to be held in San Diego, California on February 10-14, 2024. These informational breakout sessions focus on the work of conservation districts and their partners across the country. Sessions typically run 60-90 minutes long and often showcase several speakers. Session proposals are being accepted now through Friday, October 13, 2024.

This year NACD is seeking proposals that fit into one of four themes:

• Community Outreach
• Climate Resilience
• Conservation Capacity & Partnerships
• Diverse & Nontraditional Agriculture

NACD's breakout sessions are some of the most popular activities among meeting attendees and provide a platform for districts to share their initiatives with one another. Spread the word about this opportunity and consider submitting a proposal!

WHAT'S UP IN WASHINGTON:

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS UPDATE

The U.S. Senate is back in session this week and the House of Representatives will return to DC next week following the August recess. Both chambers are primarily focused on passing a continuing resolution to fund the federal government at current levels until Congress can negotiate and pass Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations bills. Failure to pass a continuing resolution before October 1 would result in a government shutdown that would affect federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Delays in passing bills to fund the government are expected to delay Congress’ consideration of the 2023 Farm Bill. The 2018 Farm Bill also expires on October 1, but many USDA programs – including conservation programs – won’t be affected by a lack of reauthorization or extension until later. 

WOTUS UPDATE: On August 29, 2023 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers published a press release about the “final rule to amend the final “Revised Definition of ‘Waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) rule,” published in the Federal Register in January. This final rule conforms the definition of WOTUS to the U.S. Supreme Court’s May 25, 2023, decision in the case of Sackett v. EPA.”

Read more on NACD's blog.

KICKING OFF THE 2024 ENVIROTHON SEASON

The National Conservation Foundation (NCF) is pleased to announce that the 2024 NCF-Envirothon competition season has begun! The new season, which runs from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024, brings with it a new competition location and host, new learning resources, and much more. As schools go back into session, Envirothon teams across the U.S., Canada, China, and Singapore will begin meeting and studying in preparation for the 2024 competitions.

This year, the New York State Envirothon is partnering with NCF to host the 2024 annual competition! It is to be held next summer, from July 28 to August 3, 2024. Over the next several months, thousands of students will be learning and testing their knowledge on the Envirothon’s five areas of study: aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and this year’s current issue of “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future.” Students will learn about the different sources of renewable energy; the challenges facing the transition from traditional fossil fuels to renewables; the environmental, economic, and social impacts of energy consumption; and how individuals can affect change in their communities.

More information about the 2024 NCF-Envirothon annual competition and how students can participate can be found at envirothon.org.