Conservation Clips is a weekly collection of articles distributed by NACD that provides our members and partners with the latest news in what’s driving conservation. These articles are not indicative of NACD policy and are the opinions of their authors, unless otherwise noted. If you have a relevant submission or need assistance accessing articles, please contact the NACD Communications Team.
NACD Blog: Forest Health, Restoration, and Stewardship Economies: Key Takeaways from the Markets Matter Convening
By Annica McGuirk
06/08/2026
NACD recently participated in the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities’ Markets Matter Convening in Madison, Wisconsin. The meeting brought together leaders from across forestry, conservation, government, industry, and investment sectors to examine a growing challenge facing forests and communities alike: how do we create durable markets and infrastructure capable of supporting long-term forest stewardship?
The Fence Post: Facing drought? Here’s how USDA can help
By Richard Fordyce
06/08/2026
While spring is a time for renewal and the excitement that comes with planting and calving, this year, it can also mean added stress because of drought. Across the United States, widespread, severe drought conditions are impacting farms and ranches. While catastrophic for agriculture, the effects are far reaching, impacting wildlife and increasing the risk of wildfires.
USDA: Secretary Rollins Welcomes President Trump’s Appointment of John Rich as Special Envoy for American Landowners
06/10/2026
As Special Envoy, Rich will serve as a leading advocate for America’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners, helping ensure their concerns are heard and their rights are protected. He will engage directly with landowners across the country and work to address challenges posed by government overreach, activist pressure campaigns, and outside interests that threaten private property rights and the long-term viability of rural communities.
The Fence Post: USDA to gather ag conservation data to assess trends, improve programs and services
06/10/2026
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will be reaching out to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners starting in June to gather in-depth information about their conservation practices — essential information to inform U.S. agricultural policies and programs. This is part of the Conservation Effects Assessment Project survey, in partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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Oklahoma Farm Report: Advancing Markets for Producers Initiative Opens New Opportunities for Oklahoma Farmers and Ranchers
Oklahoma | South Central Region
06/05/2026
The Advancing Markets for Producers Initiative is bringing a new approach to conservation and agricultural growth in Oklahoma, focusing on helping producers access new markets and add value to the conservation practices they are already implementing on their operations. According to Jean Lam-Thompson, executive director of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, the newly launched program is designed to connect conservation stewardship with long-term economic opportunities for farmers and ranchers across the state.
Wyoming Public Media: Flammable snacks, virtual fences make for one happy Poppy
By Jenna McMurtry | Teton County, WY | Southwest Region
06/05/2026
Shooting Star in Teton Village has hired goats in the past for weed control, when staff was short and wildfire risk high, according to golf course Manager Tyler Shrum. A few factors are prompting increased interest in Teton Conservation District and Teton County’s wildfire risk reduction programs that align with the mission behind Slade’s business, according to Bobbi Clauson, the county’s wildland fire prevention specialist.
USA Today: Dairy farm, 1 of only 12 left in Delaware, wins conservation award
By Shannon Marvel McNaught | Harrington, DE | Northeast Region
06/05/2026
Despite the challenges of being one of only a dozen dairy farms left in Delaware, Knutsen Farms in Harrington has been named a Governor’s Conservation Award winner. Gregg and Stephanie Knutsen employ a variety of best practices to protect and enhance the environment at the farm, according to the Delaware Association of Conservation Districts, and while that can potentially lead to more money saved or earned, the Knutsens don’t do it for the profit.
WCMU: How farmers and residents can prevent harmful algal blooms in Michigan
By Emma George-Griffin | Michigan | North Central Region
06/09/2026
Zeiler from MSU Extension recommends that farmers get involved with local government and conservation districts to create conservation solutions that work best for their area. “In my experience, the closer the solution is created to the place, the more people are likely to adopt it and to use it,” Zeiler said.
News USA: Pennsylvania Nonprofits and Conservation Districts Address Environmental Issues
Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
06/10/2026
Take Erie County, where $800,000 will go toward restoring wetlands near Presque Isle State Park. Those wetlands act as a natural buffer for Lake Erie’s harmful algal blooms, which cost Ohio and Michigan $120 million annually in tourism and fishing losses. “This is the first time we’ve seen a coordinated push to treat watersheds as economic assets, not just environmental liabilities,” said Mark Bitter, executive director of the Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts.