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.
NCF: Massachusetts Team Named 2025 NCF-Envirothon Competition Winners
07/26/2025
On July 25, the Massachusetts Envirothon team, from Lexington High School, Lexington, MA, was named the champion of the 2025 National Conservation Foundation-Envirothon, an international environmental and natural resources academic competition for high school students. This year, students focused on “Roots and Resiliency: Fostering Forest Stewardship in a Canopy of Change,” which invited students to explore forest ecosystems, climate impacts, and sustainable management through hands-on learning and team collaboration.
NACD: NACD Holds 2025 Summer Conservation Forum and Tours in Wisconsin
07/30/2025
This week, the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) held its 2025 Summer Conservation Forum and Tours in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Hosted in partnership with Wisconsin Land + Water, this summer’s meeting gathered conservation leaders from across the country for learning, with a spotlight on natural resources conservation in Wisconsin. Participants were welcomed by Governor Tony Evers and Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
NACD: NACD Comments on USDA National Environmental Policy Act Revision
07/31/2025
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) thanks the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for accepting public comments in response to the interim final rule, effective July 3, 2025, revising the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) implementing regulations from the Code of Federal Regulations pursuant to the recent Supreme Court finding that NEPA is purely a procedural statute and the Council of Environmental Quality’s rescission of its NEPA regulations.
USDA: Secretary Rollins Announces USDA Reorganization, Restoring the Department’s Core Mission of Supporting American Agriculture
07/24/2025
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today announced the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), refocusing its core operations to better align with its founding mission of supporting American farming, ranching, and forestry.
Cover Crop Strategies: Mike Lessiter Luncheon Keynote Presentation from 2025 NACD Summer Meeting
07/28/2025
Watch Mike Lessiter’s full presentation from the 2025 NACD Summer Meeting, presented Monday July 28th in Milwaukee, Wis.
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Norfolk Daily News: Lewis & Clark NRD puts flood resiliency to the test
Nebraska | Northern Plains Region
07/29/2025
But thanks to decades of thoughtful investment and infrastructure planning, Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District’s Aowa Creek Watershed flood control structures did exactly what they were designed to do — protect lives, property and the future.
Texas Water Research Institute: Smart irrigation sensor program helps farmers conserve water
By Rachel Sells | Milam, TX | South Central Region
07/30/2025
Agricultural producers in Milam and Burleson counties have access to a new tool in their water-conservation toolbelts: low-cost to no-cost smart irrigation and soil-moisture sensors. This new irrigation program is provided by the Post Oak Savannah Conservation District (POSGCD) and implemented by the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI).
Tiago Publishing: Conservationist care for the community of Liberty
By Kristie Bowles | Liberty, PA | Northeast Region
07/30/2025
In his position as a watershed specialist for the Tioga County Conservation District, Upham is an expert in streams and rivers; protecting and restoring the waters of the Northern Tier is his job. Tyler said that the amount of rain and sediment coming down the hill and the structure of the stream banks didn’t allow for the water to dissipate and reach the floodplain.
KRCB: Local Resource Conservation Districts grapple with changes to federal grant funds
Sonoma County, CA | Pacific Region
07/30/2025
The second Trump administration has drastically changed all manner of federal agencies and programs. That includes national agriculture programs that directly affect farmers and ranchers in the North Bay. The changes are being acutely felt at California’s many RCDs, Resource Conservation Districts.
Farm Progress: Jerry McBride’s 30-year conservation journeyBy Jennifer Kiel | Ohio | North Central Region
07/30/2025