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: North Carolina Districts Continue with Post Helene Recovery
09/30/2025
Earlier this year, Forestry Notes highlighted how Hurricane Helene reshaped the conservation landscape across western North Carolina. The storm left a lasting mark on forests and watersheds, with more than 187,000 acres damaged in the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests and hundreds of miles of roads and trails blocked by debris. That coverage also noted how conservation districts, including Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District and the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, were elevating biochar as a practical tool for recovery and long-term resilience. That work is now moving into implementation.
USDA: In Kansas City, Secretary Rollins Speaks on State of Farm Economy, Announces Suite of Actions to Support American Farmers
09/25/2025
In Kansas City at the Agriculture Outlook Forum, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins spoke on the current state of the farm economy in the United States and addressed the ways President Trump is supporting American agriculture. U.S. farm production inputs are significantly more costly than four years ago, putting pressure on farmers’ bottom line. Between 2020 and now, seed expenses have increased 18%, fuel and oil expenses increased 32%, fertilizer expenses increased 37%, and interest expenses increased by a whopping 73%.
Farm Progress: New online tool helps growers choose cover crops
By Mike Hsu
09/26/2025
After pulling in auto-populated soil and climatic data at a given location, the new online tool allows farmers to select up to three goals for their cover crops and adjust settings tailored to their own operation and setting. The tool then generates a custom list of recommended cover crops, which are sortable by goal priorities and filterable by a variety of characteristics.
Progressive Farmer: USDA’s Shutdown Plan Detailed
By Chris Clayton
10/01/2025
The federal shutdown will delay payments expected to farmers under several commodity, conservation and aid programs, USDA detailed in a document posted Tuesday. USDA’s “Lapse of Funding Plan” spells out what positions and obligations at various agencies will continue to operate and which agency activities will be halted.
Farm Progress: Government shutdown hits farmers: What you need to know
By Joshua Baethge and Chris Six
10/01/2025
One of the most immediate impacts of the shutdown may be the significant reduction in USDA personnel. The majority of USDA employees will be furloughed until the budget issue is resolved. They will not be paid, and they are prohibited from performing their jobs until the budget issue is resolved.
Western SARE: Range Riders
10/01/202
Most Western SARE research projects use science to develop new knowledge, insights or practices to help farmers and ranchers in their quest to be more successful and sustainable. Some, though, rediscover and refine old knowledge – like the effectiveness of range riding to protect livestock from predators like wolves, mountain lions and bears.
Newsweek: America’s Struggling Farmers Face Even More Uncertainty
By Hugh Cameron
10/02/2025
Embattled farmers in the United States face further uncertainty as a result of the ongoing government shutdown, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) furloughing employees and suspending several key operations until funding is secured.
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The Mountaineer: Biochar gets its big break in Haywood County
By Sarah White | North Carolina | Southeast Region
09/20/25
The concept of “biochar” may dredge up images of ash and blackened organic matter, but the material could be a bright solution to several of the county’s Helene-related problems, especially now that it has been bolstered by a $1 million grant. The recently announced funding from the North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality will put this “miracle material” to the test, said Bill Yarborough, who chairs the Haywood County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Daily Review: Celebrating Repsol’s International Volunteer Week: Growing roots with BCCD
By | Towanda, PA | Northeast Region
09/27/2025
In celebration of Repsol’s International Volunteer Week, the company came together with the Bradford County Conservation District for a meaningful and impactful tree planting initiative that brought Repsol’s values of community, sustainability, and stewardship to life.
Two Spokane-area organizations win millions in federal grants for wildfire mitigation
Emily White | Spokane, WA | Pacific Region
09/29/2025
The Spokane Conservation District has received $9.2 million and the Spokane Valley Fire Department $5.5 million in grant funds for projects to prevent wildfires. While both organizations will be using those funds from the USDA Forest Service Community Wildfire Defense Grant program differently, they have the same goal: reduce the devastation of wildfires in the county.
Environmental Monitor: When Rivers Run Orange: Monitoring Acid Mine Drainage in Elk County
By Samantha Baxter | Pennsylvania | Northeast Region
09/29/2025
According to Lefever, since starting her job at the Elk County Conservation District, she hasn’t had a boring day. She explains, “Some days I’m behind a desk writing grants or sorting through water quality data. Other days I’m out sampling water or doing construction projects like stream habitat improvements.” Monitoring and restoration efforts in the county are community-driven, meaning that Lefever’s days are spent answering calls from locals reporting issues in nearby rivers and streams, then going out to the area to assess the problem and come up with a solution.
CBS8: San Diego County’s largest community garden closing due to Tijuana River sewage crisis
By Abbie Black | San Diego, CA | Pacific Region
09/30/2025
The Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County announced it will end management of the Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Community Garden at the end of November, citing ongoing health concerns from the Tijuana River sewage crisis and increased flooding.
Farm & Dairy: Conservation project at Beaver County dairy farm showcases power of partnerships
By Rachel Wagoner | North Sewickley Township, PA | Northeast Region
10/01/2025
The anonymous complaint landed on the desk of Jeff Pflugh, director of the Beaver County Conservation District, who approached the Wright brothers with a possible solution. Some funding had just become available from the state for agricultural conservation projects. With Rob and Dan Wright on board, Pflugh and his team at the conservation district put together a comprehensive and collaborative $3 million project that included two covered heavy-use areas, manure storage, access roads, animal walkways, fence and more.
All For Gardening: How Michigan is fighting hidden garden threats, one bite at a time
Michigan | North Central Region
10/01/2025
(Edited) But some of the most harmful invaders are hiding in plain sight along streets, in yards, and especially, at local garden centers. Across the state, efforts are underway to fight them, and the work sometimes comes with four hooves and a healthy appetite. Jackson County Conservation District, Shikha Singh coordinates the Jackson, Lenawee and Washtenaw County CISMA. She says not all greenery is good and many people don’t realize the damage invasive plants can cause.