National Association of Conservation Districts

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NACD Stresses Importance of Conservation in Rural America

HILLSBORO, MO—June 3, 2010—Today at a rural summit hosted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Hillsboro, Missouri, National Association of Conservation Districts Immediate Past President John Redding stressed the importance of conservation practices and emphasized conservation districts’ role in helping rural economies thrive.

The event, themed "The National Summit of Rural America: A Dialogue for Renewing Promise," provided an opportunity for rural Americans to share their vision and ideas for creating a more prosperous and more promising future for rural America. Farmers, ranchers and foresters from around the country, as well as policymakers from all levels of government and community leaders gathered to discuss the key priorities and policies necessary to get rural America growing again.

Redding, a landowner from Monroe, Ga., participated in a panel discussion moderated by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Americans are doing more than ever before in terms of private lands conservation,” Redding said. “Conservation districts are trusted by rural landowners to provide them with the technical assistance needed to identify, apply for and participate in local, state and federal conservation programs. Our member districts reach out to rural communities and schools to teach the value of natural resources and to encourage conservation efforts.”

Redding also highlighted economic opportunities for landowners interested in participating in conservation efforts. “Whether through carbon markets, biomass production or agroforestry and specialty crops, more non-traditional income sources exist for today’s landowners than ever before. Conservation districts are helping their respective customers take advantage of these opportunities.”

Other panelists included Aneesh Chopra, Chief Technology Officer and Assistant to the President; Steve Flick, President of Show Me Energy; Darrin Ihnen, President of National Corn Growers Association; and James Young, Mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi.

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The National Association of Conservation Districts is the non-profit organization that represents the nation's 3,000 conservation districts and 17,000 men and women who serve on their governing boards. For almost 70 years, local conservation districts have worked with cooperating landowners and managers of private working lands to help them plan and apply effective conservation practices. NACD's website is at www.nacdnet.org.