NACD 2019 Report

The annual NACD convention was another extremely busy event. The first day consisted of the Resource Policy Groups (sub committees of the Natural Resource Policy Committee) meeting to discuss their concerns. The standing committees then  receive those reports in their business meeting and also meet again for hearings of the resolutions brought up by the states in addition to review of sun setting policy. 

The full Board of Directors meet several times during the week to conduct the business of the association and listen to the reports and updates from our national partners. The Farm Bill was the main point of interest as now the rules and implementation has to be formulated .

During the week there are many break out sessions, tours and opportunities to meet with our federal partners, NGO’s such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, and agricultural sponsors. The new Northern Plains Region Representative, our own, Sunni Heikes-Knapton  gave us an update on the Annual meeting, First timer’s scholarship which VP Jim Simpson was able to utilize, Urban Conservation Grant, TA grant, Soil Health Champions Network which we need to explore, Conservation Careers Workshop (a great opportunity for our young people) Conservation Boot camp and the Next Generation Leadership Initiative. Contact Sunni for more info on these items.

The most important take away from NACD’s efforts were:

• The Farm Bill conservation Title II came out in good condition.
• CSP/EQIP remained separate.
• EQIP funding was increased.
• CRP will have incentives to help the final year
• RCCP funding should be helped out.
• Resolutions concerning invasive species, wolves, forest management, NEPA, ESA, wild horses, TA for small acreages, LWCF, Dike maintenance, and many others.

Your new President of NACD is Tim Palmer of Iowa, VP Michael Crowder of Washington. Out going President Brent Van Dyke was honored as he did an outstanding job leading your national organization.

I would like to thank Jim Simpson, Dean Rogge, Steve Shanaman, Barbra Broberg for attending and support as these events are too much for any one individual to handle. Remember that this event is VERY expensive and MACD is unable to cover all the cost. As such some of this funding is coming from home districts or out of our own pockets.

If you want  more information do not hesitate to call or e-mail me as it is impossible to present a fraction of what happened at NACD 2019. 

Thanks,

Steve Hedstrom, your delegate to NACD