conservation Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/tag/conservation/ America's #1 Ag News Source Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:55:31 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://www.morningagclips.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/cropped-MAc-Logo1-1-32x32.png conservation Archives - Morning Ag Clips https://www.morningagclips.com/tag/conservation/ 32 32 Equity in Conservation Spotlight: Supporting Village-Driven Agriculture in Rural Alaska https://www.morningagclips.com/equity-in-conservation-spotlight-supporting-village-driven-agriculture-in-rural-alaska/ Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:55:31 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657593 WASHINGTON — In a state where 95 percent of food purchased is imported, food security is of paramount concern for all Alaskans. It’s especially concerning for communities in remote villages not connected to the state’s road system that are only accessible by plane or boat. Even the simple process of starting a garden and getting […]

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WASHINGTON — In a state where 95 percent of food purchased is imported, food security is of paramount concern for all Alaskans.

It’s especially concerning for communities in remote villages not connected to the state’s road system that are only accessible by plane or boat. Even the simple process of starting a garden and getting the necessary supplies and equipment to the village is a logistical and expensive challenge. There is extremely limited access to materials; prohibitive shipping costs; and unique environmental challenges like Alaska’s short growing season, which is only three to five months long depending on location and elevation. Limited access to education and experience around farming, especially in rural Alaska communities, add to a formidable list of barriers to addressing access to locally grown foods.

Fortunately, the Homer Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is proactively addressing these concerns by providing guidance, education and resources to Alaska Native villages within their service area. This work is being accomplished thanks to an Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreement, awarded to the Homer SWCD in 2023 by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Outreach and Partnerships Division.

The Homer SWCD project is called Expanding Support for Village-Driven Agriculture in Rural Alaska. It aims to meet the needs of tribal and remote villages in Alaska by increasing their food sovereignty and security through small-scale agriculture. The Homer SWCD aims to provide technical assistance, outreach and education to support beginning farmers; expand inclusivity and support for tribal communities in off-road villages; establish relationships with underserved rural communities and Tribal Conservation Districts; and create experiential educational opportunities for rural Alaska farmers.

“Subsistence agriculture is a big part of life off the road system,” said Monica Kopp, Agriculture Program Coordinator with Homer SWCD. “There is interest in agriculture in these communities to help with food security. They want to start gardens. Some want to take their existing gardens and scale them up and be able to apply for NRCS financial assistance, which can be significant. Getting their first high tunnel is really the gateway into conservation with NRCS.”

Homer SWCD is a grassroots organization based in the world-class halibut fishing town of Homer, Alaska, on the southern tip of the Kenai Peninsula. Traditionally known as a fishing village, Homer also has many small farms, including cut flower operations focused on growing peonies. The town is known as “The City of Peonies” and has an annual peony celebration every summer. There is a thriving community farmers market, a food hub that provides online ordering for local foods; and multiple Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) operations. Homer also has several ranches and livestock operations producing beef, pork and poultry.

“People really value farmers here, and farmers have become successful,” said Monica Kopp, Agriculture Program Coordinator with Homer SWCD. “Alaska currently leads the nation in beginning farmers, because so many people are finding how important it is to grow food here and not have to rely on our unstable food transportation chain for food to get here. Agriculture is relatively new in Alaska and interest is growing.”

Through the Equity Agreement, Homer SWCD is applying their decades of experience working with farmers in Homer and connecting those farmers and resources to Alaska Native communities off the road system. In 2024, staff visited multiple off-road villages including Tyonek, Seldovia, Port Graham and the Kodiak Archipelago. They plan to visit more villages such as Igiugig, Sand Point, and the Western Aleutian Islands in 2025 and 2026.

The agreement provided funds for Homer staff to travel to these communities to provide education and assistance to help them maintain or establish new gardens, and work with them one-on-one to address their unique questions and needs.

“We want to foster knowledge, confidence and experience to help them be successful growing food and provide a support network of growers and mentorships with experienced farmers,” Monica said.

In 2025 and 2026, Homer SWCD will host small farm workshops and bring community members from remote villages to tour farms in Homer. Some of the participants have never been to a farm before.

“Bringing people together and getting our hands in the soil is the best way to build change and create successful agriculture in these communities,” Monica said.

— Tracy Robillard, Public Affairs Specialist, NRCS Alaska

USDA

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OSU Hunting Research Supports Wildlife Conservation, Removes Barriers for Female Hunters https://www.morningagclips.com/osu-hunting-research-supports-wildlife-conservation-removes-barriers-for-female-hunters/ Fri, 27 Dec 2024 11:01:09 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657564 STILLWATER, Okla. — A research collaboration between Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is helping increase the number of female hunters in the state. The ODWC reached out to Dr. Audrey King, OSU assistant professor of agricultural communications and state Extension specialist for digital media, about developing focus groups of women interested […]

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STILLWATER, Okla. — A research collaboration between Oklahoma State University and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is helping increase the number of female hunters in the state.

The ODWC reached out to Dr. Audrey King, OSU assistant professor of agricultural communications and state Extension specialist for digital media, about developing focus groups of women interested in the sport to explore ways to grow the number of women who hunt.

King launched the project in 2021, asking Oklahoma women what barriers kept them from hunting and what communication channels they preferred for marketing hunting. A diverse group of women was represented in the study, such as current license holders, lapsed license holders, bow hunters and gun hunters.

“Scheduling and caring for a family, child care and working on everyone else’s schedule is a big barrier for women in our study,” King said. “Most of the women liked the idea of connection, but one of the barriers they faced was finding female mentors in the hunting space. Then there were biological barriers, such as the fact that much of the hunting clothes for women put fashion over function.”

King said the lack of available hunting gear for women and the cost of the gear were other challenges. Women also have different motives for wanting to hunt.

“Many men traditionally like to be alone when they hunt and like to trophy hunt,” said Sarah Cain, a graduate student in the OSU Department of Natural Resources Ecology and Management. “However, many women expressed a preference for hunting with their families and in groups, and they like the idea of gathering their own meat. They don’t always care about a taxidermized deer head; they care about having meat for a year.”

Heather Del Moral, a communication and education technician with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said she started hunting 11 years ago when she arrived at the ODWC.

“I love being outside. I love the quality time it gives me with my friends and family,” Del Moral said. “I go hunting alone a lot, so sometimes, I think about when I get the deer, I’m going to have to drag the deer and load it myself. I also process the meat myself, so it can be a lot of work. Sometimes, that keeps me from it. And just making the time is probably my other big barrier.”

Since the survey, the ODWC has implemented programs and marketing based on King’s research results, such as family controlled hunts that allow women to sign up with a partner and children in groups of up to four.

“Our first family hunt was offered in 2023 at Cross Timbers Wildlife Management Area,” said Betsy York, a human dimensions specialist with the ODWC. “Women interviewed were highly satisfied with the experience.”

This year, the department expanded the family focused hunting events to two additional wildlife management areas for three special family hunts.

“I love doing research that is applied and practical, and seeing the fruits of that has been amazing. That is part of our land-grant mission,” King said. “I love that I got to give a voice to some amazing women.”

King and Cain agreed that the interdisciplinary nature of the research was rewarding, with Cain looking at the results from a natural resource perspective, and King studying the data from a social science perspective.

“Coming out of my master’s, it is important for me to understand the social perspective of natural resources because in any job, I will be working with people, and I want to understand their perspectives and motivations when interacting with natural resources. I would not have gotten that experience had it not been for this research,” Cain said.

She hopes the project will foster more targeted demographic research across the nation.

“State wildlife agencies are funded by hunting license dollars, and there has been a steep decline in hunting license sales,” Cain said. “By increasing hunter participation, we can also increase funding for these wildlife agencies, which fund wildlife research at universities like OSU.”

— Alisa Boswell-Gore

Oklahoma State University

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Stronger Together: How You Can Make a Clean Water Difference https://www.morningagclips.com/stronger-together-how-you-can-make-a-clean-water-difference/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 17:33:06 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657437 SUSSEX CO., Del. — Clean and safe drinking water is a cornerstone of healthy communities, thriving businesses, and sustainable agriculture. Yet, the sources of this vital resource—our rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and aquifers—face constant threats from pollution, overuse, and climate change. Protecting these sources is not just the responsibility of government agencies or environmental organizations—it’s a […]

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SUSSEX CO., Del. — Clean and safe drinking water is a cornerstone of healthy communities, thriving businesses, and sustainable agriculture. Yet, the sources of this vital resource—our rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and aquifers—face constant threats from pollution, overuse, and climate change. Protecting these sources is not just the responsibility of government agencies or environmental organizations—it’s a collective effort that requires the active participation of local farmers, businesses, and residents.

Source water protection isn’t just about safeguarding the environment; it’s about securing public health, economic stability, and a shared future. By working together to implement sustainable water management practices, communities can ensure access to clean drinking water while fostering a sense of shared accountability. When everyone plays a role, the benefits ripple across the region, supporting agriculture, local economies, and the well-being of all who live there.

Collaborative Efforts in Source Water Protection

Protecting source water is a team effort that requires the involvement of diverse stakeholders, each bringing unique strengths and perspectives to the table. By fostering collaboration among local farmers, businesses, and residents, communities can create a sustainable framework for water management that benefits everyone.

Farmers play a critical role in source water protection by implementing conservation practices that reduce runoff, prevent erosion, and minimize nutrient leaching. Sustainable farming techniques, such as cover cropping, buffer strips, and precision agriculture, help protect nearby water sources while improving soil health and crop yields. Programs like those outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill provide financial incentives and technical support for farmers to adopt these practices, making conservation an attainable and beneficial goal.

Additionally, local businesses, particularly those in industries that rely heavily on water, can lead the way in sustainable water management. Through strategies like reducing industrial discharge, reusing water, and supporting local conservation initiatives, businesses can not only protect water sources but also enhance their reputation as responsible corporate citizens. Many companies have found that sustainable water practices improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, making these efforts a win-win for both the environment and the bottom line.

Residents also have a vital role to play in protecting source water. From reducing household pollutants, such as over-applying lawn fertilizers, to participating in local cleanup events and educational programs, individuals can make a meaningful impact. By supporting local policies and initiatives aimed at water conservation and protection, residents ensure their voices contribute to a collective effort that safeguards the community’s water supply.

Examples of Programs and Partnerships

Collaboration in source water protection often succeeds through structured programs and partnerships that bring together government agencies, local organizations, and communities. These initiatives provide the framework, tools, and funding necessary to safeguard drinking water sources while fostering collective responsibility.

The Source Water Protection (SWP) Program

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Source Water Protection Program exemplifies how partnerships can drive effective water resource management. While primarily voluntary, the program supports state and local governments, as well as community stakeholders, with technical tools and guidance to prevent contamination of drinking water sources.

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)

The SDWA established a foundation for protecting drinking water quality through the multi-barrier approach. This strategy encompasses:

  • Selecting high-quality water sources.
  • Implementing protective measures to prevent contamination.
  • Using effective treatment technologies.
  • Maintaining water quality within distribution systems.

Programs under the SDWA, such as the Source Water Assessment and Protection Program (SWAPP), offer local governments and utilities the tools to assess vulnerabilities and engage in targeted protection efforts.

The 2018 Farm Bill and USDA Initiatives

The 2018 Farm Bill introduced provisions to protect drinking water through conservation practices. With incentives and funding, it encourages:

  • Identifying Priority Areas: Targeting regions where conservation efforts are most critical for water quality.
  • Increased Incentives: Supporting agricultural practices that protect water sources while boosting farm productivity.
  • Funding Allocation: Dedicating at least 10% of conservation program funds to source water protection annually.

These efforts empower farmers to be active partners in water conservation, demonstrating how agriculture and environmental stewardship can work hand in hand.

The Wellhead Protection Program

The Delaware Wellhead Protection Program approved by the EPA focuses on protecting the land surrounding public water supply wells. By delineating wellhead protection areas, identifying contamination sources, and fostering public participation, this initiative ensures long-term water quality in critical supply zones.

Funding Opportunities for Local Collaboration

Programs like the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund offer essential financial support for source water protection projects. These funds allow states and communities to implement protective measures such as land acquisition, infrastructure upgrades, and pollution prevention strategies.

The Sole Source Aquifer Program

The Sole Source Aquifer Program ensures that aquifers critical to a region’s drinking water supply receive added protection. EPA reviews federally funded projects within these areas to ensure they do not threaten water quality.

The Importance of Shared Accountability

No single entity can ensure the protection of source water alone. Farmers may work to reduce nutrient runoff, businesses can minimize industrial discharges, and residents can limit pollutants in household waste—but without collaboration, these efforts may fall short. Shared accountability means recognizing that everyone has a role to play and that success depends on coordinated action.

Creating a culture of shared accountability begins with education and outreach. When communities understand how their actions impact local water sources, they’re more likely to participate in protective practices. Schools, local governments, and organizations can offer workshops, share resources, and facilitate discussions that emphasize the importance of collective stewardship.

By embracing shared accountability, communities can transform source water protection from an individual responsibility into a collective success story. Together, farmers, businesses, residents, and organizations can create a future where clean, safe drinking water is not just a necessity, but a shared legacy for generations to come.

Sussex Conservation District

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VHCB Water Quality Grants Available to Farms https://www.morningagclips.com/vhcb-water-quality-grants-available-to-farms/ Mon, 23 Dec 2024 15:41:41 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657423 MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Farm & Forest Viability Program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board has grant awards available for on-farm capital improvement projects that make a positive impact on water quality. These grants are designed to help farm businesses undertake projects that improve on-farm water quality, help farms comply with water quality regulations, and […]

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MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Farm & Forest Viability Program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board has grant awards available for on-farm capital improvement projects that make a positive impact on water quality.

These grants are designed to help farm businesses undertake projects that improve on-farm water quality, help farms comply with water quality regulations, and improve overall farm viability. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $50,000, and all awarded funds require a 1-to-1 match.

Program staff will be hosting a virtual information sessions to answer questions on Monday, January 6th at 3:00-4:30pm.

Match can be in the form of farm funds, farm labor, and/or state or federal water quality programs such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (NRCS-EQIP) and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets’ Best Management Practices (BMP) and Capital Equipment Assistance (CEAP) Programs. Grantees will be reimbursed upon completion of the project.

Please direct any questions to Betsy McGavisk at Betsy@vhcb.org or 802-828-5562.

–Farm & Forest Viability Program
Vermont Housing & Conservation Board

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DNR to Host First Day Hikes https://www.morningagclips.com/dnr-to-host-first-day-hikes/ Sun, 22 Dec 2024 20:25:52 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657339 MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Wisconsinites to join the DNR at one of several First Day Hikes scheduled at state properties on New Year’s Day. Participating in a First Day Hike is a healthy, refreshing way to kick off the new year. “Starting the new year in the outdoors is […]

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MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Wisconsinites to join the DNR at one of several First Day Hikes scheduled at state properties on New Year’s Day.

Participating in a First Day Hike is a healthy, refreshing way to kick off the new year.

“Starting the new year in the outdoors is refreshing for both our body and mind, and what better way to kick off the 125th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System than by attending a First Day Hike,” said Steve Schmelzer, DNR Parks and Recreation Management Director.

While many properties will be hosting First Day Hikes around the state, a keystone anniversary celebration will take place at Mirror Lake State Park in Baraboo. Join staff at the boat launch parking lot for a brief program at 11 a.m., followed by a guided 1.5-mile hike on the Echo Rock and Cliffwood Coulee trails. The Echo Rock Trail is a 0.3-mile universally accessible paved rail leading to a scenic overlook. From the overlook, attendees can choose to return to the parking lot or continue onto the Cliffwood Coulee trail. Refreshments will be provided, and a fire will be lit to keep people warm.

First Day hikes have a specific start time and gathering spot, providing a great introduction to winter adventuring for beginner hikers or those new to exploring Wisconsin’s natural areas. Experienced hikers are invited to share their knowledge and help build the state’s outdoor community. Some guided hikes are pet-free, so please check with the property before bringing your furry friends.

Self-guided hikes allow participants to choose their own pace or difficulty level, from gently sloping nature trails to advanced routes. Drop by anytime during the event window, and property staff may offer maps and recommendations for self-guided adventuring.

Warm clothing, hats, gloves, warm boots or insulated hiking shoes are highly recommended. Some properties will also have bonfires or warming shelters to help you fight off the cold.

“First Day Hikes bring together visitors from all walks of life looking for winter fun. We hope that events like this will inspire passion for the outdoors and a desire to explore our state’s natural treasures as we celebrate 125 years of conservation, recreation and memories at Wisconsin state parks, trails and forests,” said Schmelzer.

First Day Hikes are free, but a vehicle admission pass or state trail pass may be required. For those who need a state park daily admission pass, a free one may be available at your local library. Learn more about participating libraries.

Most events include options beyond hiking, like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, refreshments and winter activities. Those interested in snowshoe rentals or reserving an outdoor wheelchair should contact the property beforehand. Additionally, check with the property for universally accessible trail conditions.

For details on First Day Hike events, visit the DNR Events calendar. Note that events may be canceled in cases of inclement weather.

If a First Day Hike is unavailable in your area, you are still invited to visit a Wisconsin state park, forest, trail or recreation area. Properties are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. year-round.

First Day Hikes are an initiative from the National Association of State Park Directors to encourage active outdoor recreation on New Year’s Day.

More events may be added; check the DNR Events calendar for the latest information.

–Wisconsin DNR

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Thousands of trout to be stocked in Saluda River near Columbia https://www.morningagclips.com/thousands-of-trout-to-be-stocked-in-saluda-river-near-columbia/ Sun, 22 Dec 2024 17:40:10 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657323 COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Freshwater Fisheries Section has started the process of stocking thousands of catchable-sized (8 to 11-inch) trout into the lower Saluda River near Columbia. The rainbow and brown trout that are raised in and transported from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery in Oconee County will be delivered […]

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Freshwater Fisheries Section has started the process of stocking thousands of catchable-sized (8 to 11-inch) trout into the lower Saluda River near Columbia.

The rainbow and brown trout that are raised in and transported from the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery in Oconee County will be delivered by truck to multiple locations in the Lower Saluda River.

The cold waters released from the bottom of Lake Murray provide suitable habitat for the trout, creating a unique and popular fishery in the Midlands of South Carolina.

SCDNR stocks nearly 30,000 trout each year in the lower Saluda from December through February in what’s called a “put, grow and take” fishery that relies on stocking to maintain populations.

Trout grow rapidly after stocking and can exceed 20 inches in one to two years, which is considered trophy size for this type of fishery.

Anglers should keep in mind that the lower reach of the Saluda River, from the eastbound Interstate 20 bridge downstream to Stacey’s Ledge, is year-round catch and release fishing for all species of coldwater trout. It is unlawful to take and retain trout at any time in this section of the river.

–SCDNR

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Apply Now for the Oklahoma Conservation Leadership Class https://www.morningagclips.com/apply-now-for-the-oklahoma-conservation-leadership-class/ Sat, 21 Dec 2024 03:05:35 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657298 OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — We’re excited to announce that applications are open for the upcoming Conservation Leadership Class. Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 3, 2025. Notification: Selected participants will be notified by January 15, 2025. Program Overview: The Conservation Leadership Class will consist of five sessions, each lasting 1.5 days, held across […]

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OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. — We’re excited to announce that applications are open for the upcoming Conservation Leadership Class.

Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 3, 2025.

Notification: Selected participants will be notified by January 15, 2025.

Program Overview: The Conservation Leadership Class will consist of five sessions, each lasting 1.5 days, held across various locations in Oklahoma throughout 2025 and 2026.

If you’re passionate about conservation and leadership development, we encourage you to apply!

LEARN MORE AND APPLY HERE.

— Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts

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Rancher and Conservationist Joins CDA as Conservation Services Division Director https://www.morningagclips.com/rancher-and-conservationist-joins-cda-as-conservation-services-division-director/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 22:00:01 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657275 BROOMFIELD, Colo. — A Colorado rancher and conservation advocate Evanne (pronounced Evan) Caviness has been hired as the Conservation Division Director at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Caviness has been a leader in conservation policy and has been in agricultural production her whole life. “Evanne is a rancher, policy and conservation leader, with a deep […]

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BROOMFIELD, Colo. — A Colorado rancher and conservation advocate Evanne (pronounced Evan) Caviness has been hired as the Conservation Division Director at the Colorado Department of Agriculture. Caviness has been a leader in conservation policy and has been in agricultural production her whole life.

“Evanne is a rancher, policy and conservation leader, with a deep commitment to agriculture and supporting the future of agriculture in Colorado,” said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. “Her experience as a producer as well as her work shaping state and national farm and conservation policy with the National Young Farmers Coalition and Rocky Mountain Farmers Union will be tremendous assets for the state. Evanne’s proven leadership skills and relationships in the ag and conservation communities will serve her in this role as she supports CDA’s talented team of conservation professionals.”

As Division Director, Evanne will oversee the strategic vision of a division with a wide variety of innovative programs, from the Palisade Insectary, which researches and breeds beneficial insects to manage invasive weed species, to the Colorado Soil Health program, which works with farmers, ranchers and conservation districts across the state.

“I’m honored to lead the incredible team at the Conservation Services Division. My goal is for the critical programming of the Conservation Division to be approachable and attainable for all farmers and ranchers in our great state,” said Caviness. “Colorado is lucky to be home to some of the nation’s finest agricultural producers: we steward the land with tenacity, versatility, and grit, and I intend to bring these same values to leadership with the Division.”

The Conservation Division also houses the Agricultural Drought and Climate Resilience Office (ADCRO), which includes the Soil Health Program as well as energy efficiency and other technical assistance programs that help Colorado ag business owners increase their use of renewable energy. Other programs include Noxious Weeds, Chemigation, Weed Free forage, and the Colorado State Conservation Board.

In addition to working directly with agricultural producers, the Conservation Division programs also often work closely with other government agencies and partners, including Colorado Parks and Wildlife, Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Colorado State University Extension, and many other organizations and Colorado state agencies.

Caviness lives in Bayfield (La Plata County) with her husband and family, where she runs Caviness Farms, a regenerative grassfed beef business. Her ranch focuses on regenerative practices to raise healthy, happy cattle in harmony with nature while ensuring healthy soils and resilient land.

Before joining CDA, she has served in various leadership roles in agriculture, conservation, and state and federal policy. Most recently, she was the Associate Field Director for the National Young Farmers Coalition.

Caviness comes from Latina and Indigenous heritage and she is fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. She holds a degree in Special Education from Northern Arizona University and Pima Community College. She spent time as a high school special education teacher. Evanne is passionate about conservation and inclusion and equity in agriculture, especially in supporting the needs of beginning farmers and ranchers and those from historically underserved communities.

Caviness serves on the state and federal policy committees for the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, the Nourish Colorado Farm Bill Action Committee, and the Farmer Equity Office Coalition in Colorado. She is the Governor-appointed Agricultural representative on the Colorado Council to End Human Trafficking. Evanne is also a 2023 Rocky Mountain Farmers Union Fellow and a previous member of Poudre Valley Community Farms, Secretary of Larimer County Farmers Alliance, and is the Vice President of Four Corners Farmers Coalition.

— Colorado Department of Agriculture

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Preserve Rhode Island’s Ag Lands and Wetlands with USDA Conservation Easements https://www.morningagclips.com/preserve-rhode-islands-ag-lands-and-wetlands-with-usda-conservation-easements/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:12:40 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657136 PROVIDENCE, R.I. — NRCS in Rhode Island is announcing a third signup for property owners for conservation easements to protect working ag lands and wetlands through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). ACEP helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect farmland and ranchland through conservation easements. ACEP has two […]

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. — NRCS in Rhode Island is announcing a third signup for property owners for conservation easements to protect working ag lands and wetlands through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

ACEP helps landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect, restore, and enhance wetlands or protect farmland and ranchland through conservation easements. ACEP has two components:

  • Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) help private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and state and local governments to protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches through conservation easements. Ag land easements can protect the long-term viability of Rhode Island’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive farmland to non-agricultural uses. Easements are crucial to protecting farmland from urban encroachment. Easements also can be used to protect floodplains, grasslands, and forests, providing public benefits like carbon sequestration, water quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat, and open space protection.
  • Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) help private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands that have been previously degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland easements enhance and protect habitat for wildlife, reduce flooding impacts, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity, and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to private and tribal landowners to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands by purchasing easements, and eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement.

NRCS accepts applications for conservation programs year-round but sets specific ranking dates to evaluate applications for funding. These dates account for farmer needs, staff workload and ensure potential participants have ample opportunity to apply. Applications for ACEP Ag Land Easements or Wetland Reserve Easements that meet eligibility and ranking criteria that are received by Jan. 17, 2025, will be considered for the third round of fiscal year 2025 funding.

Applications received after these ranking dates will be automatically deferred to the next funding period. Call or visit your local NRCS Field Office or Conservation District Office (see listing below) for more information.

–USDA NRCS Rhode Island

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Aquatic Vegetation Removal Has Agricultural, Economic, Health Benefits https://www.morningagclips.com/aquatic-vegetation-removal-has-agricultural-economic-health-benefits/ Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:04:13 +0000 https://www.morningagclips.com/?p=657122 ITHACA, N.Y. — Turning aquatic vegetation near agricultural land into compost simultaneously eradicates habitat for disease-carrying snails while improving agricultural output and increasing incomes in northern Senegal, Cornell researchers have found. Combining highly detailed biological and microeconomic modeling, the team’s finding has the potential to aid rural residents of the west African nation, who are […]

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ITHACA, N.Y. — Turning aquatic vegetation near agricultural land into compost simultaneously eradicates habitat for disease-carrying snails while improving agricultural output and increasing incomes in northern Senegal, Cornell researchers have found.

Combining highly detailed biological and microeconomic modeling, the team’s finding has the potential to aid rural residents of the west African nation, who are often caught in a vicious cycle of poverty and disease.

“This is about really thinking hard about the microeconomics in the cycle of poverty and disease, really thinking hard about households making decisions and the tradeoffs that they’re facing,” said Molly Doruska, a doctoral student in the field of applied economics and management, and first author of “Modeling How and Why Aquatic Vegetation Removal Can Free Rural Households From Poverty-disease Traps,” which published Dec. 17 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Chris Barrett, the Stephen B. and Janice G. Ashley Professor of Applied Economics and Management in the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and professor in the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, is the paper’s senior author. Jason Rohr, professor and chair of the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Notre Dame, is a co-author.

The researchers show analytically, using data from a previous study, that removal of aquatic vegetation reduces habitat for snails, which carry the infectious helminth (a parasitic worm), while also returning soil nutrients that leach into surface water via runoff to agricultural land. The result, the researchers wrote, is “healthier people, more productive labor, cleaner water, more productive agriculture and higher incomes.”

The helminth schistosomiasis, also known as bilharzia, infects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and has been termed the second-most socioeconomically devastating parasitic disease, after malaria, by the World Health Organization.

“Humans do things that perturb the environment, and those perturbations have a feedback effect upon humans, which influences human behavioral response, impacting nature and starting the cycle over again,” said Barrett, also a senior faculty fellow at the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability.

“We know human behavior is changing with climate, but what we don’t really understand much is how those intersect,” Barrett said. “That’s what Molly’s work offers – a nice foundation for other people to attempt similar sorts of modeling to help us think through candidate interventions to help with planetary health, to help improve the health of both humans and the natural environment on which rural people, in particular, depend.”

Barrett said Doruska’s modeling of both the economics and the disease ecology was painstaking, but produced valuable information.

“These sorts of models are very sensitive,” he said. “There’s so much feedback that they can blow up very quickly if you don’t calibrate them right. That’s one of the reasons why people commonly don’t attempt this level of granular interactions between the biology and the social science: It’s hard to get it right.”

The group’s bioeconomic model has two sub-models: a disease ecology model that describes how the schistosome, aquatic vegetation and snail populations interact; and an agricultural household model that describes how households make decisions about how to allocate their land, labor and income. The models are linked dynamically to study patterns over time, and assumed that the households in rural northern Senegal, where the original study was conducted, engage in subsistence farming and do not rent land to or from third parties.

Doruska ran a total of 28,000 20-year simulations, using three land sizes (0.5, 2.0 and 5.5 hectares), with and without aquatic vegetation removal, and with numerous other variables factored in. The bottom line: Clearing aquatic vegetation from bodies of water adjacent to farmland succeeds in dramatically reducing schistosomiasis infection rates while boosting agricultural productivity.

Barrett said this work can be adapted to other diseases and vectors. And with a changing climate, where and how people become infected will change, too.

“Dengue fever, malaria – these are diseases that are very clearly affected by how humans manage natural landscapes,” he said. “We should not assume that the range of these diseases is going to stay static, and we’re going to have to think carefully about how and where to intervene in ways that don’t upset the stability of the system.”

This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute.

–Tom Fleischman
Cornell Chronicle

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