View source for National Association of Conservation Districts

{{Organization
|OrganizationName=National Association of Conservation Districts
|OrganizationType=Non-profit
|Mission=National Association of Conservation Districts promotes resource conservation via advocacy and education for future generations.
|OrganizationExecutive=Tim Palmer, Chief Executive Officer
|Services=Advocacy; Education; Conservation Programs
|HeadquartersLocation=38.8977, -77.0365
|HeadquartersAddress=509 Capitol Court, NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA
|Website=https://www.nacdnet.org/
}}
'''National Association of Conservation Districts''' (NACD) is a non-profit organization that represents America’s nearly 3,000 conservation districts and the approximately 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. It focuses on promoting natural resource conservation through local, state, and national advocacy, education initiatives, and partnerships.

{{Official URL (simple)|url=https://www.nacdnet.org/}}

== Mission ==
The mission of the National Association of Conservation Districts is to serve conservation districts by providing national leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation. NACD works to promote the responsible stewardship of natural resources on all lands through grassroots advocacy, educational programs, and strategic partnerships.

== Parent organization ==
NACD does not have a parent organization; it operates independently but collaborates with various conservation-related bodies.

== Legislation ==
NACD was not created by specific legislation but rather as an association of local conservation districts which were established under various state laws.

==Partners==
* [[Natural Resources Conservation Service]]
* [[Department of Agriculture]]
* [[Department of the Interior]]
See https://www.nacdnet.org/about-nacd/partners-and-affiliates-2/ for more details.
[[Category:Partnerships]]

== Number of employees ==
The number of employees is not publicly detailed.

== Organization structure ==
NACD's structure includes:
* '''Board of Directors''' which governs the organization and sets policy.
* '''Executive Committee''' handles strategic directions and oversees operations.
* '''Program Committees''' focus on specific areas like soil health, water resources, and forestry.

== List of programs ==
* Conservation Poster Contest
* Urban and Community Conservation
* Forestry Programs
* Soil Health Initiatives

== Partnerships ==
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) partners with the U.S. government, particularly through its relationship with the [[United States Department of Agriculture|USDA]] and its [[Natural Resources Conservation Service]] (NRCS) agency.

This collaboration demonstrates how a non-profit can work with government agencies to achieve conservation, resource management, and sustainability objectives.

=== Collaboration with NRCS ===
NACD works closely with NRCS to implement conservation programs at the local level. NRCS provides [[Technical assistance|technical]] and financial assistance to conservation districts through programs like the [[Environmental Quality Incentives Program|EQIP]]<ref>https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/</ref> and the [[Conservation Stewardship Program|CSP]]<ref>https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/</ref>. NACD ensures these programs are effectively managed and implemented by local districts.

=== Advocacy and Policy Influence ===
NACD serves as an advocate for conservation districts, influencing federal policy and funding for conservation initiatives. They engage with legislators to promote policies beneficial to local districts, thus indirectly partnering with the government to shape agricultural and environmental policy.

=== Partnership Programs ===

* [[Equity Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements]] - NACD collaborates with NRCS to provide conservation assistance to underserved communities, focusing on climate-smart agriculture and forestry practices<ref>https://www.nacdnet.org/equity-conservation-outreach-cooperative-agreements/</ref>.

=== Watershed Stewardship Program ===
NACD works with NRCS through the [[Watershed Stewardship Program]], where local conservation districts sponsor projects for flood prevention and watershed management<ref>https://www.nacdnet.org/programs/watershed-stewardship/</ref>.

=== Educational and Outreach Initiatives ===
Through educational programs, NACD disseminates information about federal conservation programs, aligning with USDA goals like soil health and water quality improvement.

=== Funding and Grants ===
NACD helps connect conservation districts with federal funding opportunities, including grants for urban agriculture and conservation practices, ensuring federal resources are effectively utilized locally.

=== Nature of Partnership ===

* Non-Governmental Role - Although NACD is not a government entity, it acts as a vital link between local conservation districts and federal agencies. It lobbies for supportive legislation, educates about federal programs, and facilitates partnerships for conservation projects.
* Grassroots Advocacy - NACD represents local land managers' interests in national policy discussions, creating a partnership where federal policy is informed by local needs and experiences.

== Last total enacted budget ==
The budget details are not publicly available.

== Leader ==
The leader of NACD is Tim Palmer, with the title of Chief Executive Officer.

== Services provided ==
NACD provides services like advocacy for conservation policies at the federal level, educational resources for conservation practices, and support for local conservation districts in implementing programs. They help districts in securing funding, developing conservation plans, and promoting sustainable land management practices.

== Regulations overseen ==
NACD does not oversee regulations as it is not a government entity.

== Headquarters address ==
509 Capitol Court, NE, Washington, DC 20002, USA

== Website ==

* [https://www.nacdnet.org/ NACD Website]
* https://www.nacdnet.org/
* https://www.guidestar.org/profile/52-1235940

== Wikipedia article ==

* [[Wikipedia:National Association of Conservation Districts|wikipedia:National Association of Conservation Districts]]

==References==
<references />
*

[[Category:Conservation Organizations]]
[[Category:Partner organizations]]