WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressional Western Caucus Chairman Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Senate Western Caucus Chairman Steve Daines (MT), and Reps. Don Bacon (NE-02), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), and Sanford Bishop (GA-02) introduced a bicameral and bipartisan resolution to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) and honor the locally-led, collaborative conservation efforts they deploy throughout the United States.
“In rural America and across the United States, we recognize the need for voluntary, locally-led conservation leadership,” said Chairman Newhouse. “For 75 years, conservation districts have answered that call, working with states, local land managers, tribes, and other partners to ensure responsible management of our lands, waters, and wildlife. This bicameral, bipartisan resolution indicates both our strong support for NACD’s continued mission and a commitment to lifting up the efforts of local districts and conservationists throughout the communities we represent.”
“For 75 years, the National Association of Conservation Districts has successfully led efforts to bring together diverse groups from farmers and ranchers to energy workers to promote commonsense conservation,” said Chairman Daines. “In Montana, our conservation districts played a crucial role in the voluntary, proactive sage grouse conservation that aided in the species recovery, preventing the bird from becoming endangered. I look forward to many more years of collaboration and working together with the NACD.”
“Congratulations on 75 years to the National Association of Conservation Districts, a strong advocate for locally-led conservation districts through increased advocacy, education, and partnerships,” said Rep. Bacon. “Their work assisting locally-led conservation districts will surely lead to another 75 years.”
“Land management is inherently local, led by the men and women who know and love the resources around them best,” said Vice Chair Westerman, Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee. “The National Association of Conservation Districts is an incredible advocate for this kind of community-based management, and it’s a pleasure to celebrate 75 years of their hard work. I look forward to many more years of locally-led management of America’s most valuable natural resources.”
“Today we commemorate 75 years of local, incentive driven, voluntary conservation efforts led by the National Association of Conservation Districts,” said Rep. Bishop. “Conservation districts sprang out of the devastation caused by the Dust Bowl in the 1930’s. They are once again taking the lead in helping producers implement climate smart practices that conserve natural resources, make farms more resilient, and mitigate the impact of climate change. In FY 2020, Georgia’s 40 conservation districts led and directed federal programs investing $66,000,000 in federal funds in the state. I am honored to introduce this resolution recognizing the critical role NACD and their members play in the communities they serve."
“Conservation districts are crucial for advancing natural resource conservation in their communities and across America’s landscapes,” said NACD President Michael Crowder. “For 75 years, NACD’s national leadership and representation have unified the locally-led conservation voice, promoting responsible management and conservation of natural resources on all lands through grassroots advocacy, education and partnerships.”
The resolution was introduced with the support of 30 House Members, including Reps. Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Sanford Bishop (GA-06), Don Bacon (NE-02), Bruce Westerman (AR-04), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Liz Cheney (WY-AL), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Chris Stewart (UT-02), John Curtis (UT-03), Jimmy Panetta (CA-20), Doug Lamborn (CO-05), David Valadao (CA-21), Tom O’Halleran (AZ-01), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), Frank Lucas (OK-03), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (PR-AL), Jim Costa (CA-16), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Dave Joyce (OH-14), Mike Simpson (ID-02), French Hill (AR-02), Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Ann Kuster (NH-02), Adrian Smith (NE-03), Cliff Bentz (OR-02), Jay Obernolte (CA-08), John Garamendi (CA-03), Abigail Spanberger (VA-07), and Ed Case (HI-01).
Click here to read the full text of the resolution.
