(NSF) — A project to remove a section of the Old Tamiami Trail roadbed in a Miami-Dade County section of the Everglades has been finished months ahead of schedule. The completion of the project, which was announced Tuesday morning, will allow more fresh water to freely flow south through the Everglades. The road, which was built nearly 100 years ago, …
Developing a Conservation Plan
Developing a conservation plan through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) can help landowners identify objectives and analyze the natural resource issues on that land. These are related to soil, water, animals, plants, air, energy and human interaction. NRCS Deputy Chief for Programs, Jimmy Bramblett, says everyone can take advantage of the benefits of conservation. Bramblett notes how water is …
Drones, Money Pitched to Bolster Red Tide Efforts
(NSF, August, 4, 2021/TALLAHASSEE) — Drones could be used to monitor red tide, and money should be set aside to offset local costs of removing fish killed by toxic algae blooms, state wildlife officials said Wednesday as they look to manage future outbreaks. Members of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said more-proactive measures are needed because red tide …
DeSantis, Fried Offer Different Takes on Red Tide
(NSF, August 3, 2021/TALLAHASSEE) — Gov. Ron DeSantis and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nikki Fried made appearances Tuesday along the Gulf Coast, offering competing views about an ongoing toxic red-tide outbreak. Fried, the state agriculture commissioner, reiterated a call for DeSantis to declare a state of emergency to help combat the outbreak that has caused at least 600 tons of dead …
USDA Seeking Partnerships to Restore Wetland Ecosystems
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind conservation partners that they will be investing up to $17 million to help protect and restore critical wetlands on agricultural lands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prioritizing proposals that focus on assisting historically underserved producers conserving wetlands. But, the deadline for proposals from partners …
NACD Celebrates 75th Anniversary
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) celebrated its 75th anniversary Sunday in Chicago, Illinois, where the association was founded in 1946. The event featured remarks from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, as well as a historical presentation from Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) Historian Joe Otto. Vilsack said, “NACD and NRCS …
USDA Compost and Food Waste Reduction Applications are Due Friday
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $2 million for local governments to host Community Compost and Food Waste Reduction (CCFWR) pilot projects for fiscal year 2021. But the deadline to apply is Friday, July 16. The cooperative agreements support projects that develop and test strategies for planning and implementing municipal compost plans and food waste …
South Florida Farm Bill Conservation Programs Workshop
A workshop about USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) financial assistance for local farmers, nursery operators, and private forestland owners for conservation practices will be held July 21 from 9 a.m.-noon. The workshop will provide information about conservation planning for successful participation, basic eligibility, and what each program has to offer. The event will be held at the Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension …
USDA Announces Dates for CRP Grasslands Signups
Signup has opened for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Grasslands This year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) updated signup options to provide greater incentives for producers and increase the program’s conservation and climate benefits, including setting a minimum rental rate and identifying two national priority zones. The CRP Grassland signup is competitive, and USDA’s …
Florida Python Challenge is Underway
(NSF/July 12, 2021) — The 2021 Florida Python Challenge started last Friday as part of a drive to eliminate the large snakes that threaten native wildlife in the Florida Everglades. For a total of ten days, competitors will seek the longest, heaviest and most Burmese pythons. The hunt is taking place across more than 1.5 million acres in South and …