usda

USDA-NRCS Accepting RCPP Project Proposals

Dan Conservation, Environment, Forestry, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants to remind landowners it is now accepting project proposals through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This will help farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners adopt and expand conservation strategies to enhance natural resources while tackling the climate crisis.  This $1.5 billion investment, being made available through the Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, is enabling …

southeast

Southeast a Leader in Prescribed Fire

Dan Environment, Forestry

The University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Fire Network uses prescribed burns to fight fire with fire. Fire Network Director Lenya N. Quinn-Davidson says the southeast is a leader in prescribed burns. “The Southeastern US has been the place where that cultural connection to prescribe fire was never lost in the same way that it was in the Western …

Florida landowners

Florida Landowners Encouraged to Apply for RCPP

Dan Florida, Forestry, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values and practices have an opportunity to apply for Entity Held Conservation Easementsopportunities in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS) and Tall Timbers Research, Inc. through April 5, 2024. Landowners who applied for the recent Florida Department of Consumer Services Rural and Family Lands Protection Program cycle are encouraged to apply for …

nacd

NACD Calls to Increase Funding for Conservation Priorities

Dan Conservation, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Environment, Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Forestry, National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), USDA-NRCS

This past Saturday, President Biden signed Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 appropriations legislation into law that provides funding for several federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Department of the Interior. And while the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) appreciates that the enactment of final federal spending legislation prevents a government shutdown and …

catastrophic

Catastrophic Losses Ahead After Texas Wildfires

Dan Agri-Business, Economy, Forestry, This Land of Ours

Catastrophic losses from the Texas wildfires. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller announced his agency’s commitment to providing support to the state’s producers as they deal with the aftermath of devastating wildfires in the Texas Panhandle. The Smokehouse Creek Fire has burned through almost 1,700 square miles of land, making it the largest …

nature

Nature Connects Us Campaign Launches

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

A new campaign to connect us to nature. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The National Forest Foundation and USDA’s Forest Service Monday announced the launch of “Nature Connects Us.” The outreach campaign aims to awaken and strengthen our connection to national forests and grasslands. The campaign is grounded in honoring ancestral tribal homelands through respectful and mindful …

Christmas tree

Theory of Christmas Tree Tradition

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

How did the tradition of the Christmas tree get started? Gary Crawford has one of several possible theories coming up on This Land of Ours. No one knows for sure exactly how the tradition of decorating an Evergreen tree for the holidays got started, but one story is called “The Blessing of the Fir Tree.” Agriculture Department history researcher Anne …

partnership

Partnership for U.S. Forests

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

A new partnership to improve the nation’s forests. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The nonprofit conservation organization American Forests is teaming up with the USDA Forest Service to help in reforestation across millions of burned and degraded acres over the next five years. The $20 million agreement will enable American Forests to aid the Forest Service to …

tight

Tight Supply of Christmas Trees

Dan Forestry, This Land of Ours

What’s the story behind the recent very tight supplies of real Christmas trees? Gary Crawford tells us in today’s This Land of Ours. Shop early to find that perfect Christmas tree before they’re all gone. Shoppers are hearing that message a lot this year, but why? Well, Tim O’Connor with the National Christmas Tree Association says most growers these days …