(NAFB.com) – The National Association of Conservation Districts leadership and over one hundred locally elected conservation district officials convened last week in Washington, D.C., for the NACD Annual Spring Fly-In. Conservation district officials and their associations engaged directly with members of Congress and federal agencies to advance priorities that strengthen America’s voluntary, locally-led conservation delivery system. As part of their advocacy efforts, conservation leaders underscored the importance of passing a farm bill that strengthens local conservation, maintains a strong FY 2027 funding for NRCS conservation operations, invests in the conservation workforce and local delivery infrastructure, and ensures federal programs remain flexible and responsive to local priorities. “The current model works because it is locally led, partnership-driven, and grounded in trust,” said NACD President Gary Blair. “It depends on strong, sustained investment to continue delivering results.”
