Conservation Leaders Advocate for Local Control During D.C. Fly-In

NACD officials meet with Congress to push for farm bill and funding priorities

Mar. 31, 2026 at 4:23pm

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A serene oil painting depicting a solitary figure standing in front of the U.S. Capitol building, the scene bathed in warm, dramatic lighting that casts deep shadows, conceptually representing the importance of local control in conservation policy.Conservation leaders seek to preserve the locally-driven model that has underpinned successful voluntary conservation efforts across the country.Washington Today

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) leadership and over 100 locally elected conservation district officials gathered in Washington, D.C. last week for the NACD Annual Spring Fly-In. During the event, the conservation leaders engaged with members of Congress and federal agencies to advance priorities that strengthen America's voluntary, locally-led conservation delivery system.

Why it matters

The NACD represents a nationwide network of locally-elected conservation districts that work directly with landowners to implement conservation practices. This fly-in allowed them to advocate for policies and funding that preserve the locally-driven model, which they argue is crucial for delivering effective and responsive conservation programs.

The details

As part of their advocacy efforts, the conservation leaders underscored the importance of passing a farm bill that strengthens local conservation, maintains 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 NACD Annual Spring Fly-In took place last week in Washington, D.C.

The players

NACD

The National Association of Conservation Districts, a nationwide network of locally-elected conservation districts that work directly with landowners to implement conservation practices.

Gary Blair

The president of the NACD.

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What they’re saying

“The current model works because it is locally led, partnership-driven, and grounded in trust. It depends on strong, sustained investment to continue delivering results.”

— Gary Blair, NACD President

The takeaway

This fly-in underscores the NACD's commitment to preserving the locally-driven conservation model, which they believe is crucial for delivering effective and responsive programs tailored to community needs. Their advocacy efforts aim to secure farm bill provisions and federal funding that will strengthen this locally-led approach to conservation.