Policy Book – Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts

BASIC POLICIES

Effective work for the conservation and development of natural resources and for the improvement of the environment can be done best by those who own the land and/or live on the land and use it, along with all the related resources. Beyond that, all Americans share in the responsibility for stewardship of the resources upon which everyone depends.

MACD is guided by a number of basic policies:

To motivate the officials of soil and water conservation districts to full and positive leadership.
To strengthen the basic American principle that the function of government is to serve, not to dominate or control.
To seek public assistance for conservation work which is in the public interest and which landowners and land users cannot perform adequately with their own capabilities or authorities.
To support the development and implementation of state laws and local ordinances to guide decisions that will provide for the conservation and best use of the soil and water resources on a sustained basis.
To seek effective support for soil and water conservation districts wherever it may be found – in government, industry, labor, and commerce; in farm, civic, and conservation organizations; among educators, publishers, and the clergy; and in all other segments of society.
To strongly support the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission staff to provide on site assistance to soil and water conservation district commissioners and their staffs and urge the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission staff at all levels to fully cooperate in facilitating this assistance.
To supply reliable information about the purposes and activities of soil and water conservation districts to the press, radio, and television; to state and local legislative bodies; to farm organizations and agricultural leaders; and to all responsible organizations and leaders concerned with these purposes and activities.
To assist public agencies concerned with the conservation, use, and development of natural resources to provide more effective service to the people of the district and state.
To give a high priority to the conservation of the state’s soil and water resources. We believe that conservation is essential to maintain the resource base to meet our long-term food and fiber needs, fight inflation, meet environmental goals, maintain a favorable balance of trade, protect our national security, and maintain our standard of living. We recognize that the roots of our strength, security and well-being cling deeply in the fabric of our natural resources.
To encourage resource conservation programs to be designed and implemented to take advantage of the willingness of private resource users to voluntarily carry out needed conservation measures. We seek new and better systems of economic incentives for conservation to amplify the private resource user’s capability to manage their resources in the long-term interest of all people.
To encourage conservation program policies and budgets at all levels of government to be based primarily on the natural resource needs. We place a high priority on programs that achieve actual on-the-land soil and water conservation treatment and urge cooperating agencies to do the same.
To seek grants or matching funds to state and local entities in order to maximize local support for, and management of natural resource programs.
To seek the strengthening of soil and water conservation district legal authority and financial support to provide the district with the staff and program implementation capability that is needed.
To support the coordination of national and state agricultural programs so that food, agriculture and natural resource conservation policies will be linked together and provide appropriate private incentives to produce while still protecting resources.
To strive for more effective procedures for resolving conflicts over resource use to reduce the paperwork, controversy, litigation and delay that has become common during the last decade. Our objective of such a process is to make environmentally and economically sound decisions without undue cost or delay.
To seek Congressional action and state legislation to establish a special dedicated revenue source to provide stable, adequate and continuing financing for needed reinvestment in natural resources through conservation programs.
To seek basic and applied research to improve natural resources management and conservation.
To support the completion and updating of the State Cooperative Soil Survey as rapidly as possible to provide the basic information for many types of natural resource programs.
To seek stronger state and local leadership in a concerted private-public, local-state effort to develop new programs to encourage balanced rural and urban growth with less waste and misuse of natural resources. We support the protection of prime and unique production lands and discourage their permanent conversion and loss to other uses. Above all, we honor the right of individuals to own, maintain and control property and respect private property rights entitled by the Constitution of the United States. Any taking or damaging of these rights should be compensated justly to the owner’s satisfaction.
To be committed to the conservation and rational development of adequate water supplies for domestic, agricultural, industrial, and in-stream uses in keeping with the needs and desires of people for acceptable levels of water quality.
To support those uses and values of natural resources, whether for wildlife, recreation, scenic beauty or preservation, be considered in making resource management choices. We believe that landowners and users should not carry the economic burden of providing these public benefits.
To seek, through effective environmental education programs, that every citizen – both student and adult – will have opportunities for classroom and field study to acquire the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, and commitment needed to protect and improve the environment.
MACD does not endorse regulations and hardships imposed on citizens derived from research not done under good science parameters.
To acknowledge improvements made to natural resources by individuals and organizations in the State.
Agriculture, as a large user of energy, should have membership on state and federal boards, commissions and councils dealing with energy. With the future demand for both energy and food, agriculture requires a number one priority in fuel allocation and full cooperation in the production and distribution of agricultural chemicals and minerals for all farmers, ranchers and agriculturally related businesses.

DRAINAGE

Background

In many areas of Mississippi, drainage is an essential part of agricultural production.
MACD does not advocate drainage for the purpose of bringing new land into cultivation. However, drainage on existing cropland and in some communities is a continuing conservation need. On farm drainage is essential. In farming areas where drainage is needed, adequate systems must be in place before other conservation practices can be installed. Proper drainage permits timely operation of farm machinery to plant and harvest crops and improves efficiency of plant nutrients.

ECONOMIC INCENTIVES

Conservation Incentives Program

One of the most effective methods to encourage farmers to adopt and maintain conservation practices are to provide economic incentives. MACD encourages the use of property and income tax incentives and cost-share programs.
MACD recommends that conservation district officials should not be prohibited from participation in cost-share programs that are administered by the Conservation District. Legislation should be adopted that allows district officials to participate.
MACD supports an incentive program to use modern timber bridge technology.

Tax Incentives

MACD urges Congress to restore the rate differential between long term capital gains and ordinary income to the level it stood before the Tax Reform Act of 1986.
MACD recommends that Federal and State estate tax provisions be rewritten so that they do not cause the unnecessary breakup of family farms and that the Federal estate gift tax be increased to the level of $3,000,000.
MACD supports an increase in the severance tax collected in Mississippi and favors the dedication of the entire amount collected to the funding of site preparation and planting of pine and hardwood seedlings through FRDP.

Taxation

MACD urges the MS Legislature to make a study to determine the feasibility of a uniform drainage tax as well as the consolidation of present drainage districts with full concurrence of the local districts involved.
MACD supports a tax exemption for landowners and operators who receive cost-share or incentive payments for the installation of BMPs for the purpose of reducing soil erosion and the protection or improvement of water quality
MACD supports the creation of a tax credit for taxpayers who are implementing precision farming techniques, creating or renovating water structures that will be used for the purpose of irrigating agricultural crops or improving water quality, or using reusable temporary stream crossing structures in logging operations.

ENVIRONMENT

Water Quality

MACD recommends legislation that authorizes districts and the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission to conduct voluntary programs for the control of nonpoint pollution, especially the control of sediment, nutrients, animal wastes and pesticides. Further that the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission should have authority to establish a water quality management plan certification program.
MACD recommends that water quality programs dealing with agricultural pollution be cooperative with an incentive-based approach focusing on education, research and technical assistance.
MACD supports establishing a memorandum of agreement between the MS Department of Environmental Quality and the MS Soil and Water Conservation Commission that recognizes the current roles and responsibilities of each agency as it relates to the non-point pollution and water quality programs.
The Clean Water Act allows and encourages local direction and leadership in program development and delivery. In light of their role in resource management, conservation districts should take a leadership role in local implementation of State and Federal Water Quality Initiatives as they relate to the proper use of land.
MACD supports TMDL development only in watersheds with proven water quality impairments.
MACD recommends TMDLs be formulated using good, sound science.

Regulations

MACD opposes agricultural environmental permit fees.
MACD opposes blanket legislation or regulation that prohibits the sale or use of fertilizer or manure by farmers.

Energy

MACD supports the use of Mississippi lignite coal as well as other natural resources as alternate energy sources including re-newable fuels
MACD supports the use of manure and other residues for fertilizer and methane production.

Littering

MACD supports strict enforcement of anti-litter laws, which includes state inspection of creeks and rivers for household garbage with Department of Environmental Quality fines.
MACD recommends that permanent signs be erected to prevent dumping at bridges, crossings and other points where dumping is likely to occur.

Hazardous Waste

MACD supports the continuation and expansion of waste pesticide disposal programs to all counties.
MACD urges the MDAC Division of Plant Industry, along with the Office of Pollution Control, to develop a coordinated approach to pesticide waste control. MACD further urges public agencies and private industry groups, including farmers, to work with the pesticide regulatory and waste disposal agencies and educational organizations to develop a workable strategy for dealing with pesticide wastes.

Solid Waste Disposal, Composting and Recycling

MACD supports a statewide effort to recycle all pesticide containers.
MACD supports a statewide effort to recycle, compost and provide for solid waste disposal and should:
Encourage districts to press for county-wide solid waste management plans.
Provide guidance to each conservation district so they are in a position to counsel county supervisors and other municipal decision makers in solid waste management.
Support State legislation providing funds for construction of solid waste facilities in the State.
Encourage districts to publicize the need for solid waste disposal programs.
Initiate plans for educational programs in the grade schools to make them cognizant of the need for programs.
MACD encourages districts to work with local and state government to assure that state policies and guidelines for sludge application on agricultural land consider sound agricultural and conservation practices. State monitoring programs should be established to ensure that all sludge applied to farmland has been properly tested and it’s safety to crops assured.
MACD encourages districts to work with local and state government to provide input at the review phase for site plans of any proposed land application systems for municipal and industrial wastewater sludge.

Pests and Pesticides

MACD supports legislation which would prevent farmers from being liable for damages resulting from the use of pesticides according to the label.
MACD recommends strict and improved training programs on the proper handling and safe use of restricted pesticides. The program should emphasize safety procedures on filling and emptying chemical tanks and safe use and proper disposal of chemicals and chemical containers. All farmers need full explanation of user liabilities.
MACD urges the agricultural chemical manufacturers to redirect their advertising campaign to promote environmentally safe use of their pesticides and to consider promoting commodities in their advertising.
MACD supports the widespread promotion and use of integrated pest management (IPM) as a method of reducing costs, risks, liability and total dependence on farm chemicals.
MACD opposes any mandatory IPM program that restricts the use of private management practices. The use of IPM should remain voluntary.

FEDERAL AGENCY OPERATIONS

NRCS and Local Districts

Natural resource needs of the nation, including special state and local conditions, cannot be served successfully by a combined mega agency attempting response to a collage of special interests. MACD supports NRCS remaining a single agency whose only interest is natural resource conservation along with the establishment of an Under Secretary of Conservation. Current programs should be expanded and new frontiers of service developed that will encompass the total base of natural resource conservation needs across the nation. The foundation of this expanded agency is currently in place and functioning effectively on national, state and local levels. MACD recommends the improving and expansion of it’s scope.

FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

Cost-share Programs

MACD encourages all districts to participate fully in EQIP and further recommends congress to increase funding.
MACD supports cost-share programs to off set the cost of building composter buildings or sheds, that meet state or federal guidelines, for the disposal of dead chickens
MACD supports cost share programs to off set the cost of building and maintaining lagoons or other waste management systems if farmers are required to build such systems by state or federal regulations.
MACD supports the Conservation Security Program of the 2002 Farm Bill and recommends that it be delivered through the current delivery system.
In areas of demonstrated adverse water quality impacts from fertilizers/ manures, MACD supports the providing of technical and financial assistance to farmers for the implementation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) which will result in improved water quality.
MACD opposes the expansion of the WRP (Wetlands Reserve Program) in Mississippi on prime farm land.
MACD opposes the expansion of the present CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) on land that does not meet HEL (Highly Erodible Land) requirements or soil classification for prime land.
MACD highly supports the Continuous CRP Program that allows for the establishment of riparian buffers.
MACD recommends under the Conservation Security Program, that resource concerns be determined at the local level and further, that the local level decide which best management practices are most beneficial to the local community.
MACD believes that county WRP and CRP acreage limitation caps should be established based solely upon enrolled acreage located within geographic county lines. Acreage limitation caps should not be based on the county location of the FSA office in which the contract is administered.

FORESTRY

District Forestry Program

MACD encourages an improved soil and water conservation district information and education program. This will educate landowners and operators, school children and the general public on the wise use of our forestry resources in the state of Mississippi.
MACD also supports:

*the increase of County Forestry Associations

*the Mississippi Tree Farm Program

*the Forest Stewardship Program for Mississippi

*more adequate agency cooperation in order to develop improved management of our forest lands

MACD urges landowners, the forestry community and agencies involved in silviculture conservation to cooperate in the voluntary compliance of Forestry Best Management Practices.

Economic Issues

MACD recognizes the need for forestry cost-share programs and supports restored funding that will enable landowners and operators to improve their forestry management practices.

FUNDING CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

National Funding

MACD requests and supports sufficient long range funding necessary to continue planning and development of programs and practices designed to effectively provide adequate soil erosion control and enhance water quality. This could be accomplished by grants to states on a cost-share basis. MACD supports the existing conservation farm programs of the 1996 Farm Bill and requests additional funding in order to have effective program implementation.

State & Local Funding

MACD requests and supports adequate funding for long range soil erosion control and improvement of water quality. These funds could be utilized (1) on the state level for specialized major projects of extensive proportions and (2) on the local level by county districts for continued planning and installation of necessary conservation structures and practices. Local boards of commissioners in participation with USDA and NRCS personnel should be actively involved in the process.

NATURAL RESOURCE DATA

Soil Surveys

MACD recommends:
That soil surveys are completed and published in an efficient and rapid manner.
That soil surveys should be digitized and computerized.
That soil surveys should be updated after their usable life of 25 years.

GRAZING LANDS

Energy Efficiency

The energy efficiency of converting forage and roughage to quality protein by grazing animals needs to be understood. The efficiency of pastureland management and production need to be analyzed and basic facts distributed to government agencies, organizations and the public. MACD recommends:
Studies designed to more precisely define energy efficiency requirements and further conservation measures for pastureland management systems.
Studies should continue that establish new forages and measure their benefits.

Brush and Weed Control

Noxious weeds are a major deterrent to pastureland improvement. The increase in weed infestations results in a corresponding increase in the use of herbicides on cropland, timberland and pastureland. This problem not only affects production but also has negative impacts on soil and water. MACD recommends that federal, state and management agencies cooperate in coordinated noxious weed control efforts. USDA agencies should assist such efforts through cost-share programs for noxious weed control on private grazing lands and other grazing lands which are part of the state, federal and private weed control areas.

PRIVATE PROPERTY RIGHTS

Background

One of the most fundamental issues in society involves the delicate balance between private property and the power of the state to restrict the use of such property for public benefit. The principle of private ownership of land in the United States is rooted both in English common law and in the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Fifth Amendment specifically prohibits the taking of property without compensating the property owner. Recent federal programs and policies that restrict the use of private property have sparked considerable debate over when such restrictions constitute a “taking” of private property, thus requiring that the property owner be compensated.

Along with the rights of private ownership also comes the responsibility for proper stewardship of the land as part of the foundation on which American agriculture and democracy are based. Although stewardship is deeply ingrained in the traditions of most agricultural producers, programs such as the 1985 and 1990 Farm Bills and the Coastal Zone Act Reauthorization Amendments of 1990 (CZARA), have codified that tradition into law.

It is the policy of the Mississippi Association of Conservation Districts that in the event of government take over of private agricultural land, full compensation, taking into account every aspect of land value including extended income and potential appreciation in its present use, should be given.

MACD opposes the imposition of unrealistic and threatening regulations on agricultural land users that result in diminished income to farmers.
Agricultural land owners and users should be encouraged to act as responsible and beneficial stewards of natural resources.
MACD supports the development of effective means and methods of preventing government take over of private agricultural land for public use.
MACD opposes efforts that would designate wild and scenic rivers in the State of Mississippi if such designation affects owners of private lands without their consent.

RESOURCE PLANNING

Background

MACD believes the voluntary conservation and management of soil and water resources should be an integral part of the nation’s farm program.
MACD supports a sustained program of research designed to ascertain the economic probabilities associated with various kinds of conservation and resource management programs, including those that are primarily agricultural, industrial, recreational and environmental.
MACD advocates strengthening local and state involvement in resource management affairs by improving the capabilities of state and county governments and soil and water conservation districts to carry out comprehensive programs of resource development.
The MACD emphasizes the need for professionally trained personnel in all aspects of land, water, forest, fish and wildlife resource planning, use and management. In arriving at resource decisions, we believe the public interest will be served best and environmental objectives will more likely be achieved by placing great reliance on the counsel of those possessing the appropriate scientific or professional training and expertise.

Protection of Agricultural Land

MACD asserts the public acquisition of wetlands, croplands and other privately-owned lands should be consistent with proper land use and subject to review and approval of the soil and water conservation district officials.
MACD recommends agreements or contracts between the government and landowners for adjustments in production and land use should be based, to the largest practical extent, on (1) scientific land capability and soil survey data; (2) a long-range plan for the use of the land comprising the operating unit; and (3) the coordinated use of technical assistance, cost-sharing, and credit. Further, we urge that such agreements and contracts be developed to the largest practical extent in cooperation with soil and water conservation district officials and carried out in harmony with district long-range programs.
MACD encourages soil and water conservation districts to take a leadership role in farmland protection programs, where these programs are being formulated and are operating. We are concerned about the conversion and potential reduction in the supply of agricultural lands.
MACD supports adequate protection of all land resources as the best way to reduce non-point pollution from land used for agriculture. We urge the Mississippi Soil and Water Conservation Commission and soil and water conservation districts to take the leadership role in this program.
MACD supports legislation that will create county agricultural districts in Mississippi. Enrollment for farm land would be voluntary. Agricultural districts would be governed by a county commission made up of Soil and Water Conservation District Commissioners. All zoning or ordinances, etc., that has any effect on land voluntarily enrolled into the agricultural district would have to be approved by the agricultural district commissioners.
In dealing with Mississippi’s erosion problem, MACD recommends farmers use the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s best management practices.

Prime and Unique Lands

MACD supports efforts underway to identify “prime and unique” agricultural lands, to estimate the supply of such lands in relation to oncoming needs, to assess the hazards to maintenance of such lands in agriculture and horticulture, and to preserve these lands in agricultural and horticultural use wherever possible.
MACD supports the principle that landowners be compensated by state or local government with tax relief or purchase of development rights to encourage their cooperation in preserving prime and unique agricultural lands.
Federal and state projects such as wilderness areas, game ranges, parks and engineering projects often take or tie up large acreages of agricultural land. MACD urges the federal and state government to conduct its activities in relation to federal and state lands and projects so that as much agricultural land as possible is retained for agricultural production. We favor no net loss in private ownership.

Federal/State Land Use Planning

MACD believes that any federal and state resource management legislation must recognize local concerns and capabilities, economic as well as environmental values, the importance of agriculture to the present and future well-being of the nation, and the rights and responsibilities of private property ownership. We will also work for acceptable effective collaboration, in land use planning and management, between private property and property administered by state and federal governments.
As states undertake greater consideration of their land use policies and problems, MACD urges that provision be made for the maximum practical participation by local jurisdictions, conservation districts, sub-state planning regions, and other units of multi-county governmental organizations.
MACD upholds and emphasizes America’s fundamental regard for the ownership and management of private property, including the rights and responsibilities associated with such ownership.
MACD calls upon soil and water conservation districts to keep close communication with state legislators and legislative committees, as well as with state planning agencies, as state land use plans, standards, guidelines and area delineations are developed.
MACD urges districts to offer their natural resource information, as well as their expertise in land use, to help guide policy and decision-making in land use planning and regulation.
MACD believes that:
Land use laws should provide a proper balance of state and local governments and that proposals for land use changes should reflect the desires and interests of the residents of the areas affected.
Utilization should be made of the standard soil survey and other natural resource data in determining proper land use.
Just compensation should be made for the loss of property rights by landowners.
Ample time and opportunity should be given for public debate and input prior to the establishment of policies and regulations.
Land use management and development plans prepared by public agencies for lands under their control and/or supervision should be made available to all local, regional or state land use planning commissions of the state in which such lands may be located.
Social and economic impacts of proposed actions, as well as environmental impacts, should be carefully assessed and weighed in the decision-making process.
MACD believes that land use decisions must be based upon long time needs and that agricultural land must be protected on a sustained basis.
MACD recognizes that planning assistance is an orderly process of presenting resource data to the decision makers that will lead them to make intelligent decisions about land use and conservation treatment. We encourage the use of soil information, including interpretation, by the decision makers in making land use and conservation treatment decisions.

District Planning

Natural resource tools such as soil surveys, natural soil groups, maps, impoundment inventories, geological surveys, ERTS land use photography, and other similar tools are available. MACD believes that soil and water conservation districts should be the focal point and responsible agency for preparing and providing natural resources inventories and data.
MACD respectfully requests and strongly urges NRCS, the various state soil conservation agencies and other appropriate agencies to investigate and pursue all avenues and alternatives which will lead to a complete natural resources inventory for each soil and water conservation district that can be effectively used in program development.
MACD urges district officials to become familiar with the duties and purposes of county planning agencies functioning within soil and water conservation districts. We also recommend that district officials arrange regular meetings with county planning agencies to exchange information and arrive at mutual understandings beneficial to all concerned. We favor the designation of at least one district official as a member of each county planning agency associated with a district.
MACD urges soil and water conservation districts located around expanding metropolitan areas to develop cooperative working arrangements with each other as a means of working together more effectively on common problems involving assistance to landowners, metropolitan and county agencies of government, conservation and civic organizations, commercial and housing developers, and others with responsibilities or concerns about the affective resources.

Conservation Plans

MACD believes that every farm should have a voluntary conservation plan fitted to it’s resources for the entire farm unit. As a matter of good business, an operator can do a better job with a conservation plan than without one. Piecemeal and uncoordinated conservation efforts cannot be fully effective. We further recommend that said plans should be the vehicle for government conservation help such as technical assistance, cost sharing and credit but that they not be a requirement for such assistance. MACD further believes that all farm plans that have or will be developed for landowners or operators should be private, and not open for public inspection.

Rural Development

MACD urges all soil and water conservation districts to involve themselves in rural development activities, to make their views known on such development and further to assist rural development efforts by providing information on the condition and potential of soil and water resources. Also to recognize this in the development of district plans and programs.

FISH AND WILDLIFE

Background

Fish and wildlife are important natural resources and are necessary elements in the ecological system. They contribute to the quality of the human environment and have both monetary and aesthetic values. In a balanced program of resource conservation and development, we support efforts to provide adequate food, cover and water of suitable quantity and quality for fish and wildlife.
Wildlife conservation practices should incorporate and encourage biodiversity of wildlife and the landscape.

Predator Control

MACD supports predator control measures implemented within accepted principles of wildlife management for the purpose of maintaining proper predator-prey relationships.
MACD supports the Mississippi Beaver Control Assistance Program.

Endangered Species

MACD believes that private landowners who surrender control of their lands for the purpose of protecting threatened or endangered species should be reimbursed for economic losses incurred.

WATER RESOURCES

Water Resources Policy

MACD recommends that the Mississippi Rating Bureau recognize the value of dry hydrants as an alternate water source.

Watershed Program

MACD supports state funds being made available for the purpose of addressing maintenance problems of flood control structures where drainage district boards are inactive or where taxes have not been collected to provide for the necessary maintenance. Funds would only be used in areas where matching funds are available and further where new maintenance agreements would be executed.

Groundwater

MACD supports an amendment of the State Groundwater Protection Law which would hold agricultural chemical applicators blameless if these materials are applied, stored and disposed of according to registered label and state regulations.

RESEARCH & EXTENSION

Research Priorities

MACD encourages MAFES and MCES to work with corporations to develop farmer friendly GPS (Global Positioning Systems) that would: apply the recommended chemical applications with soil types; map soil types and apply fertilizers to correspond to these soil types; determine the possibility of using the system for row or swath guidance, and determine the feasibility of the operations and assist in educating farmers in the possibilities of increasing production and reducing production costs.
MACD encourages continued research and development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques on a regional basis.
Congress should press for an expanded research, testing and development program through USDA on the utilization of crop and forest products and by-products for energy production. This should include special efforts to develop technologies and incentives for processing facilities at a size that can be owned and operated by individual farmers, foresters and small businesses.

INFORMATION & EDUCATION

Education

MACD supports “Project Learning Tree” that is being developed as an educational activity for grades K-12.
MACD supports “Agriculture in the Classroom” as an available part of school curriculum and other efforts, such as National Farm City Week, to provide educational material and programs relating the entire agricultural system which will result in an agriculturally literate public.
MACD supports a National Conservation Message Campaign and recommends that it should explain landowners and growers need for conservation assistance in implementing conservation programs and assistance. This message should also express the long-range benefits of taxpayer dollars for all citizens.
MACD supports the Natural Resources Youth Camp and Envirothon programs as a means of teaching youth the importance, wise use and conservation of natural resources.
MACD supports Project Food, Land & People (FLP) as it provides educational resources and promotes approaches to learning, which help educators and students in grades PreK-12 to better understand the interrelationship among agriculture, the environment and people.

DISTRICT OPERATIONS

District Officials

MACD recommends changes in the Sovereign Immunity Act to make it easier for persons to serve on boards and commissions.

ACRONYMS

ACR……………………….. Acreage Conservation Reserve

ACS…………………… Alternative Conservation Systems

APHIS……… Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

ARS………………………… Agricultural Research Service

BLM………………………….. Bureau of Land Management

BMP…………………………….. Best Management Practice

CAB……………………………………….. Crop Acreage Base

CCC……………………….. Commodity Credit Corporation

CFSA……………… Consolidated Farm Services Agency

COE……………………….. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

CO…………………………………. Conservation Operations

CRES…………. Conservation Reporting and Evaluation

System

CRP………………………. Conservation Reserve Program

CSRS………………. Cooperative State Research Service

CTA Conservation Technical Assistance

CTIC…………….. Conservation Technology Information

Center

CWA…………………………………………… Clean Water Act

CZM…………………………….. Coastal Zone Management

DEC………………………. Demonstration Erosion Control

DEQ………………. Department of Environmental Quality

DU…………………………………………….. Ducks Unlimited

DWFP………. Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks

EI……………………………………………… Erodibility Index

EIS……………………… Environmental Impact Statement

EPA…………………… Environmental Protection Agency

ES…………………………………………… Extension Service

ESA……………………………….. Endangered Species Act

EWP…………………….. Emergency Watershed Program

EQIP……… Environmental Quality Incentives Program

FACTA………………. Food, Agriculture, Conservation &

Trade Act

FCIC……………….. Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

FDA……………………….. Food and Drug Administration

FEMA……….. Federal Emergency Management Agency

FIP……………………………. Forestry Incentives Program

FLP……………………………………… Food Land & People

FmHA……………………… Farmers Home Administration

FOTG………………………… Field Office Technical Guide

FS………………………………………………… Forest Service

FSA…………………………………………. Food Security Act

FWS………………………………. Fish and Wildlife Service

GIS………………………. Geographic Information System

GOMP……………………………… Gulf of Mexico Program

HEL…………………………………….. Highly Erodible Land

ICM………………………….. Integrated Crop Management

IPM…………………………… Integrated Pest Management

IRM………………….. Information Resource Management

LBO……………………………….. Legislative Budget Office

LESA……………. Land Evaluation and Site Assessment

LISA………………….. Low Input Sustainable Agriculture

LTA…………………………………… Long Term Agreement

MACD………. MS Association of Conservation Districts

MAFES…………. MS Agriculture & Forestry Experiment

Station

MARIS…………… MS Automated Resource Information

System

MDAC…………. MS Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce

MEMA……………. MS Emergency Management Agency

MFA……………………………….. MS Forestry Association

MFC………………………………. MS Forestry Commission

MOU…………………….. Memorandum of Understanding

MSWCC…………………… MS Soil & Water Conservation

Commission

MWF…………………………………. MS Wildlife Federation

NACD…………….. National Association of Conservation

Districts

NASCA…… National Association of State Conservation

Agencies

NOAA…………………… National Oceanic & Atmospheric

Administration

NPS………………………………………….. Nonpoint Source

NRI………………………….. National Resources Inventory

NRCS………… Natural Resources Conservation Service

O & M…………………………. Operation and Maintenance

OMB………………….. Office of Management and Budget

PMC…………………………………… Plant Materials Center

RC&D………….. Resource Conservation & Development

RCA…………………………… Resources Conservation Act

RCWP…………………………. Rural Clean Water Program

SWCD………………… Soil & Water Conservation District

SWCS……………….. Soil & Water Conservation Society

USDA……………………… U.S. Department of Agriculture

USDI………………………. U.S. Department of the Interior

USGS……………………………….. U.S. Geological Survey

USLE……………………….. Universal Soil Loss Equation

WRP……………………………. Wetlands Reserve Program