Natural Resource Conservation Districts

NRCD Faqs

History of Arizona’s Natural Resource Conservation Districts

Toward the end of the 19th century, concern was beginning to build about soil loss due to wind and water erosion.   In 1898, the first soil survey of the United States was conducted.  Soil scientist Hugh Hammond

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Bennett was so concerned that he published a pamphlet, “Soil Erosion, A National Menace”, and testified before Congress.  His testimony resulted in some of the first funding to fight the deteriorating natural resource base and established soil erosion experiment stations in various locations around the United States; however, no national program was established.  In 1930, Bennett wrote a paper for the American Society of Agronomy (a non profit agricultural group focused on field-crop production and soil management) in which a national program was outlined.  More>>

Natural Resource Conservation Districts (NRCDs) are organized under State and Tribal law. Governed by locally elected and appointed officials, Districts evaluate the conservation needs of their respective areas.

Conservation Districts create unique partnerships between federal, state and local agencies to address natural resource concerns.

District activities include watershed management, enhancement and restoration of riparian areas and integrated land use planning to improve water and air quality. Districts promote and provide for voluntary compliance of environmental laws by encouraging “best management practices".

Arizona NRCD Directory of Supervisors. Revised 9/6/11.

Operations Manual - Arizona Natural Resource Conservation Districts.

NRCD Education Centers

Education Centers

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Many districts have established education centers specializing in environmental education. The purpose of the Education Centers is to promote a balanced appreciation and awareness of Arizona’s environment.

Centers provide unbiased “hands-on” programs addressing local environmental issues that are practical and relevant.

Environmental Education Center Directory

 

Forms/ Applications/ Additional Information

Forms List >>

Call  Doug Witte 602 542-2699 or by email dwitte@land.az.gov to learn when your local Conservation District board meets or to obtain information on the NRCD education center in your community.