NACD President Lee McDaniel participated in a USDA NRCS press conference celebrating the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The event was held at the historic Terra Rubra Farm in Maryland (the birthplace of Francis Scott Key).
The event was emceed by the newly appointed Maryland State Conservationist Dr. Terron Hillsman and included brief remarks from Myron Frock, Chairman of the Carroll County District Board; Heather Campbell, representing the office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin; Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Bartenfelder; Al Todd, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay; Krysta Harden, Deputy Secretary for the USDA; and NACD's own President Lee McDaniel.
The day's event highlighted the Mason Dixon Working Lands Partnership project and the overall strength of the RCPP program. McDaniel spoke on the important role conservation districts can play in the future of RCPP projects.
"Conservation Districts are well positioned to be leaders in RCPP projects across the nation," he said. "We have the relationships with private landowners and the demonstrated expertise to get the job done. The RCPP program expands our opportunities to reach a higher level of commitment and more effective solutions from public and private partners to deliver voluntary conservation on the working landscape in America."
The event was capped off with an address from Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden who praised the RCPP program for bringing people together and spoke of her excitement for the future of the program. Secretary Harden also reminded attendees of the newest opportunity for submitting RCPP proposals by July 8.