Sheryl Fontaine

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. The agenda was approved with the removal of Item 8. There was a review and correction of the SCC November 21st, 2024 meeting minutes. The commission discussed and considered changes to proposed regulation R176-24 regarding grant money for conservation districts, and Doug Busselman from the Nevada Farm Bureau Federation (NFB) gave a presentation. Cathy Erskine presented on a bill tracking form and legislative matters impacting conservation districts and the SCC. Updates were provided by various agencies and partners, including the Nevada Department of Agriculture, University of Nevada Reno/University Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nevada Farm Service Agency, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Nevada Conservation District Program, Sagebrush Ecosystem Program & Sagebrush Ecosystem Technical Team, NDEP, and Nevada Association of Conservation Districts. Commissioner Items were discussed, including NACD's urban and community grant opportunity. The meeting also included discussion of possible future agenda items and the date, time, and location of the next meeting.

The 2019-2020 Annual Plan for the Washoe-Storey Conservation District outlines key goals focused on maintaining a healthy organization, restoring natural resources (including Washoe Dam and Perry Fire restoration), implementing conservation practices (water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, etc.), controlling noxious weeds, promoting responsible urban land use, and enhancing recreation opportunities. The plan emphasizes fire fuel reduction, collaboration with stakeholders, and community education and outreach. Financial summaries are included, detailing income and expenditures for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.

The Washoe-Storey Conservation District's annual plan focuses on fostering environmental stewardship and responsible resource management. Key areas of focus include restoring and enhancing natural resources (e.g., Washoe Dam, riparian areas), implementing conservation practices (water quality, wildlife habitat), controlling noxious weeds, promoting environmentally responsible urban growth, and developing recreation opportunities. The plan emphasizes education and outreach to engage the community in conservation efforts, and it highlights the importance of public policy in supporting conservation goals. The district works collaboratively with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, and private landowners, to achieve its objectives.

The Conservation District of Southern Nevada (CDSN) work plan for FY 2016-2017 outlines six key objectives: securing adequate funding, coordinating environmental education programs, managing district operations, assisting in conservation plan development, building stakeholder partnerships, and promoting conservation efforts through public outreach. The plan details specific goals and actions under each objective, including pursuing diverse funding sources, delivering educational materials and presentations, ensuring compliance with NRS 548, collaborating with community partners on projects (e.g., Southern Nevada Strong, Community Gardens), and maintaining partnerships with federal, state, and local agencies. The budget projects income from various sources and outlines anticipated expenditures for administrative and program-related activities.

The Nevada Drought Forum will hold a public meeting to discuss potential federal legislation related to the drought, information from previous forum meetings (July 17, 2015, and August 19, 2015), and the Governor's Drought Summit. Discussions will also cover additional information and ideas, drought information related to the Western Governors' Association Drought Forum's recommendations, and the forum's report and future meetings.