The USDA is seeking public input Thursday during one of six regional meetings on natural resource policy issues.
The meeting is being held 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at ASU Polytechnic in Mesa. It is open to anyone with an interest in natural resource conservation policy issues. As required by Congress in the Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act (RCA), the U.S. Department of Agriculture is to gather public input on natural resource conservation policy issues. The overall goal of this effort is to improve delivery of conservation services to landowners and communities, as well as to expand participation in conservation programs.
Panelists confirmed to provide perspectives on water security at the Mesa meeting include Dan Thelander of Pinal County and Brian Betcher of the Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage District. Discussing climate variability will be Tom Collazo of the Nature Conservancy. Landscape integrity issues will be the topic for Fernando Cadena of the Elephane Butte Irrigation District, Las Cruses, N.M. Panelists invited to participate include Herb Guenther, former director of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Billy Cordasco of Babbitt Ranches, and Gary Paul Nabhan.
There is no fee to attend the regional meetings but registration is requested. To register, go to www.farmfoundation.org and follow the link from the item on the home page.
