First Nations Receives USDA-NRCS Grant to Improve Conservation on Native American Grazing Lands

LONGMONT, Colorado (October 18, 2018) – First Nations Development Institute (First Nations) has received a $98,772 Conservation Innovation Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that will help improve conservation practices on the grazing lands of Native American livestock producers.

Under the grant, First Nations will work with selected Native producers in Arizona to develop conservation plans and monitor and evaluate their grazing systems. This project will help Native American communities incorporate their traditional knowledge and practices, plus integrate modern science and innovative technologies, to meet NRCS requirements. It will also increase the number of Native groups and producers that are eligible for additional USDA programs and resources.

The grant, which will be matched equally by First Nations from other funding sources, is part of the USDA's investment of more than $10.6 million for 22 new projects that will drive public and private sector innovation in conserving natural resources in 27 states. The competitive Conservation Innovation Grants program helps spur development and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies. This year’s projects focus on three priorities: grazing lands, organic agriculture systems and soil health.

“In the last few years, Native communities have made great strides in their conservation initiatives," noted Jackie Francke, First Nations Vice President of Programs and Administration. "We look forward to continuing our work with them, but also being able to showcase their success through evaluation.”

About First Nations Development Institute

For 38 years, using a three-pronged strategy of educating grassroots practitioners, advocating for systemic change, and capitalizing Indian communities, First Nations has been working to restore Native American control and culturally-compatible stewardship of the assets they own – be they land, human potential, cultural heritage or natural resources – and to establish new assets for ensuring the long-term vitality of Native American communities. First Nations serves Native American communities throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.firstnations.org.