Resource Links
Explore our curated selection of links to national, state, and local organizations dedicated to soil, water, and natural resource conservation. These resources offer tools, information, and programs to support sustainable land management, environmental stewardship, and conservation efforts both in Illinois and beyond.
National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)
The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is a nonprofit organization that represents Americaās ~3,000 local conservation districts and the ~17,000 people serving on their boards, working to promote responsible natural resource management and conservation across the United States. NACD provides national leadership, grassroots advocacy, education, and partnerships to help districts influence conservation policy, secure funding, and support locally-led conservation efforts.
Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD)
The Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts (AISWCD) is a grassroots nonprofit that represents and supports Illinoisā 97 local Soil and Water Conservation Districts in their efforts to protect the stateās soil, water, and other natural resources through voluntary conservation practices. The organization promotes clean water and healthy soils by providing resources, advocacy, education, and collaboration with agricultural and environmental stakeholders to sustain natural resource health for future generations.
Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act (RCA) – USDA-NRCS
The Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act (RCA) page on the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service site explains that the RCA gives the U.S. Department of Agriculture broad authority to assess and plan for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of soil, water, and related natural resources on non-Federal lands. Through RCA, USDA evaluates natural resource conditions and trends, reviews conservation programs and policies, and uses tools like the RCA Data Viewer to help visualize and analyze data on land use, soil erosion, and conservation practice implementation to guide national conservation planning.
Land & Water Resources – IDOA
The Land & Water Resources page of the Illinois Department of Agriculture explains that the Bureau of Land and Water Resources provides funding and support through the Partners for Conservation Program to the stateās 97 soil and water conservation districts to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality across Illinois. It also describes state-administered agriculture-related efforts like cost-share conservation practices, streambank stabilization, sustainable agriculture grants, and work with local officials to minimize farmland conversion and sustain natural resources for the future.
Division of Natural Heritage – IDNR
The Illinois Natural Heritage website, part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resourcesā Division of Natural Heritage, describes its mission to protect, maintain, and restore the stateās natural areas, native plants, and vulnerable wildlife through scientific inventory, stewardship, and conservation actions. It highlights how the Natural Heritage Database collects detailed information on rare species, significant natural areas, and other important ecological features to guide conservation planning, land protection, and environmental reviews. The site also explains partnerships with commissions like the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission and the Endangered Species Protection Board to legally protect high-priority habitats and recover threatened species.
Precision Conservation Management (PCM)
Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is a farmer-led program created by the Illinois Corn Growers Association that helps participating farmers use detailed field data and financial analysis to adopt conservation practices that improve soil health, water quality, and profitability without undue economic risk. The organization provides one-on-one technical assistance, access to cost-share opportunities, and data-driven recommendations to guide decisions on practices like cover crops, reduced tillage, and nutrient management across regions including Illinois, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Missouri.
Meet our local PCM Specialist!
Alexa Skirmont
Precision Conservation Specialist
Illinois: Boone, Dekalb, Lee, Ogle, and Winnebago, counties.
askirmont@precisionconservation.org
309-336-9779