Donations to AACD Supports Conservation Efforts
Get involved! You can make a difference!
Help support the AACD, our goals, and mission by donating to the program of your choice. Begin by selecting what program you would like to donate to and and choose an amount. With your donation, you will be helping AACD keep Alaska beautiful.
* All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services are provided in return for your contribution. You will receive a letter of acknowledgment from the Association’s office for your gift. The Alaska Association of Conservation Districts tax identification number is 92-0161947.
What Will Your Donation Support?
Soil & Water Conservation Districts
Alaska’s Soil and Water Conservation Districts are grassroots organizations within the framework of the state government that concentrate their resources on responsible use and conservation of our natural resources. This includes a variety of projects involving water resources, land resources and education.
While projects vary from district to district, the goal remains consistent — responsible use of Alaska’s abundant natural resources.
Soil and Water Conservation Districts bring a balance to natural resources. The Districts and AACD promote responsible use of all types of resources — whether that means conservation, maintenance or harvest. We look at resource development from all angles — environmental concerns, human needs, economic ramifications, long-term impacts, sustainability, etc.
The focus of projects in some districts is the conservation and improvement of wildlife habitats. A variety of wildlife, from migratory waterfowl to Kodiak bears, benefit.
Windbreaks and tree planting slow wind and provide shelter and food for wildlife. Planting a mixture of tree species helps prevent total losses to disease and severe weather; it also provides food, nesting areas, and cover for a variety of wildlife. Farmers are installing grass, tree, and shrub plantings, ponds, and other wildlife habitat at record rates. Some farmers plant or leave food plots of corn, millet, or other grains specifically for wildlife preservation.
Noxious and invasive weeds are problems of increasing concern in Alaska. Districts are working together with other organizations, including the state’s Committee for Noxious and Invasive Plant Management, to combat the infiltration of weeds.
Conservation education is essential to promoting wise use of our natural resources. Districts target both students and adults as they share information on stewardship. Once students understand the importance of District projects, they often become partners in projects in their area.
Conservation education takes many forms through programs sponsored by the AACD and its 12 SWCDs. These include such diverse functions as natural resources classes, youth employment, contests and events, classroom presentations, cooperator education and public information.
Water quality and Watershed Health are major issues in the Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Districts are involved with a variety of projects designed to preserve and/or improvement the quality of ground and surface water in Alaska.
Some Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Alaska conduct water-quality monitoring projects through the Citizens’ Environmental Monitoring Program (CEMP) where volunteers take water samples to test the water for such indicators as pH and temperature. That information is compiled and shared with other agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Volunteers are vital to these efforts because of the many sites that need to be monitored. Trained volunteers — from high school students to retirees — have allowed SWCD to compile baseline data in some Districts.
Keep it Going!