Agricultural News
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Creates New Conservation District
Wed, 19 Nov 2014 11:03:11 CST
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday the creation of a new conservation district that will help the Tribe manage natural resources, secure assistance for conservation projects and encourage tribal members to own and operate agricultural land.
Principal Chief George Tiger and USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Butch Blazer in the Tribe's capital city to officially designate the new Muscogee (Creek) Nation Natural Resource Conservation District.
"It is a historic day to sign a document that memorializes the partnership of USDA and Muscogee (Creek) Nation," Chief Tiger said. "Historically, we have been good stewards of our land with special emphasis on clean water and protecting the environment. This will allow us to grow in a positive direction in having more oversight of our natural resources."
As one of 45 Tribal Conservation Districts across the United States, this newest district formed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation provides an organization for USDA and the Tribe to work together. USDA and the Tribe have a common vision of a healthy and productive nation in harmony with the land. The local leadership through tribal districts will help guide and bring USDA programs to tribal lands.
"We're excited the Muscogee (Creek) Nation has invested in a conservation district to help tribal members achieve their conservation goals for clean water and air, soil health and wildlife habitat on Tribal land," Blazer said. "Conservation districts serve an important role, as they provide locally-driven solutions to natural resource concerns. We look forward to this partnership."
The conservation district was created in late 2013 through Tribal legislation. A memorandum of understanding was signed Wednesday by the Tribe, the district and USDA.
USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service has worked with the Tribe in the past, providing technical assistance. "The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is committed to conservation, and the creation of this conservation district is yet another important step in that direction," said Gary O'Neill, NRCS state conservationist in Oklahoma.
Learn more about the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Natural Resource Conservation District. For more on technical and financial assistance available through NRCS, by clicking here or by visiting a local USDA service center.
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