The National Association of Conservation Districts Monday announced $15 million in technical assistance grants. The grants continue funding to nearly 500 conservation districts in 49 states and territories. Funded by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the grant program is in its fifth year. The program allows NACD to accelerate on-the-ground conservation by increasing the capacity available to conduct outreach and deliver technical assistance. Grant funding supports over 490 positions, including technicians, conservation planners, program support specialists and technical specialists. All these employees will provide conservation technical assistance to help customers carry out their conservation plans. Over the life of the program, grantees have delivered services in 50 states and three territories. Conservation districts have awarded more than 30,000 Farm Bill conservation contracts and assisted with over 55,000 additional EQIP contracts. Their work has benefitted over 2.5 million acres, improving soil health, forest and woodland conditions, wildlife habitat, and water quality.