Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Arizona's Premier Environmental Conservation Organization
Since 1944, our organization has been dedicated to preserving Arizona's natural resources through locally-led conservation efforts. We coordinate statewide initiatives that support sustainable agriculture, protect water rights, and restore ecosystems across 42 conservation districts. Our team collaborates with federal agencies, landowners, and tribal partners to implement science-based conservation practices on 7.3 million acres of diverse landscapes. With over 80 years of experience, we provide technical expertise, secure grant funding, and develop conservation action plans that balance environmental protection with agricultural productivity.Our board of directors comprises multi-generational ranchers and land stewards who bring firsthand knowledge of Arizona's unique conservation challenges. Through educational programs and policy advocacy, we ensure conservation practices align with local needs while maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. Our commitment to transparency and community engagement has made us a trusted partner in sustainable land management across Arizona.
Services
Conservation Planning
Technical Support
Water Conservation
Soil Management
Ranch Management
Details
- Year established: 1944
Highlights and features
- We have 80+ years of experience in Arizona land conservation
- Our board includes multi-generational ranchers and land stewards
- We coordinate conservation efforts across 42 districts statewide
- We secure federal and private grant funding for local projects
- We provide technical assistance for sustainable agricultural practices
Services
Conservation Planning
We develop customized conservation plans that address soil erosion, water conservation, and habitat restoration. Our experts work with landowners to implement sustainable practices that maintain agricultural productivity while protecting natural resources. These plans incorporate GIS mapping and on-the-ground assessments to ensure effective implementation across Arizona's diverse landscapes.
Technical Support
Our team provides technical assistance for implementing conservation practices. This includes soil analysis, water management strategies, and wildlife habitat improvement techniques. We collaborate with federal agencies to deliver specialized training programs that help landowners meet conservation goals while maintaining economic viability through sustainable agricultural methods.
Water Conservation
We implement water conservation programs that protect Arizona's limited water resources. Our initiatives focus on improving irrigation efficiency, protecting water rights, and restoring riparian habitats. Through partnerships with local districts, we develop watershed management plans that balance agricultural needs with ecosystem protection in arid environments.
Soil Management
Our soil conservation programs address erosion control and land restoration. We provide technical expertise for implementing terracing, cover cropping, and other soil preservation techniques. These efforts help maintain fertile agricultural land while preventing sedimentation in waterways through science-based land management practices.
Ranch Management
We support sustainable ranching practices that maintain healthy rangelands. Our programs include grazing management plans, wildlife habitat enhancement, and financial assistance for conservation improvements. By working directly with ranching families, we ensure conservation practices align with operational needs while protecting Arizona's working landscapes.
People
Tim Grandy
President
Fourth-generation Buckeye Valley farmer with 40 years of NRCS experience. Leads conservation efforts while managing a cow-calf operation and serving as Buckeye Valley NRCD Vice-Chairman.
Dawn Salcito
1st Vice President
Rancher with 30+ years in Skull Valley. Serves on Triangle NRCD Board and Western Yavapai Conservation Education Center. Brings extensive land management expertise to statewide conservation initiatives.
Frank Krentz
2nd Vice President
Fourth-generation rancher in Douglas area. Has served Whitewater Draw NRCD since 2010. Combines family ranching experience with district leadership to advance conservation practices across Arizona.
Tina Thompson
Past President
Fifth-generation rancher operating family land near Willcox. Active in district governance since 2010. Provides historical perspective on conservation practices through generational ranching experience.
Daric Knight
Treasurer
Fourth-generation Springerville rancher managing Hereford cattle and hunting operations. Serves as Apache NRCD Board Chair. Brings financial expertise and land stewardship knowledge to conservation efforts.
Questions
What is the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts?
We support Arizona's 42 conservation districts in managing natural resources through sustainable agricultural practices and environmental protection programs.
How do conservation districts operate?
Locally elected boards manage districts with technical support from our organization. We coordinate statewide initiatives while maintaining local decision-making authority.
What funding sources are available?
We secure federal grants and private funding that districts can access for conservation projects, including USDA programs and foundation partnerships.
How can landowners participate?
Contact your local conservation district for technical assistance. We help develop conservation plans and connect landowners with financial resources.
What areas do you cover?
We support conservation efforts across all 42 Arizona conservation districts, covering 7.3 million acres of diverse landscapes.
How are decisions made?
Local districts set priorities through elected boards. We provide coordination, funding assistance, and technical expertise for implementing conservation practices.
