Conservation Partnership Revises National Backyard Conservation Publication

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2007-USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Arlen Lancaster today announced that USDA and the National Audubon Society have revised the popular "Backyard Conservation" publication. The printed version has always been available in English; it will now also be available in Spanish.

"Backyard Conservation" highlights 10 conservation practices used by farmers and ranchers that can be adapted by homeowners in their urban or suburban backyards. The 28-page publication features actions people can take to enhance or protect natural resources, including building a pond, composting, mulching, properly managing pests, terracing, tree planting, conserving water and creating wildlife habitat.

"Adopting the conservation practices contained in this publication will bring beauty and natural diversity to your yard-whether it is measured in acres, feet or flower pots on your balcony," Lancaster said.

USDA-NRCS, the National Association of Conservation Districts and the Wildlife Habitat Council first published "Backyard Conservation" in 1998. The Audubon Society joined the partnership in 2003. Through an agreement with NRCS this fiscal year, the Audubon Society helped to revise and reprinted "Backyard Conservation." It also published the first printed Spanish version.

#