SWCS Annual International Conference reflections

Excerpt

The sun shined on the 67th Annual International Conference of the Soil and Water Conservation Society—literally and metaphorically. The presence of more than 365 conservation professionals in Fort Worth, Texas, did nothing to mitigate the sunny, 100°F+ temperatures that have brought drought and yield reductions to many of the cropland acres across the United States. However, the conference presentations and symposia clearly conveyed a bright, positive commitment to addressing the soil and water conservation challenges that scientists, practitioners, and farmers face each day around the globe.

On its surface, the conference theme “Choosing Conservation” may appear to be simple or obvious. We understand the benefits of sound soil and water conservation in terms of agricultural sustainability and environmental protection. Yet, every conservation decision occurs in a context of ecological, economic, and ethical considerations that can be confusing or counterintuitive. In the Pritchard Lecture, Curt Meine spoke fondly of Bennett and Leopold—two giants who were at the heart of the fledgling conservation movement years ago. Their message of scientific application and conservation ethic remains the firm foundation on which today's conservation programs stand. Listen to both Meine's Pritchard Lecture and the day two plenary that examined these issues in the context…