A message from Fox-Wolf’s Executive Director

Fox-Wolf Friends,

I want to be open with you about some challenging news. Recently, we learned that the USDA terminated two major Climate Smart grants we were managing. This decision wasn’t based on our effectiveness, results, or any kind of fiscal mismanagement or wrongdoing. Instead, it came down to new federal guidelines requiring that at least 65% of grant funds go directly to farmers—guidelines that didn’t recognize the critical hands-on support our conservation specialists provide as part of that percentage.

It’s disappointing because our approach was truly working.

Through this funding, 37 farmers partnered with us to build healthier soils and cleaner waters. Over 4,000 acres were ready to transition to no-till practices this spring. Our team of dedicated conservationists—real people working in real communities—built lasting relationships, ensuring practices were not just implemented but sustained.

These weren’t just numbers or contracts. These were neighbors, families, and partners committed to protecting the waters and lands we all depend on.

While we fully support responsible use of taxpayer dollars and understand why funding priorities shifted, it still hurts. But here’s the good news:

We’re not stopping.

Fox-Wolf is resilient because our community is resilient. We’re already working on submitting a new proposal under revised guidelines. But right now, there’s a very real gap—and we need your support to bridge it.

If you share our vision of healthy soils, vibrant waters, and strong communities, please consider helping us today. Your donation can directly support the critical conservation work that these grants had previously funded.

Thank you for being part of the Fox-Wolf family. Your support means the world to us—and to the waters we all love.

Warm regards,
Jessica Schultz
Executive Director, Fox-Wolf Watershed Alliance

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