GEM 



The word Conservation is interpreted differently by many people. 



Conservation Districts throughout the United States must speal^ the same 

 language when we communicate with people about this most important work. 



We believe the term Conservation should mean the good management of our 

 environment. This interpretation will assist districts to move forward with 

 constructive leadership in the conservation movement because: 



1. It will welcome and encourage all people to join districts in this worl<. 



2. It will demonstrate that districts are not seeking a preservation objective, 

 but are engaged in a movement to manage renewable natural resources in ways which 

 will produce the highest quality environment to which man on earth is entitled. 



The NACD, therefore, will promots the concept of Good Environmental Manage- 

 ment as the definition of conservation. We believe in GEM (good environmental 

 management) as an avenue to assist districts in their challenging endeavor. 



ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION 



Since all people depend for their survival on the natural resources of the 

 world, the conservation and wise use of these resources must be the responsi- 

 bility and concern of everyone. 



We emphasize that the foundation for conservation and environmental under- 

 standing must be laid in our schools, so that every child will be taught early 

 in life the vital importance of resources, the grave dangers of continued waste 

 and pollution, and the difference between the constructive and the destructive 

 actions of man in relation to environmental and resource management issues. 



The National Association of Conservation Districts supports and encourages 

 the adoption of programs in our nation's schools as rapidly as possible to pro- 

 vide teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills enabling them to present 

 a body of conservation information and to form attitudes in students fundamental 

 to their understanding of conservation, resources, and the environment. 



We advocate the teaching of conservation and care for the environment in all 

 its ramifications as an integral part of our school curricula from pre kinder- 

 garten thru higher educational levels. 



