NEWS RELEASE
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation planning process is a collaborative effort that provides technical and financial assistance to landowners and managers to help manage their natural resources sustainably. The process integrates ecological, economic, and social factors to address natural resource concerns while meeting individual land-use goals.
NRCS conservation planning typically starts with the initial contact and discussion. Once a landowner or management gets in touch with the local NRCS office, the process begins. The landowner will then have to meet with an NRCS conservation planner to go over their objectives, resource concerns and the current condition of their property in order to create the conservation plan. A conservation plan is a written document consisting of conservation practices and current resource concerns that are to be addressed and implemented on the property.
The plan's main focus is to help assist and implement the landowner's goals. NRCS provides all the necessary technical guidance and planning tools, however, the main priority is to respect and assist the landowner with their vision. An inventory of the land's natural resources, such as the soil, water, air, plants, and animals, is done by both the planner and the landowner. Our conservationists will then collect data as well as assess the condition of the current landscape. They often use advanced tools such as soil map maps and reports, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and a variety of different conservation models.
The purpose of these plans are primarily to identify concerns with the landscape and brainstorm possible solutions that would be suitable for the planner as well as the land owner. Based on the resource assessments, the planner produces alternative conservation strategies. These alternatives are meant to give the landowner some options for reaching their desired goals while also enhancing the quality the environment. These decisions are typically grounded in scientific research and implemented through sustainable methods such as crop rotation, fertilizer management, erosion control, and enhancement of wildlife habitats.
Together, the landowner and NRCS will assess the available options based off the effects on the environment, the economy, management, etc. In the end, the landowner makes the final decision of which conservation measures to use depending on their objectives, tastes, and financial situation. Following the selection of an alternative, the landowner will put the conservation practices into action. NRCS can provide technical assistance during this stage and may also provide financial support through a variety of programs. Some of the more popular programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP).
Timelines, schematics, and instructions on how to effectively carry out and maintain these procedures may also be acquired from the NRCS planners. Once the conservation plan is put into action, it is monitored for a while to determine its effectiveness. If any reevaluation is needed due to changes in the markets, weather, or technology, NRCS employees may return to the site and modify the plan as needed.
In addition, ongoing observation throughout the years ensures that the management practices are operating as planned.
If you are curious as to what NRCS could do for you and your property, the best way to get started is to reach out to your local NRCS office for more information. Appointments are available either in person or via phone calls. Professionals at your local NRCS office and Conservation District are happy to help with any of your conservation needs. Stop in or learn more at www.NRCS.usda.gov.
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