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Natural Resources Conservation Service: Difference between revisions
Natural Resources Conservation Service (view source)
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|OrganizationType=Independent agencies | |OrganizationType=Independent agencies | ||
|Mission=The NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and managers to help conserve, maintain, and improve natural resources on their lands. It works to address natural resource challenges through voluntary conservation efforts that also support sustainable agriculture. | |Mission=The NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and managers to help conserve, maintain, and improve natural resources on their lands. It works to address natural resource challenges through voluntary conservation efforts that also support sustainable agriculture. | ||
|ParentOrganization=United States Department of Agriculture | |||
|CreationLegislation=Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act of 1935 | |||
|Employees=12000 | |||
|Budget=$883 million (Fiscal Year 2021) | |||
|OrganizationExecutive=Chief | |OrganizationExecutive=Chief | ||
|Services=Conservation technical assistance; soil surveys; financial assistance programs | |Services=Conservation technical assistance; soil surveys; financial assistance programs | ||
|Regulations=Assists in implementing conservation compliance provisions under various Farm Bills | |Regulations=Assists in implementing conservation compliance provisions under various Farm Bills | ||
|HeadquartersLocation=38. | |HeadquartersLocation=38.88685, -77.02995 | ||
|HeadquartersAddress=1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250 | |HeadquartersAddress=1400 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20250 | ||
|Website=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ | |||
|Wikipedia=Natural Resources Conservation Service | |||
}} | }} | ||
{{Short description|Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture}} | {{Short description|Agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture}} | ||
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|website = [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov www.nrcs.usda.gov] | |website = [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov www.nrcs.usda.gov] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''Natural Resources Conservation Service''' ('''NRCS'''), formerly known as the '''Soil Conservation Service''' ('''SCS'''), is an agency of the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) that provides technical assistance to | '''Natural Resources Conservation Service''' ('''NRCS'''), formerly known as the '''Soil Conservation Service''' ('''SCS'''), is an agency of the [[United States Department of Agriculture]] (USDA) that provides technical assistance to farmers and other private landowners and managers. | ||
Its name was changed in 1994 during the | Its name was changed in 1994 during the presidency of Bill Clinton to reflect its broader mission. It is a relatively small agency, currently comprising about 12,000 employees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/people/|title=People|website=Natural Resources Conservation Service|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170804012559/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/people/|archive-date=2017-08-04|url-status=live|access-date=January 27, 2018}}</ref> Its mission is to improve, protect, and conserve natural resources on private lands through a cooperative partnership with [[State governments of the United States|state]] and [[Local government in the United States|local agencies]]. While its primary focus has been agricultural lands, it has made many technical contributions to soil surveying, classification, and water quality improvement.<ref>U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Washington, DC. [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/soilsurvey "Soil Survey Programs."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726173140/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/soilsurvey/ |date=2011-07-26 }} Accessed 2009-06-05.</ref><ref>NRCS. [https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html "National Conservation Practice Standards."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611092227/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/standards/nhcp.html |date=2011-06-11 }} National Handbook of Conservation Practices. Accessed 2009-06-05.</ref> One example is the [[Conservation Effects Assessment Project]] (CEAP), set up to quantify the benefits of agricultural conservation efforts promoted and supported by programs in the [[Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002]] (2002 Farm Bill). NRCS is the leading agency in this project. | ||
==History== | ==History== | ||
The agency was founded largely through the efforts of Hugh Hammond Bennett, a soil conservation pioneer who worked for the [[United States Department of Agriculture|Department of Agriculture]] from 1903 to 1952.<ref name="Cook">{{cite web|last=Cook|first=Maurice|title=Hugh Hammond Bennett: the Father of Soil Conservation|url=http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/about/century/hugh.html|work=Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences|publisher=North Carolina State University|access-date=30 September 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110720122812/http://www.soil.ncsu.edu/about/century/hugh.html|archive-date=20 July 2011}}</ref> Bennett's motivation was based on his knowledge of the detrimental effects of soil erosion and the impacts on U.S lands<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/history/bennett.html |title=Biography of Hugh Hammond Bennett |publisher=NRCS |access-date=2008-01-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071227103851/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/history/bennett.html |archive-date=2007-12-27 }}</ref> that led to the Dust Bowl in the 1930s. On September 13, 1933, the Soil Erosion Service was formed in the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]], with Bennett as chief. The service was transferred to the Department of Agriculture on March 23, 1935, and was shortly thereafter combined with other USDA units to form the Soil Conservation Service by the [[Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act]] of 1935.<ref>Soil Conservation and Domestic Allotment Act, P.L. 74-46, {{USStat|49|163}}, {{USC|16|590(e)}}, April 27, 1935.</ref><ref name="archives">{{cite web |url=https://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/114.html |title=Records of the Natural Resources Conservation Service |publisher=[[NARA]] |access-date=2008-01-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071207195045/http://www.archives.gov/research/guide-fed-records/groups/114.html |archive-date=2007-12-07 }}</ref> | |||
The agency was founded largely through the efforts of | |||
The SCS was in charge of 500 | The SCS was in charge of 500 Civilian Conservation Corps camps between 1933 and 1942. The primary purpose of these camps was erosion control.<ref>[http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1586.html Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130530223246/http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1586.html |date=2013-05-30 }} ''U-S-History.com'', Online Highways LLC. Retrieved July 27, 2014.</ref> In the 1980s, there were around 3,000 local Soil Conservation Service districts throughout the United States, each with elected executive boards.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |title=Assistance Available from the Soil Conservation Service |publisher=Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Agriculture |year=1988 |edition=Rev. Aug. 1988 |pages=4, 6-7}}</ref> These districts provided financial as well as technical support, such as assistance inventorying natural resources, to land owners in their conservation efforts upon request.<ref name=":0" /> | ||
Bennett continued as chief until his retirement in 1952.<ref name="Cook"/> As part of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, the agency was renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service during the tenure of Chief | Bennett continued as chief until his retirement in 1952.<ref name="Cook"/> As part of the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, the agency was renamed the Natural Resources Conservation Service during the tenure of Chief Paul Johnson.<ref name="archives"/><ref>Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, {{USStat|108|3223}}, October 13, 1994.</ref> | ||
== Programs and services == | == Programs and services == | ||
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===NRCS National Ag Water Management Team=== | ===NRCS National Ag Water Management Team=== | ||
(AGWAM) | National Ag Drainage Water Management Team (AGWAM) serves 10 states in the Midwest United States in helping to reduce [[nitrate]] levels in soil due to runoff from fertilized farmland. The project began in 2010 and initially focused on the Mississippi Basin area. The main goal of the project is to implement better methods of managing water drainage from agricultural uses, in place of letting the water drain naturally as it had done in the past. In October 2011, The National "Managing Water, Harvesting Results"<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/water/manage/?&cid=stelprdb1045304 |title=Ag Water Management Summit | NRCS |publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104122714/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/water/manage/?&cid=stelprdb1045304 |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref> Summit was held to promote the drainage techniques used in hopes of people adopting them nationwide.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/water/?cid=nrcsdev11_000182 |title=Water Management | NRCS |publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104121137/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/water/?cid=nrcsdev11_000182 |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref><ref>https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/FY2013-Ag-DWM-Progress-Report-to-Leadership.pdf</ref> | ||
====Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting==== | ====Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting==== | ||
Includes water supply forecasts, reservoirs, and the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) for Alaska and other Western states. NRCS agents collect data from snowpack and mountain sites to predict spring runoff and summer streamflow amounts. These predictions are used in decision making for agriculture, wildlife management, construction and development, and several other areas. These predictions are available within the first five days of each month from January to June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/snowsurvey |title=USDA NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service |publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105082759/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/snowsurvey/ |archive-date=2013-11-05 }}</ref> | Includes water supply forecasts, reservoirs, and the [[Surface Water Supply Index]] (SWSI) for Alaska and other Western states. NRCS agents collect data from snowpack and mountain sites to predict spring runoff and summer streamflow amounts. These predictions are used in decision making for agriculture, wildlife management, construction and development, and several other areas. These predictions are available within the first five days of each month from January to June.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/snowsurvey |title=USDA NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service |publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105082759/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/snowsurvey/ |archive-date=2013-11-05 }}</ref> | ||
===Conservation Technical Assistance Program=== | ===Conservation Technical Assistance Program=== | ||
(CTA) | [[Conservation Technical Assistance Program]] (CTA) is a blanket program which involves conservation efforts on soil and [[water conservation]], as well as management of agricultural wastes, erosion, and general long-term sustainability. NRCS and related agencies work with landowners, communities, or developers to protect the environment. Also serve to guide people to comply with acts such as the Highly Erodible Land, Wetland (Swampbuster), and Conservation Compliance Provisions acts. The CTA can also cover projects by state, local, and federal governments.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/technical/cta/?&cid=nrcs143_008365 |title=Purpose of the CTA Program | NRCS |publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104121001/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/programs/technical/cta/?&cid=nrcs143_008365 |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref> | ||
===Gulf of Mexico Initiative=== | ===Gulf of Mexico Initiative=== | ||
[[Gulf of Mexico Initiative]] is a program to assist gulf bordering states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas) improve water quality and use sustainable methods of farming, fishing, and other industry. The program will deliver up to 50 million dollars over 2011–2013 to apply these sustainable methods, as well as wildlife habitat management systems that do not hinder agricultural productivity, and prevent future over use of water resources to protect native endangered species.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/home/?&cid=stelprdb1046039 |title=Gulf of Mexico Initiative | NRCS |publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104121133/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/home/?&cid=stelprdb1046039 |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref> | |||
===International programs=== | ===International programs=== | ||
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=== Soil === | === Soil === | ||
There is a long history of the federal Soil Survey Program,<ref>{{cite web |title=Soil Survey |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/survey/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> including federal scientists and cooperators working through the [[National Cooperative Soil Survey]] (NCSS).<ref>{{cite web |title=National Cooperative Soil Survey |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/survey/partnership/ncss/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> Soil survey products include the ''Web Soil Survey,''<ref>{{cite web |title=Web Soil Survey |url=https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> | There is a long history of the federal Soil Survey Program,<ref>{{cite web |title=Soil Survey |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/survey/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> including federal scientists and cooperators working through the [[National Cooperative Soil Survey]] (NCSS).<ref>{{cite web |title=National Cooperative Soil Survey |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/soils/survey/partnership/ncss/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> Soil survey products include the ''Web Soil Survey,''<ref>{{cite web |title=Web Soil Survey |url=https://websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/App/WebSoilSurvey.aspx |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> | ||
the ''NCSS Characterization Database''<ref>{{cite web |title=National Cooperative Soil Survey Soil Characterization Database |url=https://ncsslabdatamart.sc.egov.usda.gov/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> and many investigative reports and journal articles.<ref>{{cite web |title=NRCS Soils |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/soils/home/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> In 2015 NRCS began broad support of | the ''NCSS Characterization Database''<ref>{{cite web |title=National Cooperative Soil Survey Soil Characterization Database |url=https://ncsslabdatamart.sc.egov.usda.gov/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> and many investigative reports and journal articles.<ref>{{cite web |title=NRCS Soils |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/soils/home/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> In 2015 NRCS began broad support of soil health, which incorporates less tillage and more cover crops to reduce erosion and improve the diversity of the soil.<ref>{{cite web |title=Soil Health |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/soils/health/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> Information is maintained in the [[SSURGO|Soil Survey Geographic database]] (SSURGO) dataset.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/soils/survey/geo/?cid=nrcs142p2_053627 |title=Description of SSURGO Database |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=nrcs.usda.gov |publisher=NRCS |access-date=February 18, 2021 |quote=}}</ref> | ||
===Water=== | ===Water=== | ||
Water pollution related to agricultural practices is addressed in several NRCS programs which provide financial and technical assistance.<ref>{{cite web |title=Water |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/ |access-date=2020-11-01 |publisher=NRCS}}</ref> Nutrient pollution caused by excessive nitrogen and phosphorus in farm surface runoff depletes oxygen levels and creates algal blooms in lakes, streams and rivers, harming aquatic life.<ref name="Oenema">{{cite journal |doi=10.1016/j.jhydrol.2004.07.044 |volume=304 |issue=1–4 |title=Effects of lowering nitrogen and phosphorus surpluses in agriculture on the quality of groundwater and surface water in the Netherlands |year=2005 |journal=Journal of Hydrology |pages=289–301 |last1=Oenema |first1=Oene |last2=van Liere |first2=Lowie |last3=Schoumans | first3=Oscar|bibcode=2005JHyd..304..289O }}</ref> Excessive sedimentation and pathogens from agricultural pollution can also have major impacts on water quality, and some NRCS projects focus on these problems with land owners and their water systems. | |||
==== Water management ==== | ==== Water management ==== | ||
The practice of water management focuses on the efficiently controlling the flow of water while causing the least amount of damage to life and property.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/manage|title=USDA NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=usda.gov|access-date=8 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502091305/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/manage/|archive-date=2 May 2018}}</ref> This helps to provide protection in high risk areas from flooding. | The practice of water management focuses on the efficiently controlling the flow of water while causing the least amount of damage to life and property.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/manage|title=USDA NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=usda.gov|access-date=8 May 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502091305/https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/water/manage/|archive-date=2 May 2018}}</ref> This helps to provide protection in high risk areas from flooding. Irrigation management is the most efficient way to use and recycle water resources for land owners and farmers.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Drainage management is the manipulation of the sub-surface drainage networks in order to properly disperse the water to the correct geographical areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/water/manage/?&cid=nrcs143_010853 |title=Drainage | NRCS |publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104120958/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detailfull/national/water/manage/?&cid=nrcs143_010853 |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref> The NRCS engineering vision is constantly making improvements to irrigation systems in a way that incorporates every aspect of water restoration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/?ss=16&navtype=SUBNAVIGATION&cid=STELPRDB1042824&navid=120160210000000&pnavid=120160000000000&position=Feature*&ttype=detail&pname=Conservation%20Engineering%20Division%20|title=Conservation Engineering Division (CED) | NRCS|publisher=Nrcs.usda.gov|access-date=2013-10-31|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108003130/http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/?ss=16&navtype=SUBNAVIGATION&cid=STELPRDB1042824&navid=120160210000000&pnavid=120160000000000&position=Feature*&ttype=detail&pname=Conservation%20Engineering%20Division%20|archive-date=2016-01-08}}</ref> | ||
==== Water quality ==== | ==== Water quality ==== | ||
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== Supported organizations == | == Supported organizations == | ||
=== Great Basin Plant Materials Center === | |||
(NACD) | [[Great Basin Plant Materials Center]] (GBVPMC)''',''' based in Fallon, Nevada<ref>{{cite web|title=Great Basin Plant Materials Center|url=http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/nvpmc/|work=USDA NRCS|access-date=22 October 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101008234758/http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/nvpmc/|archive-date=8 October 2010}}</ref>, was established in 2006. It serves Nevada, California, and parts of Utah and Oregon. The center's main purpose is to combat the damage done by invasive plant species in the area, which have greatly damaged ecosystems in the Great Basin. They also aid in restoring ecosystems damaged by fires, [[climate change]], drought, or other natural disasters. The centers provide native plants to help restore these damaged areas. They also work on developing plant organisms and technologies that are suited for the dry, high salt content soil of the area.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/nvpmc/ |title=Great Basin Plant Materials Center | NRCS Plant Materials Program |publisher=Plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov |access-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104121138/http://plant-materials.nrcs.usda.gov/nvpmc/ |archive-date=2013-11-04 }}</ref> | ||
=== National Association of Conservation Districts === | |||
[[National Association of Conservation Districts]] (NACD) is a non-profit agency that serves 3,000 conservation districts across the United States. There are about 17,000 individuals who serve on the governing boards of conservation districts. Local conservation districts work with landowners to help manage land and water resources. The mission of NACD is to provide leadership and a unified voice for natural resource conservation in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nacdnet.org/about/index.phtml|title=About NACD|publisher=Nacdnet.org|access-date=2013-10-31|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020055920/http://www.nacdnet.org/about/index.phtml|archive-date=2012-10-20}}</ref> The NACD grew in the 1930s from a statewide operation in Oklahoma, and many independent districts, to a unified National organization in 1946. | |||
==Partnerships== | |||
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) engages in a variety of partnerships to enhance conservation efforts across the United States. These partnerships are instrumental in extending the reach and impact of conservation efforts, leveraging both federal and non-federal resources to address natural resource concerns on a broader scale. They illustrate NRCS's commitment to collaborative, locally-led conservation initiatives. | |||
=== Regional Conservation Partnership Program === | |||
The [[Regional Conservation Partnership Program]] (RCPP) funds partner-driven solutions to conservation challenges on agricultural lands. It includes partnerships with: | |||
* State agencies, like the Illinois Department of Agriculture for projects like the "Infield Conservation for Operationalizing Vital Ecosystems Resilience" (iCOVER). | |||
* Non-profit organizations, such as Sand County Foundation for "Advancing Farmer-Led Incentives in the Midwest". | |||
* Land trusts, like Texas Agricultural Land Trust for conservation in the Coastal Prairie region. | |||
=== Joint Chiefs' Landscape Restoration Partnership === | |||
The [[Joint Chiefs' Landscape Restoration Partnership]] is a collaborative effort with the USDA [[Forest Service]] to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality, and restore forest ecosystems. | |||
This includes projects in various states, with significant investments in forest health across public and private lands, involving county, state, non-governmental, Tribal, utilities, or private individual stakeholders. | |||
=== Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) === | |||
[[Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership]] (WREP) is part of the [[Agricultural Conservation Easement Program]] (ACEP), focusing on wetland conservation. | |||
Partners can include: | |||
* State agencies | |||
* county and local governments, | |||
* non-governmental organizations, and | |||
* American Indian tribes to leverage resources for high-priority wetland projects. | |||
=== Equity Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements === | |||
These partnerships focus on expanding conservation outreach to underserved communities, including: | |||
* Projects involving organizations like Advocates for Urban Agriculture in Illinois, First Nations Development Institute in Colorado, and many others aimed at climate-smart agriculture and forestry, particularly for new, low-income, socially disadvantaged, or veteran farmers. | |||
=== Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) === | |||
[[Conservation Innovation Grants]] is a competitive program for developing new conservation tools, often involving partnerships with: | |||
* Universities, non-profits, and private sector entities to innovate conservation practices. | |||
=== Partnerships with Conservation Districts === | |||
NRCS works closely with local conservation districts across states to deliver conservation programs and technical assistance. Examples include: | |||
* Collaborations with the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and specific county Soil Conservation Districts. | |||
=== Partnerships for Specific Initiatives === | |||
Such as the Partnership with the U.S. Forest Service for urban agriculture and innovative production, or with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to support wildlife habitat restoration. | |||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
*[[Conservation technical assistance]] | *[[Conservation technical assistance]] | ||
*[[Honey Hollow Watershed]] | *[[Honey Hollow Watershed]] | ||
*[[Resource Management System]] | *[[Resource Management System]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||