1. MASTER FARMER PROGRAM – SESSION III CONSERVATION DISTRICTS OVERVIEW OF CONSERVATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

2. Natural Resources Conservation Service NRCS - WHO WE ARE ROLE OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS INTRODUCTION TO NRCS PLANNING PROCESS – RMS PLANS QUALITY CRITERIA AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

3. WHO WE ARE – NRCS HISTORY On March 11, 1934 – A fierce windstorm from the Great Plains swept fine soil particles across areas as far away as Washington, D.C. Congress decides action must be taken immediately

4. WHO WE ARE – NRCS HISTORY On April 27, 1935 – The Soil Conservation Service is established in the Department of Agriculture to help landowners carry out soil conservation practices.

5. WHO WE ARE – NRCS HISTORY On February 27, 1937, President Franklin D. Roosevelt urges governors to enact conservation district law that will allow landowners to organize soil and water conservation districts.

6. A Partnership Approach Since the Dust Bowl of the 1930’s, NRCS has worked with conservation districts and others throughout the US to help landowners, as well as Federal, State, Tribal and local governments and community groups.

7. THE ROLE OF CONSERVATION DISTRICTS The purpose for the formation of the Soil and Water Conservation District is to keep decision making on natural resource conservation matters at the local level.

8. THE LOUISIANA SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROGRAM An important link in local, state, federal and private cooperation in all conservation and natural resource projects

9. What is a Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD)? Local units of government Established by resident landowners Governed by Board of 5 Supervisors

10. Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Louisiana 43 SWCD’s statewide 27 SWCD’s comprised of one parish, 16 are multi- parish All but 4 delineated by Parish boundaries 5 SWCD Areas

11. SWCD Boards of Supervisors 5 Supervisors or Board Members –Landowners –3 locally elected –2 appointed SWCD employees SWCD monthly board meetings

12. Types of Assistance Employees/Conservation planning Approval of conservation plans or projects Harness $ and other resources for local conservation efforts Enter into additional agreements Conservation Education Land improvement/Site prep Equipment rental

13. OVERVIEW OF CONSERVATION PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION.

14. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PLAN Resource Management System plans are voluntary, site specific, comprehensive and action oriented plans. The plan contains natural resource information and a record of decisions made by the client. The plan will describe the schedule of operation and activities needed to solve identified natural resource concerns.

15. The Nine Steps of Conservation Planning 1 - IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM OR CONCERN This is generally the step in which the operator contacts the local NRCS/SWCD Field office to request assistance or more information about technical assistance with a resource concern (ex. interest in establishing a rotational grazing system or fixing an erosion problem)

16. 2 - DETERMINE THE OBJECTIVES During this step the decision maker begins to determine practical objectives and becomes actively involved in the intensive thought and decision making process required when developing a conservation plan

17. 3 - INVENTORY THE RESOURCES Existing features of the ranch are recorded and documented at this time. (Aerial photos and soil maps are used to determine the resource conditions and physical features such as location of ditches, existing fences, and watering facilities) Pasture conditions and animal resources are inventoried and recorded at this time.

18. 4 - ANALYZE RESOURCE DATA During this step an analysis of the data is conducted with the decision maker to identify, quantify, indicate, and address resource concerns. New concerns or opportunities usually arise at this time during the planning process (example: capabilities of existing forages and/or animals may be realized).

19. 5 - FORMULATE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS During this step several alternative plans are addressed and reviewed Actual or proposed stocking rates and the forage balance are often the main focus point during this stage of plan development. Set objectives are frequently considered here.

20. 6 - EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS Decision makers evaluate the proposed courses of action to determine which one best meets their objectives and solves the identified resource problems or concerns

21. 7 - MAKE DECISIONS The final decision on a planned course of action is made here. The plan is written up and plan maps (with features) are produced. A logical sequence of events is established. The Resource Management System (RMS) plan is completed.

22. 8 - IMPLEMENT PLAN The land manager and decision maker is now ready to implement the plan of action. Technical Assistance is provided to properly install needed practices and monitor grazing land conditions. Progress is documented in the plan.

23. 9 - EVALUATION OF RESULTS Results are reviewed after implementation of the plan has occurred. Ongoing technical assistance is provided to evaluate results and address changes in the managers objectives and use of new technology.

24. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT (NEPA) COMPLIANCE

25. NEPA Resource Management Plans must comply with NEPA in order to be eligible for technical and financial assistance.

26. ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS Environmental Assessment (EA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Notice of Intent (NOI) Environmental Evaluation (EE) LA-CPA-52

27. ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTS The Louisiana Environmental Evaluation (EE) is “a concurrent part of the planning process in which the potential long-term and short-term impacts of an action on people, their physical surroundings, and nature are evaluated and alternative actions explored”. The LA-CPA-52 form is used to document the results of the environmental evaluation.

28. NATURAL RESOURCES Threatened & Endangered Species Natural Areas. Scenic Beauty Floodplain Management Wetlands Prime & Unique Farmlands Coastal Zone Areas Wild and Scenic Rivers and Streams Riparian Areas Cultural Resources

29. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES The Louisiana black bear inhabits bottomland hardwood forests. Conservation practices generally provide positive impacts for threatened and endangered species. Threatened and Endangered Species may be either federal or state listed plants and animals.

31. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES The Bald Eagle prefers to nest in and near cypress swamps. They are concentrated mostly in southern Louisiana. The populations are increasing. The eagle is protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

33. NATURAL AREAS AND SCENIC BEAUTY Natural areas and scenic beauty are present throughout the rural Louisiana landscape. Natural areas are those areas that have been disturbed very little by man. Natural areas may be designated by the federal government or private entities. Scenic beauty may be created as a result of our activities on the land (buffers, ponds, etc.)

35. FLOOD PLAIN MANAGEMENT Technical and financial assistance for the following land uses is compatible with Executive Order 11988 (Flood Plain Management): Agricultural flood plains that have been used for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, or oilseed for at least 3 of the last 5 years before the request for assistance. Normal agricultural activities are not regulated.

37. WETLANDS OF LOUISIANA Many different types of wetlands occur in Louisiana. In order to be classified as a wetland, an area must have hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils and hydrology. Always consult NRCS and/or the COE before beginning any construction activities in wetlands (Swampbuster, EO 11990, CWA)

40. PRIME AND UNIQUE FARMLANDS Prime Farmland-land that has the best combination of physical, chemical and biological characteristics for producing food, feed, fiber and oil seed crops. Unique Farmland - land other than prime farmland that is used for the production of specific high-value food and fiber crops.

41. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT AREAS Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) –Section 307 of CZMA specifies that actions or activities with the Coastal Zone done by a Federal Agency or on behalf of or through a Federal Agency must be consistent with the State’s Coastal Zone Management Plan.

42. RIPARIAN AREAS Riparian areas are ecosystems that occur along watercourses or water bodies. They are distinctly different from the surrounding lands because of unique soil and vegetative characteristics that are strongly influenced by free or unbound water in the soil.

44. CULTURAL RESOURCES Cultural resources are the traces of all the past activities and accomplishments of people. They include tangible traces such as historic districts, sites, buildings, structures; traces of less tangible objects such as dance forms, aspects of folk life, cultural or religious practices; historical documents; and some landscapes, vistas, and cemeteries.

45. RESOURCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM PLANS AND QUALITY CRITERIA.

46. MAJOR RESOURCES The 5 major resources to address on any farm or ranch: Soil Water Air Plant Animal Human

47. SOIL (EROSION, HEALTH, CONTAMINANTS) The resource concerns associated with soil include erosion, health, and contaminants. These resource concerns include sheet and rill, ephemeral and gully erosion, soil compaction, structure and organic matter and soil contamination from nutrients, salinity, heavy metals and pesticides.

48. SOIL EROSION Erosion occurs primarily as sheet and rill, ephemeral, and gully erosion. The minimum level of treatment requires that erosion does not exceed the soil loss tolerance of the various soils on the farm. Most soils in Louisiana has a soil loss tolerance of 5 tons/acre

49. SOIL HEALTH Problems occur with soil health when organic matter, structure, compaction, and rooting depth are not suitable for plant growth. Quality criteria for soil health are met with the soil condition is positive

50. SOIL CONTAMINANTS Soil contaminants include salts, nutrients, heavy metals and pesticides. Minimum treatment requires that salinity levels cause less than a 10% decrease in yield, nutrient application does not exceed soil storage/plant uptake capacities based on soil test recommendations.

51. WATER QUANTITY & WATER QUALITY Quantity and quality are the 2 primary resource concerns relative to surface and groundwater resources. Ponding and excess runoff are the main water quantity issues on non-irrigated land.

52. WATER QUANTITY - PONDING Ponding of water because of inadequate outlets is a major water quantity concern. Quality criteria are met when water is managed in such a way, consistent with wetland regulations, that limits surface ponding and periods of saturation.

53. Ponding

54. WATER QUANTITY – EXCESS RUNOFF Inefficient use of available rainfall results in excessive runoff which may lead to moisture deficits during the growing season. Precipitation should be minimize runoff and optimize the use of available moisture

55. Excess Runoff

56. WATER QUALITY CONCERNS Water quality concerns include nutrients, chemicals, pathogens and other components such as sediment and turbidity, salinity, and low dissolved oxygen. Suspended solids degrade aquatic habitat. Nutrients and pesticides can leach into ground water and threaten drinking water supplies. Runoff, spills, leaks, and leaching need to be minimized in order to protect surface and ground water.

57. Suspended Solids & Turbidity

58. AIR RESOURCE CONCERNS Particulate matter, chemical drift, ozone precursors, greenhouse gasses, ammonia and odor have been identified as contributors to degraded air.

59. AIR RESOURCE CONCERNS Particulate matter suspended in air reduces visibility, adversely impacts human health, and may deposit in undesirable areas. Agriculture burning can be a significant source of particulate matter if not done properly. Follow the Louisiana’s Smoke Management Guidelines and individuals should be certified by LDAF as certified prescribed burn managers.

60. Smoke Problems

61. CHEMICAL DRIFT Materials applied to treat agricultural pests can volatilize and drift downwind affecting non-target crops, surface water, livestock and humans. Pesticides should be applied in strict adherence with all federal, state and local regulations. Pesticides should be applied according to label restrictions and according to LSU AgCenter recommendations.

62. PLANT RESOURCE CONCERNS Plant condition is a resource concern when productivity and quality fail to meet the producer’s expectation. Low fertility, improper pH, unsuitable sites, disease, and poor management reduce plant productivity and quality. Quality criteria are met when plants are suitable to the site, do not negatively impact other resources and yield is at least 75% of site potential.

63. Insects, weeds, pathogens, and vertebrates reduce yield and quality of desirable plants. Noxious plants compete for sunlight, water, space and nutrients.

64. ANIMAL RESOUCE CONCERNS Animal resource concerns include fish, wildlife, and domesticated livestock. We are mainly concerned with the availability and quality of food, water and cover for the species of concern. The land needs to support the necessary plant species in adequate diversity, abundance, and physical structure for the wildlife.

65. ANIMAL RESOURCE CONCERN It is important that available feed and forage is sufficient to meet the nutritional and production needs of the kinds and class of livestock. The livestock are sufficiently protected from harsh environmental conditions (artificial or natural shelter). Sufficient water of acceptable quality is provided and adequately distributed.

66. INSTALLATION OF NEEDED PRACTICES After the resource concerns are identified, NRCS will recommend conversation practices that will correct the resource problem. In many situations, producers qualify for one or more USDA cost share programs that assist producers with installation of needed practices. These programs are detailed in the 2008 Farm Bill known as the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008.

67. GRAZING LANDS PRACTICES Animal Walkways Brush Management Composting Facility CNMP Fence Heavy Use Area Pasture Planting Pipeline Pond

68. GRAZING LANDS PRACTICES Prescribed Grazing Range Planting Stream Crossing Waste Storage Facility Waste Treatment Lagoon Waste Utilization Watering Facility Water Well

69. Nutrient Management Plans

70.  Who Has To Do Them? Individuals that want an RMS level Conservation Plan developed Operations listed as CAFO, or using animal wastes In the future, operations applying nutrients in watersheds listed as impaired due to excessive nutrients by DEQ

71. Nutrient Management Plans  What Does NMP Consist Of? Soil Test Results Farm maps Yield history to establish yield goals Records on nutrient application history Nutrient “Balance Sheet” Recommended application rates, source, timing, and method of application to minimize runoff to surface and ground waters

72. Nutrient Management Plans What about soil sampling and testing? –Soil sample a minimum of every 5 years –Recommended to sample every 3 years –If lab other than LSU is used, P must be analyzed with extractant used by LSU lab –Nutrient rates shall be based on LCES recommendations –Sample should be representative of the different conditions in the field, and all cores should be obtained at 0-6”

73. Nutrient Management Plans Phosphorus Index –Where Nutrient Management Plans are required, Phosphorus will be the element limiting applications in some cases –When LA was developing NMP’s, choices for P limitations were Soil Test P or P Index –We chose P Index to give LA producers more options and flexibility

74. Nutrient Management Plans Phosphorus Index Takes Into Account –Erosion Potential –Runoff Potential –Subsurface Drainage –Filter Strips –Watershed Priority –Soil Test P –P Application Rate –P Application Method

75. Summary  Nutrient Management makes sense economically and environmentally  Plans will be thorough - will list all forms and management techniques of nutrients being applied and how to minimize movement to water - something farmers should be doing

76. Nutrient Management Plans For help with your NMP call… –NRCS –LSU AgCenter –LDAF –Certified crop advisors –Private consultants

77. CONSERVATION PROGRAMS 2008 FARM BILL

78. 78 The path to the 2008 Farm Bill 1985 Food Security Act Highly Erodible Land protection (HEL) Reduction of wetland conversion (Swampbuster) Conservation Reserve Program 1990 Food Agricultural Conservation & Trade Act Continues HEL & Swampbuster provisions Continues CRP Wetland Reserve Program Authorized 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement & Reform Act Environmental Quality Incentives Program begins Wildlife Habitat Quality Incentives Program begins WRP, CRP continued 2002 Farm Security & Rural Investment Act Conservation Security Program

79. 79 2008 Farm Bill: Food, Conservation and Energy Act The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill) became law on May 22, 2008 The legislation includes fifteen diverse titles, including broad provisions for conservation, energy and tax policy Enactment of the bill followed a multiple year process of deliberation and debate yielding a final product with some but not all of the policy recommendations offered by the United States Department of Agriculture

80. 80 2008 Farm Bill Highlights Increases funding for Conservation programs Focuses on Agricultural and Forestry Working Lands Environmental Quality Incentives Program expanded Continues Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program Agricultural Management Assistance expanded to include Hawaii

81. 81 Conservation Stewardship Program begins FY2009 with an acreage allocation and a ranking system. Offers flexibility to be a nationwide program Wetlands Reserve Program appraisal issues resolved Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program funding expanded Creates an Open Fields Program to encourage public access to private land for hunting and fishing 2008 Farm Bill Highlights (2)

82. 82 Conservation Programs WORKING LANDS PROGRAMS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Agricultural Water Enhancement Program (AWEP) Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)

83. 83 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) EQIP offers financial and technical assistance to agriculture and forestry producers to promote agricultural production, forest management, and environmental quality as compatible goals

84. 84 EQIP Key Points Reauthorized until 2012 Validates NRCS forestry activities by specifically referencing forest management Expanded to include energy conservation benefits associated with conservation practices Places a priority on reduction of water use or no new lands irrigated

85. 85 EQIP Key Points (3) For organic producers: Specific section on assistance with conservation practices utilized for organic production and transition Payments for practices with organic production benefits limited to not more than $20,000 per year; $80,000 in 6 years

86. 86 EQIP Key Points (4) For limited resource, socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers or ranchers: Up to 90 percent cost share or at least 25 percent above the otherwise applicable rate Advance payments to cover up to 30% of the cost of materials to install conservation improvements

87. 87 For More Information, visit: Your local USDA Service Center Your local conservation district http://www.nrcs.usda.gov http://www.la.nrcs.usda.gov