Documentation Guide For Economics Hal Gordon USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Service

Documentation Guide for Economics “When correctly and completely evaluated this will provide adequate documentation for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)” “When correctly and completely evaluated this will provide adequate documentation for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)”

Step 1. Define Benchmark Condition Identify the Economic Resource Concerns for the Benchmark Condition During the Farm/Ranch Inventory Identify the Economic Resource Concerns for the Benchmark Condition During the Farm/Ranch Inventory Assistance Notes n Business n Objective n Resource Problem/Opportunity n Technical Assistance n CPA-52 LandCapitolLaborManagementRiskProfitability

Step 2. Complete The Conservation Plan n Use Economic Information in Planning Conservation Practice Cost Estimates Conservation Practice Cost Estimates Conservation Practice Physical Effects Conservation Practice Physical Effects n Landowner Selects an Alternative n Document the Economic “Effects” Assistance Notes Assistance Notes Field Inventory Worksheets Field Inventory Worksheets LandCapitolLaborManagementRiskProfitability

Step 3. Complete the Documentation On the CPA-52, check “Yes” or “No” on “Special Actions Required” for each economic concern identified by the landowner. On the CPA-52, check “Yes” or “No” on “Special Actions Required” for each economic concern identified by the landowner. The only economic “Special Actions Required” are for the planner to inform the landowner how the economic resource concern was addressed in the plan. The only economic “Special Actions Required” are for the planner to inform the landowner how the economic resource concern was addressed in the plan.

Step 4. Complete the CPA-52 n Write a Short Note in the CPA-52 About How the Economic Concern was Addressed n Additional Documentation if Necessary LandCapitolLaborManagementRiskProfitability

Example of CPA-52 Documentation Selected Alternative: Install a Grass Waterway on Cropland ConcernProposed ActionsAlternative LandChange in land useSome land not cropped, convert to hay/wildlife use. CapitalInstallation CostLandowner applying for cost-share funding. LaborInstallation/O&MNot a concern, slight increase in labor ManagementManage GrassPest management, may need consultant. RiskEliminate GullyReduced machinery damage ProfitabilityIncrease CostsLost crop income Reduce Income

Planner’s Responsibilities “The Conservation Plan is Not Required to Solve Economic Concerns… However… “The Conservation Plan is Not Required to Solve Economic Concerns… However… the Planner Should Formulate the Conservation Plan to Address Each Economic Concern Where Possible” the Planner Should Formulate the Conservation Plan to Address Each Economic Concern Where Possible”

Documentation for Economics “If you are uncertain about economic principles or analysis, contact your Basin Lead for Conservation Planning or the State Agricultural Economist” “If you are uncertain about economic principles or analysis, contact your Basin Lead for Conservation Planning or the State Agricultural Economist”

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