Jim Krueger State Resource Conservationist PLANNING Jim Krueger State Resource Conservationist

Some things haven’t changed!! Core agency function Ensure that resource concerns are recognized and alternatives presented Foundation for programs Resource conservation is the goal Enable conservation

Planning Process Phase I Phase II Collection Phase I Phase II Decision NRCS has long used a planning process that, when followed, will ensure that all the issues are considered AND the greatest degree of resource management (conservation) can be attained. We use a three phase, nine-step, planning process. The cycle is cyclical and reiterative. It is essentially, the same process that any of us use when we by a car, a house, or a pet. (relate an example) Phase I Collection and Analysis Phase II Decision Support Phase I Collection and Analysis Phase II Decision Support Phase III Application and Evaluation Phase III Application and Evaluation

Some things are still evolving: Planning Process Some things are still evolving: Moving to web based and electronic applications (eGov) Emphasis is still on working together with people to solve resource problems 70 years of science and technology available electronically Peer reviewed and tested

Evolution of Other Tools Handbooks and Procedures Planning Process Evolution of Other Tools Policies – GM180.409 / GM450.401 Practice Standards Quality Criteria CPPE Common Resource Areas Guide Sheets Handbooks and Procedures

Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) What it is? What does it contain? How is it accessed? How is it used?

FOTG - What it is? Primary technical reference of NRCS Contains information about soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources (SWAPA) Localized to each county

FOTG - What does it contain? Section I General References : - Links to technical handbooks, references and agency manuals

FOTG - What does it contain? Section II Natural Resources Information: - Soils data, climate data, ecological site descriptions, windbreak suitability groups, forage suitability groups, cultural resources information, wildlife habitat guides and interpretations, threatened and endangered species listing, cropland production tables, etc…

FOTG - What does it contain? Section III Conservation Management Systems: - Quality Criteria that establishes treatment levels necessary to protect / sustain resource use / productivity

FOTG - What does it contain? Section IV Practice Standards and Specifications: - Information on the planning, installation, and certification of conservation practices - Planning tools, forms, and technical notes to assist with practice application

FOTG - What does it contain? Section V Conservation Effects: - How installation of various practices affect resource concerns

FOTG – How is it accessed? An electronic copy (eFOTG) is available at the following Website: www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg

Welcome to eFOTG

eFOTG - Select a county

eFOTG - Select a section

eFOTG – Layout

eFOTG - Layout

eFOTG - Layout

eFOTG - Layout

eFOTG - Layout

eFOTG - User tips Additions and revisions of eFOTG information is a continuous process. Changes are posted under “What's Changed Recently”. Check this often! If you use hard copy information downloaded from eFOTG, update it as soon as revisions are announced.

Conservation Planning Process FOTG - Quality Criteria Completed major revisions: Provided clarity of definitions Provided uniformity and consistency Incorporated new measurement tools and technologies Prepared for public scrutiny

Conservation Planning Process FOTG - Quality Criteria

Conservation Planning Process Conservation System Guide Sheets - Offer utility in planning - Allow planner to actively select systems from guide sheets associated with the CRA - Reduce time spent on routine systems - Let planner concentrate on more complex issues - Give planner the flexibility to edit or add systems - Help with training our planners and TSP’s - Help producers through self-assessment

Conservation Planning Process Quality Criteria Conservation Practice Physical Effects Employee Certification Employee Development Conservation Planning Customer Service Toolkit Resource Concerns CRA Maps Practice Standards ProTracts Note: Linking processes of the past and those that are occurring today – planning certification, employee development, eFOTG, Toolkit, ProTracts, quality criteria, CPPE, data warehouse, and CRA’s available are linked to future developments.

Conservation Planning Process National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) Amendment 4 http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/Htst/H_180_600.htm

Conservation Planning Process General Manual, Title 180, Part 409 PLANNING POLICY General Manual, Title 180, Part 409 Three Phase – Nine Step Sound Use and Management Resources - SWAPAH NPPH / FOTG / FOCS

Conservation Planning Process OTHER POLICIES Civil Rights Wetlands Appeals NEPA T&E Species FOIA Cultural Resources

Conservation Planning Process OTHER POLICIES NEPA National Environmental Policy Act - Signed January 1, 1970 Title I - Requirements for agencies Title II - Establishes CEQ

Conservation Planning Process OTHER POLICIES Cultural Resources General Manual, Title 420, Parts 401, 601 NRCS must account for cultural resources Agreement with SHPO - Specifies how NRCS compliance activities will take place in each state

Conservation Planning Process OTHER POLICIES T & E Species General Manual, Title 190, Part 410 Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7 - Promote TAES - No adverse effect Section 9 - Prohibited activities

Conservation Planning Process PROGRAMS Influence planning workload Support planning process - Plan for resources - Don’t plan for programs Voluntary vs. mandatory resource treatment

Conservation Planning Process Commitment To The Planning Process PROGRAMS Commitment To The Planning Process Use programs to support process Balance quality and quantity Provide better service to clients and partners

Conservation Planning Process Key Elements of Conservation Planning 1. The Planner 2. The Client 3. The Process 4. The Plan 5. The Partnership

Conservation Planning Process Key Elements of Conservation Planning The Planner - An Effective Conservation Planner - Salesmanship Professionalism Client and community values and issues Agricultural issues Environmental issues - Client’s Motivation - Consideration of the Client

Conservation Planning Process Key Elements of Conservation Planning The Client - Client’s Understanding Planning process Client’s role Planner’s role Role of the conservation district Plans are developed on-site Long term relationship Plans are flexible - Confidentiality

Conservation Planning Process Key Elements of Conservation Planning The Process Voluntary On-going Ecological and human concerns Desired future conditions Conservation management systems Consideration of on-site and off-site effects and impacts

Conservation Planning Process Key Elements of Conservation Planning The Plan Conservation plans Area-wide conservation plans Comprehensive plans with a unit of government

Conservation Planning Process Key Elements of Conservation Planning The Partnership Conservation districts Other partners

Conservation Planning Process The Client’s Role Must be involved throughout the planning process Is the decision maker Develops the plan Implements the plan Owns the plan

Conservation Planning Process Conservation Planning is a teaching / learning process. It an opportunity to: Teach Observe Demonstrate Evaluate Learn Work together Monitor

Conservation Planning Process Consider the needs and capabilities of each acre within the plan. Consider the farmer’s facilities, machinery, and economic situation. Incorporate the farmer’s willingness to try new practices. Consider the land’s relationship to the entire farm, ranch, or watershed. Ensure the conservationist’s presence out on the land with the decision-maker.

Conservation Planning Process Phase I - Collection and Analysis 1. Identify problems 2. Determine objectives 3. Inventory resources 4. Analyze resource data Phase II - Decision Support 5. Formulate alternatives 6. Evaluate alternatives 7. Make decisions Phase III - Application and Evaluation 8. Implement the plan 9. Evaluate the plan

Conservation Planning Process - Identify resource concerns - Describe natural resource conditions - Evaluate conservation practice physical effects

Conservation Planning Process STEP 1 Identify problems and opportunities Require on-site visits Identify existing problems Identify potential problems Identify perceived problems Identify inter-related problems

Conservation Planning Process

Conservation Planning Process STEP 2 Determine objectives Desired future conditions Based on resource and producer values and needs

Conservation Planning Process

Conservation Planning Process STEP 3 - Inventory Resources SWAPAH - Procedural Assessment tools - Observation Experience / knowledge - Predictive RUSLE II - Deductive Reason and common sense

Conservation Planning Process Terraces reduce soil loss and resultant sedimentation.

Conservation Planning Process

Conservation Planning Process STEP 4 - Analyze resource data - Use quality criteria - Clearly define natural resource concerns - Include current and potential uses

Conservation Planning Process Waterways trap sediment and nutrients.

Conservation Planning Process Filter strips absorb sediments and nutrients.

Conservation Planning Process STEP 5 - Formulate alternatives - Meet producer needs - Structural alternatives - Non-structural alternatives - Market-based alternatives - Cost-share assistance - Easements - Mitigate potential adverse effects - Meet regulatory requirements

Conservation Planning Process Setback zones prevent direct entry of pollutants into a stream.

Conservation Planning Process Field scouting can optimize pesticide and fertilizer use. Test soil periodically.

Conservation Planning Process STEP 6 Evaluate alternatives Sound information Required to make informed decisions

Conservation Planning Process Given a choice cattle prefer to drink water from a tank.

Restrict Stream Access Conservation Planning Process Restrict Stream Access

Conservation Planning Process Livestock exclusion from sensitive areas is one option.

Conservation Planning Process STEP 7 Make decisions Document decisions and reasoning or making those decisions

Conservation Planning Process STEP 8 Implement the plan Cost-share programs become involved at this step Technical application assistance provided Permits obtained

Conservation Planning Process Drop Structure

Conservation Planning Process No-till reduces run-off and increases water infiltration resulting in less soil erosion and pollutant run-off.

Conservation Planning Process Manure is applied to crop land improperly or in excess.

Conservation Planning Process Evaluate Plan Actions

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) THE BASICS Programs EQIP CRP WRP FPP GRP WHIP CSP

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) THE BASICS Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 The Secretary shall provide technical assistance directly, through payments for an approved third party, (technical service provider) by entering into cooperative agreements or contracts with non-Federal entities.

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) THE BASICS KSU will lead the effort to provide educational opportunities for potential technical service providers. The State Conservationist will certify and add technical service providers to an approved list for providing specific technical assistance.

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) THE BASICS TSP’s must meet minimum education and experience requirements become certified be listed as an approved provider by the State Conservationist

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) THE BASICS 1. Landowner’s LTC is funded 2. Practice eligible for assistance 3. Landowner hires provider 4. Practice completed 5. Landowner pays provider 6. NRCS reimburses landowner

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) Implementation oversight TSP RESPONSIBILITIES Design Layout Implementation oversight Checkout Documentation

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S First Phase Implementation AnimalWaste Irrigation Nutrient Management

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S Second Phase Implementation Grasslands Erosion Control Wetlands Pest Management Buffers Others

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S Other Opportunities Cooperative agreements Contribution agreements Federal contracts

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S Total Number of Individual Technical Service Providers

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S Technical Service Provider Fund Obligations as of 9/30/03

Technical Service Providers (TSP’s) OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S NRCS Technical Service Provider Fund Obligations - As of September 30, 2003

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