CONSERVATION PLANNING Jim Krueger State Resource Conservationist CONSERVATIONPLANNING.

CONSERVATION CONSERVATION PLANNINGPLANNING

Jim KruegerJim KruegerState Resource State Resource ConservationistConservationist

CONSERVATIONCONSERVATION

PLANNINGPLANNING


• Core agency functionCore agency function

• Ensure that resource Ensure that resource concerns are recognized and concerns are recognized and

alternatives presentedalternatives presented

• Foundation for programsFoundation for programs

• Resource conservation is the Resource conservation is the goalgoal

• Enable conservationEnable conservation

Some things haven’t Some things haven’t changed!!changed!!


Phase ICollection

and

Analysis

Phase IIDecisionSupport

Phase IIIApplication

andEvaluation

Planning ProcessPlanning Process

Phase ICollection

and

Analysis

Phase IIDecisionSupport

Phase IIIApplication

andEvaluation


Some things are still evolving:Some things are still evolving:

• Moving to web based and electronic applications Moving to web based and electronic applications (eGov)(eGov)

– Emphasis is still on working together with people Emphasis is still on working together with people to solve resource problemsto solve resource problems

• 70 years of science and technology available 70 years of science and technology available electronicallyelectronically

– Peer reviewed and testedPeer reviewed and tested



• Policies – GM180.409 / GM450.401Policies – GM180.409 / GM450.401

• Practice StandardsPractice Standards

• Quality CriteriaQuality Criteria

• CPPECPPE

• Common Resource AreasCommon Resource Areas

• Guide SheetsGuide Sheets

• Handbooks and ProceduresHandbooks and Procedures

Evolution of Other Evolution of Other ToolsTools



Field Office Technical GuideField Office Technical Guide(FOTG)(FOTG)

What it is?What it is?

What does it contain?What does it contain?

How is it accessed?How is it accessed?

How is it used?How is it used?


FOTG - What it is?FOTG - What it is?

• Primary technical reference of NRCSPrimary technical reference of NRCS

• Contains information about soil, water, air, Contains information about soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources (SWAPA)plant, and animal resources (SWAPA)

• Localized to each countyLocalized to each county


FOTG - What does it contain?FOTG - What does it contain? Section I Section I

General References :General References :

- - Links to technical handbooks, references Links to technical handbooks, references and agency manualsand agency manuals


FOTG - What does it contain?FOTG - What does it contain?Section IISection II

Natural Resources Information:Natural Resources Information:

- - Soils data, climate data, ecological site Soils data, climate data, ecological site descriptions, windbreak suitability groups, descriptions, windbreak suitability groups, forage suitability groups, cultural resources forage suitability groups, cultural resources information, wildlife habitat guides and information, wildlife habitat guides and interpretations, threatened and endangered interpretations, threatened and endangered species listing, cropland production tables, species listing, cropland production tables, etc…etc…


FOTG - What does it contain? FOTG - What does it contain? Section IIISection III

Conservation Management Systems:Conservation Management Systems:

- - Quality Criteria that establishes treatment Quality Criteria that establishes treatment levels necessary to protect / sustain levels necessary to protect / sustain resource use / productivityresource use / productivity


FOTG - What does it contain?FOTG - What does it contain? Section IV Section IV

Practice Standards and Specifications:Practice Standards and Specifications:

- Information on the planning, installation, and - Information on the planning, installation, and certification of conservation practicescertification of conservation practices

- Planning tools, forms, and technical notes to - Planning tools, forms, and technical notes to assist with practice applicationassist with practice application


FOTG - What does it contain? FOTG - What does it contain? Section VSection V

Conservation Effects:Conservation Effects:

- - How installation of various practices affect How installation of various practices affect resource concernsresource concerns


FOTG –FOTG – How is it accessed?How is it accessed?

An electronic copy (eFOTG) is available at An electronic copy (eFOTG) is available at the following Website:the following Website:

www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg


Welcome to eFOTGWelcome to eFOTG


eFOTG - Select a countyeFOTG - Select a county


eFOTG - Select a sectioneFOTG - Select a section


eFOTG – LayouteFOTG – Layout


eFOTG - LayouteFOTG - Layout


• Additions and revisions of eFOTG information is a Additions and revisions of eFOTG information is a continuous process.continuous process.

• Changes are posted under “What's Changed Changes are posted under “What's Changed Recently”. Check this often!Recently”. Check this often!

• If you use hard copy information downloaded from If you use hard copy information downloaded from eFOTG, update it as soon as revisions are announced.eFOTG, update it as soon as revisions are announced.

eFOTG - User tipseFOTG - User tips


Completed major revisions:Completed major revisions:

– Provided clarity of definitionsProvided clarity of definitions

– Provided uniformity and consistencyProvided uniformity and consistency

– Incorporated new measurement toolsIncorporated new measurement tools

and technologiesand technologies

– Prepared for public scrutinyPrepared for public scrutiny

FOTG - Quality Criteria

Conservation Planning ProcessConservation Planning Process


FOTG - Quality CriteriaFOTG - Quality Criteria



- Offer utility in planning- Offer utility in planning

- Allow planner to actively select systems from guide - Allow planner to actively select systems from guide sheets associated with the CRA sheets associated with the CRA

- Reduce time spent on routine systems- Reduce time spent on routine systems

- Let planner concentrate on more complex issues- Let planner concentrate on more complex issues

- Give planner the flexibility to edit or add systems- Give planner the flexibility to edit or add systems

- Help with training our planners and TSP’s- Help with training our planners and TSP’s

- Help producers through self-assessment- Help producers through self-assessment

Conservation System Guide SheetsConservation System Guide Sheets



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.


Employee Employee CertificatioCertificatio

nn

ConservatioConservation Practice n Practice Physical Physical EffectsEffects

QualitQuality y

CriteriCriteriaa

ProTractsProTracts

Customer Customer Service Service ToolkitToolkit

Employee Employee DevelopmenDevelopmen

tt

Practice Practice StandardsStandards

Conservation Conservation

PlanningPlanning

CRA MapsCRA Maps

Resource Resource ConcernsConcerns



National Planning Procedures HandbookNational Planning Procedures Handbook

(NPPH)(NPPH)

Amendment 4Amendment 4

http://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/Htst/H_180_600.htmhttp://policy.nrcs.usda.gov/scripts/lpsiis.dll/Htst/H_180_600.htm



PLANNING POLICY PLANNING POLICY

General Manual, Title 180, General Manual, Title 180, Part 409Part 409

Three Phase – Nine StepThree Phase – Nine Step

Sound Use and Management ResourcesSound Use and Management Resources

- SWAPAH- SWAPAH

NPPH / FOTG / FOCSNPPH / FOTG / FOCS


NEPANEPA

T&E SpeciesT&E Species

FOIAFOIA

Civil RightsCivil Rights

WetlandsWetlands

AppealsAppeals

OTHER POLICIESOTHER POLICIES

Cultural ResourcesCultural Resources



National Environmental Policy ActNational Environmental Policy Act- - Signed January 1, 1970Signed January 1, 1970

Title ITitle I- - Requirements for agenciesRequirements for agencies

Title IITitle II- - Establishes CEQEstablishes CEQ


NEPANEPA



General Manual, Title 420, Parts 401, 601General Manual, Title 420, Parts 401, 601

NRCS must account for cultural resourcesNRCS must account for cultural resources

Agreement with SHPOAgreement with SHPO

- - Specifies how NRCS compliance activities will take place Specifies how NRCS compliance activities will take place in each statein each state

Cultural ResourcesCultural Resources




General Manual, Title 190, Part 410General Manual, Title 190, Part 410 Endangered Species Act (ESA)Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7Section 7

- Promote TAES- Promote TAES

- No adverse effect- No adverse effect Section 9Section 9

- Prohibited activities- Prohibited activities


T & E SpeciesT & E Species



PROGRAMSPROGRAMSConservation Planning ProcessConservation Planning Process

• Influence planning workloadInfluence planning workload

• Support planning processSupport planning process

- - Plan for resourcesPlan for resources

- Don’t plan for programs- Don’t plan for programs

• Voluntary vs. mandatory resource treatmentVoluntary vs. mandatory resource treatment


Conservation Planning ProcessConservation Planning ProcessPROGRAMSPROGRAMS

Commitment To The Planning ProcessCommitment To The Planning Process

Use programs to support processUse programs to support process

Balance quality and quantityBalance quality and quantity

Provide better service to clients Provide better service to clients and partnersand partners


Key Elements of Conservation PlanningKey Elements of Conservation Planning

1. The 1. The PlannerPlanner

2. The 2. The ClientClient

3. The 3. The ProcessProcess

4. The 4. The PlanPlan

5. The 5. The PartnershipPartnership



1.1. The PlannerThe Planner

- An Effective Conservation Planner- An Effective Conservation Planner

- Salesmanship- Salesmanship

ProfessionalismProfessionalism

Client and community values and issuesClient and community values and issues

Agricultural issuesAgricultural issues

Environmental issuesEnvironmental issues

- Client’s Motivation- Client’s Motivation

- Consideration of the Client- Consideration of the Client

Conservation Planning ProcessConservation Planning ProcessKey Elements of Conservation PlanningKey Elements of Conservation Planning


2.2. The ClientThe Client

-- Client’s UnderstandingClient’s Understanding

Planning processPlanning process Client’s roleClient’s role Planner’s rolePlanner’s role Role of the conservation districtRole of the conservation district Plans are developed on-sitePlans are developed on-site Long term relationshipLong term relationship Plans are flexiblePlans are flexible

- Confidentiality- Confidentiality



3.3. The ProcessThe Process

VoluntaryVoluntary

On-goingOn-going

Ecological and human concernsEcological and human concerns

Desired future conditionsDesired future conditions

Conservation management systemsConservation management systems

Consideration of on-site and off-site effects Consideration of on-site and off-site effects and impactsand impacts



4.4. The PlanThe Plan

Conservation plansConservation plans

Area-wide conservation plansArea-wide conservation plans

Comprehensive plans with a unit of Comprehensive plans with a unit of governmentgovernment



5.5. The PartnershipThe Partnership

Conservation districtsConservation districts

Other partnersOther partners



The Client’s RoleThe Client’s Role

Must be involved throughout the planning processMust be involved throughout the planning process

Is the decision makerIs the decision maker

Develops the planDevelops the plan

Implements the planImplements the plan

Owns the planOwns the plan



Conservation Planning is a Conservation Planning is a teaching / learning process.teaching / learning process.

It an opportunity to:It an opportunity to:

TeachTeach

ObserveObserve

DemonstrateDemonstrate

EvaluateEvaluate

LearnLearn

Work togetherWork together

MonitorMonitor



Consider the needs and capabilities of each Consider the needs and capabilities of each acre within the plan.acre within the plan.

Consider the farmer’s facilities, machinery, and economic Consider the farmer’s facilities, machinery, and economic situation.situation.

Incorporate the farmer’s willingness to try new practices.Incorporate the farmer’s willingness to try new practices.

Consider the land’s relationship to the entire farm, ranch, or Consider the land’s relationship to the entire farm, ranch, or watershed.watershed.

Ensure the conservationist’s presence out on the land with Ensure the conservationist’s presence out on the land with the decision-maker.the decision-maker.



Phase I - Collection and AnalysisPhase I - Collection and Analysis

1. Identify problems1. Identify problems2. Determine objectives2. Determine objectives3. Inventory resources3. Inventory resources4. Analyze resource data4. Analyze resource data

Phase II - Decision SupportPhase II - Decision Support

5. Formulate alternatives5. Formulate alternatives6. Evaluate alternatives6. Evaluate alternatives7. Make decisions7. Make decisions

Phase III - Application and EvaluationPhase III - Application and Evaluation

8. Implement the plan8. Implement the plan9. Evaluate the plan9. Evaluate the plan



- Identify - Identify → resource concernsresource concerns

- Describe - Describe → natural resource conditionsnatural resource conditions

- Evaluate- Evaluate→ conservation practice physical effectsconservation practice physical effects



• Identify problems and opportunitiesIdentify problems and opportunities

• Require on-site visitsRequire on-site visits

• Identify existing problemsIdentify existing problems

• Identify potential problemsIdentify potential problems

• Identify perceived problemsIdentify perceived problems

• Identify inter-related problemsIdentify inter-related problems


STEP 1STEP 1


• Determine objectivesDetermine objectives

• Desired future conditionsDesired future conditions

• Based on resource and producer Based on resource and producer values and needsvalues and needs


STEP 2STEP 2


- Inventory Resources- Inventory ResourcesSWAPAHSWAPAH

- Procedural - Procedural Assessment toolsAssessment tools

- Observation - Observation Experience / knowledgeExperience / knowledge - Predictive- Predictive

RUSLE IIRUSLE II - Deductive - Deductive

Reason and common senseReason and common sense


STEP 3STEP 3


Terraces reduce soil loss and resultant sedimentation.Terraces reduce soil loss and resultant sedimentation.



- Analyze resource data- Analyze resource data

- Use quality criteria- Use quality criteria

- Clearly define natural resource - Clearly define natural resource concernsconcerns

- Include current and potential uses- Include current and potential uses


STEP 4STEP 4


Waterways trap sediment and nutrients.Waterways trap sediment and nutrients.



Filter strips absorb sediments and nutrientsFilter strips absorb sediments and nutrients..



- Formulate alternativesFormulate alternatives - Meet producer needs- Meet producer needs - Structural alternatives- Structural alternatives - Non-structural alternatives- Non-structural alternatives - Market-based alternatives- Market-based alternatives - Cost-share assistance- Cost-share assistance - Easements- Easements - Mitigate potential adverse effects- Mitigate potential adverse effects - Meet regulatory requirements- Meet regulatory requirements


STEP 5STEP 5


Setback zones prevent direct entry of pollutants into a stream.Setback zones prevent direct entry of pollutants into a stream.



Field scouting can optimize pesticide and fertilizer use.Field scouting can optimize pesticide and fertilizer use.

Test soil Test soil periodicallyperiodically.



• Evaluate alternativesEvaluate alternatives

• Sound information Sound information

• Required to make informed Required to make informed decisionsdecisions


STEP 6STEP 6


Given a choice cattle prefer to drink water from a tank.Given a choice cattle prefer to drink water from a tank.



Restrict Stream AccessRestrict Stream Access



Livestock exclusion from sensitive areas is one option.Livestock exclusion from sensitive areas is one option.



• Make decisionsMake decisions

• Document decisions and reasoning or Document decisions and reasoning or making those decisionsmaking those decisions


STEP 7STEP 7


• Implement the planImplement the plan

• Cost-share programs become involved Cost-share programs become involved at this stepat this step

• Technical application assistance Technical application assistance providedprovided

• Permits obtainedPermits obtained


STEP 8STEP 8


Drop StructureDrop Structure



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



Manure is applied to crop land improperly or in excess.Manure is applied to crop land improperly or in excess.



Evaluate Evaluate

Plan Plan

ActionsActions



Technical Service Providers (TSP’s)Technical Service Providers (TSP’s)

ProgramsPrograms

EQIPEQIPCRPCRP

WHIPWHIP

WRPWRP

GRPGRP

CSPCSP

FPPFPP

THE BASICSTHE BASICS


Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002Food Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002

The Secretary shall provide technical The Secretary shall provide technical assistance directly, through paymentsassistance directly, through payments

for an approved third party, (technical for an approved third party, (technical service provider)service provider)

by entering into cooperative agreements or by entering into cooperative agreements or contracts with non-Federal entities.contracts with non-Federal entities.




KSU will lead the effort to provide KSU will lead the effort to provide educational opportunities for educational opportunities for

potential technical service potential technical service providers.providers.

The State Conservationist will certify The State Conservationist will certify and add technical service and add technical service

providers to an approved list for providers to an approved list for providing specific technical providing specific technical

assistance.assistance.




TSP’s must meet minimum education TSP’s must meet minimum education and experience requirementsand experience requirements

become certified become certified

be listed as an approved provider by be listed as an approved provider by the State Conservationistthe State Conservationist




1. Landowner’s LTC is funded1. Landowner’s LTC is funded

2. Practice eligible for assistance 2. Practice eligible for assistance

3. Landowner hires provider3. Landowner hires provider

4. Practice completed4. Practice completed

5. Landowner pays provider5. Landowner pays provider

6. NRCS reimburses landowner6. NRCS reimburses landowner




DesignDesign

LayoutLayout

Implementation oversightImplementation oversight

CheckoutCheckout

DocumentationDocumentation


TSP RESPONSIBILITIESTSP RESPONSIBILITIES


OPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’SOPPORTUNITIES FOR TSP’S


First Phase ImplementationFirst Phase Implementation

AnimalAnimalWasteWaste

Nutrient Nutrient ManagementManagement

IrrigationIrrigation


Second Phase ImplementationSecond Phase Implementation

GrasslandsGrasslands

Erosion ControlErosion Control

WetlandsWetlands

Pest Management Pest Management

BuffersBuffers

OthersOthers




Other OpportunitiesOther Opportunities

Cooperative agreementsCooperative agreements

Contribution agreementsContribution agreements

Federal contractsFederal contracts




Total Number of Individual Technical Service ProvidersTotal Number of Individual Technical Service Providers

1267

1045

2312

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

CertifiedIndividual TSP

PendingIndividual TSP

Total

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


Technical Service Provider Fund Obligations as of 9/30/03Technical Service Provider Fund Obligations as of 9/30/03

66%

1%0.1%

2%

2%0.4%

9%

4%

1%

15%

EQIP Program EQIP Ground Surface Water ConsEQIP Klamath Basin CTACRP FRPPGRP WRPWHIP Watershed Planning



25%

39%

2%

3%

1%

30%

Conservation Districts Private Vendors Other

Private Organizations County Governments State Agencies

NRCS Technical Service Provider Fund Obligations - As of September 30, 2003NRCS Technical Service Provider Fund Obligations - As of September 30, 2003



?? QUESTIONS ??

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age,

disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require

alternative means for communication of program alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should

contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten

Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice

or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and or TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."employer."

CONSERVATION PLANNING Jim Krueger State Resource Conservationist CONSERVATIONPLANNING.

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