What is a Conservation Plan?
A conservation plan is a customized document that outlines the use and best management practices of the natural resources on your land. The plan defines and explains the resources in a simple, easy to understand manner.
Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soils map and information, an inventory of resources, engineering notes, and other supporting information. You, the landuser, make all the decisions, but do not have to tackle resource problems alone.
Who Needs a Conservation Plan?
Landowners that want to achieve a healthy working landscape; landowners that participate in one of Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) many programs must have a Conservation Plan or be developing one, before or during enrollment. However, you do not need to be enrolled in NRCS programs to obtain a conservation plan.
Consider Why You May Need a Conservation Plan
NRCS can help you develop a conservation plan one step at a time, while looking at the whole parcel of land. There is no cost to you.
• Would you like the opportunity to enhance the natural resources on your land?
• Do you have muddy runoff, carrying precious soil nutrients and water away?
• Is your paddock full of mud and manure?
• Are your gullies growing and hard to cross?
• Does your forest stand seem to be over crowded?
• Is your property providing wildlife habitat?
• Is your livestock creating an environmental problem in the watershed?
• Are there invasive species where native species once thrived?
• Do you need to comply with certain regulations?
he success of conservation planning depends on you, the landuser, being involved in every phase of the process. The decisions made are your decisions! Technically trained NRCS planners will help you reach informed decisions about soil, water, air, plants, and animal resources while considering human, social and economic concerns...
Making a Plan
When you are ready to start a Conservation Plan, a NRCS planner will meet with you to discuss your goals, plans, resource problems, the soils, and the NRCS’s conservation programs. The planner will ask which crops you want to grow, the livestock you want to keep, the forest health you wish to improve, the wildlife or recreation uses you want to plan, and any other interests you have that will affect the land.
If you’re ready to start call the NRCS office at 530-272-3417. You may also get a head start by completing the Conservation Planning Workbook and other Supplements listed below as necessary prior to scheduling a NRCS visit.
Conservation Planning Workbook
Problem Identifier Supplement
Forestland Supplement
Range, Pasture and Livestock Supplement
Wildlife Supplement
