CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Panel 2

CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Panel 2

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Malcolm Henning, NHQ Conservation Operations and Bob Neilsen, NSSC

1. 
   Will we be able to update frozen HEL lists with new K factors derived from new data?
   

2. 
   Is populating data for CRP still a high priority?
   

3. 
   CRP and Frozen HEL Lists – What are the plans to use current soils data instead of frozen data.
   

4. 
   CRP and Frozen HEL Lists – The frozen HEL soil map unit lists and factor values, dated January 1, 1990, are used to make erodibility determinations. CRP is authorized through 2002. Now is the time to lobby for wording change in the Code of Federal Regulations. Let’s try to include wording that captures the soil values or factors in NASIS. If a NASIS warehouse is established, the data can be dumped prior to a signup and used for determining CRP’s HEL land eligibility category. This program can help us work towards a consistent product. We should use the best data we have available.
   

5. 
   There are soil surveys correlated since 1990. It is time to append the 1/1/90 list as outlined in the National Food Security Act Manual. Has anyone done that?
   

6. 
   It should be dictated that CRP soil rental rates are derived from NASIS generated indices. If they need to be developed by some physiographic region, so be it. Stand-alone indices should be outlawed. They cause major problems at an administrative boundary. If needed, the index could represent 70% of the soil rental rate and a 30% influence could come from the county average rental rate.
   

7. 
   The FSA information that we are populating in NASIS requests that the R factor be entered. There are two R-values, one for USLE (Frozen HEL) and a different one for RUSLE2 used with planning. Which one should be entered?
   

8. 
   One of the biggest concerns here is the CRP and frozen HEL lists. This has been a big issue in the western part of the state where wind erosion is a big problem. Updated information shows that most of the soil surface textures are coarser that what was originally mapped, making these soils eligible for CRP. But under current rules, they are not. This frozen list rule has also really slowed, or nearly killed any interest in updating soil surveys. If the new soil information cannot be used to correct the HEL list, or improve it, why would any conservation district spend money on updating soil surveys?
   

9. 
   Are we going to continue with the March 30 date for getting all of the data into NASIS for an automated CRP sign-up process? There isn’t going to be a signup then Management so when are we going to see a retraction by NHQ for all this database work that needs to be done?
   

Farmland Protection and Community Planning, Cheryl Simmons, LESA and FPPA Coordinator

In October 2000, the Farmland Protection and Community Planning Division (FPCP) was created within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The responsibilities assigned to this Division include implementing the Farmland Protection Policy Act, managing the Farmland Protection Program, and assisting local communities with land use planning and urban conservation.

In an effort to implement the Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA) more effectively, FPCP has met with Federal agencies involved in activities that may lead to potential land conversion; revised FPPA policy to clarify Federal agency responsibilities; and has begun to design training for both NRCS field staff and participating Federal agencies. Working with the Soil Survey Division and Iowa State University, we’ve started computerizing soils lists and a portion of the Act's Land Evaluation Site Assessment (LESA) system for field office use. We are also working with local communities to conduct a pilot to computerize important farmland maps. We believe these maps will not only assist NRCS offices with FPPA requirements, but will also aid communities in smart growth planning.
As it relates to community planning, FPCP is piloting an effort to create tools to help communities with local planning efforts. These tools include will be packaged for local use. Important farmland maps, GIS data layers containing soils information, and natural resource inventories are also included in this effort. In selected urban counties, NRCS is conducting a survey to assess technical needs.
In June, USDA will award $17.5 million in Farmland Protection Program (FPP) funds to state, Tribal and local governments' farmland protection programs. With the passage of the Agricultural Risk Protection Act of 2000, non-governmental organizations also will be eligible for FPP funds, enabling more states and entities to participate. To date, we have received applications from 27 states requesting over $116,000,000 in Federal funds.
Technical soil services are critical in farmland protection and community planning. We want to be active partners in elevating soils in and out of NRCS.
CLARIFICATION OF LESA GOAL
50 New or Updated LESA systems.
New – LE and SA portions completed and placed on the State Conservationist’s list. (The LESA has been adopted for use by a local jurisdiction.)
Updated – The LE or SA portions have been updated this year. LE may need to be updated if the soil survey has been updated to add or change/correlate appropriate soils for use in the model.
Reporting – Report the existing completed LESA systems on the State Conservationist’s list and the year placed on the list. Also, report any LESA systems being updated with the date completed and new LESA systems with the date the system was placed on the State Conservationist’s list. Report the LE portion as it is completed for each county.

Directory: Internet -> FSE DOCUMENTS
FSE DOCUMENTS -> Applications and limitations
FSE DOCUMENTS -> Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Practice Standard
FSE DOCUMENTS -> Downloading gps gr-3 Surveys Summary of Procedure
FSE DOCUMENTS -> All applications must be submitted by 12/01/2015 to be eligible
FSE DOCUMENTS -> Indiana Conservation Programs for Copperbelly Water Snake Habitat
FSE DOCUMENTS -> Administrator’s Corner
FSE DOCUMENTS -> United States Department of Agriculture • Natural Resources Conservation Service
FSE DOCUMENTS -> United States Department of Agriculture Soule River Hydroelectric Project
FSE DOCUMENTS -> Ottawa national forest: checklist of the vascular flora of the mccormick wilderness

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