Legal Definitions - NRCS

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Its primary mission is to help private landowners and managers conserve their natural resources. It provides technical expertise and financial assistance to encourage voluntary conservation practices on farms, ranches, and non-industrial private forest lands. The goal is to improve soil quality, water quality, air quality, and wildlife habitat, while also promoting sustainable land use and agricultural productivity.

Here are some examples of how the NRCS operates:

• Example 1: Improving Soil Health on a Farm

  A farmer in Iowa wants to implement cover cropping and no-till farming practices to reduce soil erosion and improve soil health on their corn and soybean fields. The farmer would contact their local NRCS office. NRCS conservationists would provide technical advice on the best cover crop species for their specific soil type and climate, help design a no-till system suitable for their equipment, and potentially offer financial assistance through conservation programs to help offset the initial costs of adopting these new practices. This illustrates how NRCS directly assists private landowners with implementing sustainable agricultural practices that benefit the environment.

• Example 2: Protecting Water Quality on a Ranch

  A rancher in Montana is concerned about cattle grazing impacting the water quality of a stream that runs through their property, which is a critical habitat for native fish. The NRCS could work with the rancher to develop a comprehensive grazing management plan. This plan might include rotational grazing strategies, fencing off sensitive riparian areas to prevent direct cattle access to the stream, and installing alternative water sources for livestock. The NRCS might also help the rancher secure funding for these improvements, thereby protecting the stream's water quality and wildlife habitat while maintaining the ranch's productivity. This demonstrates NRCS's role in balancing agricultural operations with environmental protection, specifically focusing on water resources.

• Example 3: Enhancing Forest Resilience on Private Land

  A private forest landowner in Oregon wants to reduce the risk of wildfire on their property and enhance the overall health and biodiversity of their forest. The NRCS could provide guidance on implementing forest management practices such as thinning overcrowded stands, removing hazardous fuels like dead trees and underbrush, and planting fire-resistant native species. They might also help the landowner apply for cost-share programs that support these forest management activities, ultimately contributing to community safety and ecological resilience against wildfires. This highlights NRCS's involvement in promoting sustainable forestry and mitigating natural disaster risks on private lands.