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Effective Date: 2/16/71

Series: Public Lands

Part 606: Soil and Moisture Conservation

Chapter 2: Activities and Practices

Originating Office: Bureau of Land Management

2.1 Foreword. The purpose of the soil and moisture conservation program is to establish those use practices which will conserve, develop, and properly utilize the soil, plant, and water resources and to apply those measures which will restore depleted soil and maintain it in its optimum producing condition to aid in achieving the objectives cited in 606 DM 1.3A.

2.2 Major Soil and Moisture Conservation Activities.

A. Inventory, Investigation, and Planning. In order to carry on a vigorous and efficient program, it is essential to ascertain the characteristics and capability of the land, determine measures required to develop and maintain proper utilization, carry on required studies and investigations, determine priorities and develop a work plan.

B. Application of Practices. Soil and moisture conservation practices and measures are the elements of good husbandry which those who use the land and water resources must employ when needed in conformity with the plan established. They are the tasks which must be performed either singly or in combination, and often in series in order to stabilize depleted land, restore, maintain and improve the soil and its productive capacity, build up storage of soil moisture, conserve surface water supplies, and reduce damage from surface runoff.

(1) Site Improvement and Protection. Includes those practices having as primary objectives site improvement, protection, and rehabilitation. Soil stabilization, improved soil structure, improved water quality and yield, reduced runoff and sediment damages are examples of primary benefits. The improvement and production of renewable resources are recognized as secondary benefits which may result from these practices. Practices may include natural and artificial revegetation after chemical, mechanical, or burning control of undesirable vegetation; watershed tillage practices such as plowing, subsoiling, chiseling, or contour furrowing; and related practices including fertilization, pest control, and weed control.

(2) Water Developments. Includes those practices installed to develop watering facilities (for manipulating use) to enhance watershed objectives. This may include springs, pipelines, wells, reservoirs, and water catchments.

(3) Water Control. Includes those practices installed for the purpose of controlling sediment movement, controlling flood and sediment damage, improving stream flow, stabilizing channels, temporary storing of runoff or raising water from a defined channel into a waterspreader or reservoir, preventing headcutting, improving timing of streamflow or protecting other improvements. Practices include detention and diversion dams, dikes and related structures.

(4) Program Facilities. Includes special practices such as fencing, cattleguards, antelope passes, study plots, enclosures, and trails necessary to facilitate research or augment the soil and watershed conservation program.

C. Operation and Maintenance. Conservation practices and improvements cannot be applied and then forgotten. An adequate operation and maintenance program is essential to insure continued beneficial results.

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2/16/71 #3487

Replaces 2/16/71 #1268