A Partner in Conservation Since 1935

"Out of a long list of nature's gifts to man, none is perhaps so utterly essential to human life as soil." -Hugh Hammond Bennett, First Chief, Soil Conservation Service, 1939

Updated 05/19/2008

In March 1935, fierce windstorms from the Great Plains carried huge dark clouds of dust eastward and blackened skies as far away as the nation’s capital. Hugh Hammond Bennett convinced Congress that soil erosion was a menace that merited national attention. On April 27, 1935, Congress established the Soil Conservation Service in the U.S. Department of Agriculture to conserve natural resources on agricultural lands and named Bennett as Chief. During his tenure, Bennett stressed the importance of soil conservation to crowds across the country.

Today, NRCS remains the nation’s leading agency in conserving natural resources on private lands. Celebrate with us as we mark the agency’s 70th anniversary. Every employee and partner contributed to the agency’s many accomplishments. The nation’s citizens can enjoy the benefits of productive soils, clean air and water, and open spaces because of the agency’s work. We all have a reason to celebrate!

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"A Partner in Conservation Since 1935" Video

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70th Anniversary Radio Interview
     Transcript

James Ford's Interview with Farm Bureau

NRCS Timeline

History of NRCS

    A Story of Land and People
    Hugh Hammond Bennett, Father of Conservation
        Biography
        Quotes
        Speeches
    Writings on the History of SCS and NRCS

Events

    National
    State

Publications

    Conquest of the Land Through 7,000 Years

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Conservation Milestones (419 KB) updated 4/20/05

State Histories

    Caribbean Area
    Kansas
    North Carolina
    Wisconsin

State Proclamations

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Arizona
Arkansas
Delaware
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Minnesota
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
Oklahoma
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas

Photo Gallery

    To view historical photos click on the "Category" box and scroll down to "Historical". Once "Historical" is selected, click on the "Quick Photo       
    Search" button.

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