May 23, 2003

“I see the new NRCS as a conservation catalyst. We will work as agents to help various groups and individuals get together to make conservation happen. Our science will support conservation activities. Our technical assistance will support landowners.”

from remarks by Bruce I. Knight, Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service at the 57th Annual Meeting of the National Association of Conservation Districts, Orlando, Florida.

Message from the Chief to State, Area, and District Conservationists Announcing New Streamlining and Cost Savings Initiative

The recent anniversary of the Farm Bill demonstrated again to me that this organization is capable of delivering a great product in a short timeframe. I congratulate each of you again for your contribution.

With our recent accomplishments in mind, I am convinced that we can still do better. There are areas that can be streamlined and improved. This memo serves as a request for suggestions on how we can identify potential efficiencies and how to incorporate them into our business practices. Business-as-usual and yesterday’s standard practices are no longer acceptable.

Each of you is in a position of leadership and represents this agency on the front-line. You are the life of NRCS; your suggestions will be valuable and appreciated.

During the coming weeks, please look for ways that NRCS might improve the way we do business. I am looking for any and all ideas that seek to make all of our jobs easier; ideas about how to save time and money. Our customers want the best product delivered on time and as conveniently as possible. Efficiencies identified and incorporated will assist us in doing our jobs and the benefits will flow directly to our customers. All suggestions should be submitted by June 13, 2003.

An easy-to-use, on-line system has been developed to assist you in this task. Suggestions will be entered using your WebTCAS login and password at http://my.nrcs.usda.gov. At the left side of the screen under “Quick Access” menu, select “Online Suggestions System.” Then in the upper left corner click on “Enter Time and Cost Saving Suggestions.”

From now through Friday, June 13, please work with the employees you supervise to give me suggestions for improving the way we do business. I have asked the State Conservationists on my Advisory Committee and the Regional Conservationists to review the suggestions and provide recommendations to me by September 1, 2003.

For additional information, please call your Regional Conservationist or your region’s member of the Chief’s Advisory Committee (phone numbers are listed below).

BRUCE I. KNIGHT
Chief,
Natural Resources Conservation Service

Regional Conservationists:
Pearlie Reed, West Region, Davis, CA, Phone: 530-792-5700 or (301) 504-2201
Richard Van Klaveren, NP Region, Lincoln, NE, Phone: 402- 437-5315
Humberto Hernandez, SC Region, Fort Worth, TX, Phone: 817-509-3328
Humberto Hernandez, Acting, MW Region, Madison, WI, Phone: 608-224-3001
Charles Adams, SE Region, Atlanta, GA, Phone: 404-347-6105
Richard Swenson, East Region, Beltsville, MD, Phone: 301-504-2300
Chief’s Advisory Committee
Pat Leavenworth, State Conservationist, Madison, WI, Phone: 608-276-8732
Richard Sims, State Conservationist, Boise, ID, Phone: 208-378-5700
Janet Oertly, State Conservationist, Huron, SD, Phone: 605-352-1200
Homer Wilkes, State Conservationist, Jackson, MS, Phone: 601-965-5205
Russell Collett, State Conservationist, Bangor, ME, Phone: 207-990-9100
Donald Gohmert, State Conservationist, Alexandria, LA, Phone: 318-473-7751
Christine Pytel, Special Assistant to the Chief, Beltsville, MD, Phone: 301-504-2203

In This Issue

Status of Farm Bill Rules

 

NRCS Drought News
 

Accolades
Corridor Wildlife Habitat Conservation Case Study Wins Award

 

Focus on the Field
Minnesota: Organic Partnership
Vermont: A Walk on the Wild Side
South Dakota: NRCS Streamlines Cultural Resources Procedures

Word from Washington
Celebrate American Wetlands Month
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Tech Tip
Cumulative Effects Analysis

Status of Farm Bill Rules

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program
The AMA final rule was published in the Federal Register on April 9, 2003.
Contact: Dave Mason, Program Manager, at 202-720-1873, or david.mason@usda.gov.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Sign-up
The CRP general sign-up will be held from May 5 through May 30, 2003. The 2002 Farm Bill authorizes USDA to maintain CRP enrollment up to 39.2 million acres.
Contact: Malcolm Henning, Program Manager, at 202-720-1872, or malcom.henning@usda.gov.

Conservation Security Program
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Extended comment period closed April 3, 2003.
Contact: David McKay, Team Leader, at 202-720-1845, or david.mckay@usda.gov.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program
The Final Rule has been posted on the NRCS Farm Bill web site.
Contact: Melvin Womack, Team Leader, at 202-720-1845, or melvin.womack@usda.gov.

Farm and Ranchland Protection Program
Request for Proposals was published in the Federal Register on
April 3, 2003. Deadline for proposals is May 19, 2003. The Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on May 16.
Contact: Denise Coleman, Program Manager, at 202-720-9476, or denise.coleman@usda.gov.

Income Limit
Adjusted Gross Income Limit final rule cleared and will be posted in the Federal Register next week.
Contact: Anne DuBey, Acting Director, Resource Conservation & Community Development Division, at 202-720-2847, or anne.dubey@usda.gov.

Technical Service Provider Assistance
An amendment to the TSP Interim Final Rule was published on
March 24, 2003. Comments on that amendment must be received by
June 30, 2003.

The TSP policy, handbook, and amendment to the rule are available on the NRCS website at http://techreg.usda.gov/WhatsNew.aspx.
Contact: Melissa Hammond, TSP Group Leader, at 202-720-6731, or meliss.hammond@usda.gov.

Wetlands Reserve Program
Draft program guidance was sent to States May 5, for use in this year’s sign-up.
Contact: Leslie Deavers, Natural Resource Manager, at 202-720-1067, or leslie.deavers@usda.gov.

Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program
Draft program guidance was sent to States May 5, for use in this year’s sign-up.
Contact: Martha Joseph, Natural Resource Manager, at 202-720-7157, or martha.joseph@usda.gov.

NRCS Drought News

Check out …
the National Drought Monitor website at http://drought.unl.edu/dm/monitor.html
the NRCS drought website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/highlights/drought.html
and NRCS State drought pages at
Colorado http://www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/features/focus-events-drought.htm.
Montana http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/pas/drought/drought.html
Wyoming http://www.wy.nrcs.usda.gov/wydrought/drought.html

Accolades

Corridor Wildlife Habitat Conservation Case Study Wins Award
The Henry's Fork Agricultural Corridor Wildlife Habitat Conservation Case Study recently won the Utah Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects Merit Award in the Planning and Analysis category. Utah State University prepared the case study in coordination with the NRCS Watershed Science and Wildlife Habitat Management Institutes.  The purpose of the case study was to test the principles and methodologies presented in the NRCS technical handbook Conservation Corridor Planning at the Landscape Level: Managing for Wildlife Habitat.  The study area was a 40-mile stretch of the of the Snake River’s Henry's Fork in Southeastern Idaho  that flows through privately owned ranch land and productive wheat, barley, and potato farms.  This area is also known for its scenic quality, world-renowned fishery, and provides habitat for trumpeter swans, bald eagles, waterfowl, mule deer, whitetail deer, moose, and a diversity of other wildlife.  Conservation of open space, agricultural resources, and fish and wildlife habitat along this corridor were the focus of several non-profit organizations and government agencies, including NRCS for many years.  This case study was directed at assisting conservationists involved in watershed-scale wildlife corridor planning projects in agriculturally dominated landscapes like the Henry's Fork. Both the case study and the Conservation Corridor Handbook have been submitted to the American League of Landscape Architects National Awards competition in the communication category.
Your contact is Hank Henry, NRCS terrestrial ecologist, at 919-828-4940, or hank.henry@ftw.nrcs.usda.gov

Focus on the Field

Organic Partnership
In one of the first partnerships of its kind in Minnesota, five State and Federal agencies recently signed a memorandum of understanding which establishes a framework for cooperation among partner organizations and agencies on organic program activities that involve the conservation of natural resources, expansion of economic opportunities, and enhancement of consumer choice specifically related to products grown organically in Minnesota. The agreement is intended to bolster hundreds of Minnesota farmers’ successful venture into organic growing. The partners include NRCS, the Minnesota State Agriculture Department, the University of Minnesota and Extension Service, and the Farm Service Agency. The partnership aims to accelerate the organic-growing trend in Minnesota, and increase productivity and profitability through programs that teach farmers about the fiscal and environmental benefits of growing organic crops. Another goal is to teach agency personnel more about organic farming by hosting training workshops and sending employees to seminars and conferences on this topic.

Bill Hunt, State Conservationist with the NRCS, said that Minnesota’s Organic Advisory Task Force opened his eyes to how the federal government could help. “We found out that in many instances we were not providing the types and quantity of technical and financial assistance as we should to these producers,” he said. “Forming this partnership is the right thing to do to protect our resources,” he said. For more information about the MOU, visit http://www.mda.state.mn.us/esap/organic.
Your contact is Jody Christiansen, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 608-224-3006, or jchristi@mw.nrcs.usda.gov.

A Walk on the Wild Side
With Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program funds and a lot of ambition, NRCS conservation technician, Sally Eugaire, set out to prove that enthusiasm can be contagious. Realizing that the town of West Rutland could use a handicapped-accessible boardwalk to extend into the West Rutland marsh, Sally contacted town officials to see how NRCS could help. After months of hard work and lots of help from partner organizations including Vermont State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Poultney/Mettawee Natural Resources Conservation District, the Rutland County Audubon Society, and local schools, the new "a window to our natural environment" boardwalk was dedicated. At the dedication ceremony last week, more than 70 wildlife enthusiasts were able to stroll out into the 400-acre marsh, declared an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. At least 102 species, including the American and least bittern, swamp sparrows, marsh wrens, pied-billed grebes, mallards, and American black ducks now call the West Rutland marsh home. A home that naturalists, school children, and those who just enjoy the outdoors can now enjoy thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of NRCS employees who worked to preserve and enhance this Lake Champlain Basin watershed natural area.
Your contact is Anne Hilliard, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 802-951-6796, ext. 234, or ahilliard@vt.nrcs.usda.gov.

NRCS Streamlines Cultural Resources Procedures
NRCS State Conservationist, Janet Oertly, and South Dakota State Historic Preservation Officer for the State Historic Preservation Office, Jay D. Vogt, recently signed an agreement to streamline NRCS conservation project cultural resource reviews. The agreement – tailored to local conditions and resources unique to South Dakota – will aid NRCS in providing timely services to its agriculturally-dependent, diverse clientele while protecting cultural resources. The State-level agreement was made possible by the Nationwide Programmatic Agreement among NRCS, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers and encourages each NRCS State conservationists to work with State Historic Preservation Officer, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and governments of Indian tribes to reach mutually acceptable agreements or consultation protocols. The national agreement streamlines culture resource compliance and NRCS conservation assistance on private and public property and tribal lands.

Under the National Historic Preservation Act (as amended) and the Section 106 implementing regulations, Federal agencies need to take into consideration the effects of their projects on cultural and historic properties.
Your contact is Colette Kessler, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 605-224-2476, or colette.kessler@sd.usda.gov.

Word from Washington

Celebrate American Wetlands Month
Each May, thousands of individuals celebrate the uniqueness, beauty, and importance of wetlands. The theme of American Wetlands Month 2003 is Bogs, Playas, Pools: Protect America's Unique Wetlands. Wetlands can be as tiny as a small wet spot or puddle, or as large as the Everglades, and can be found in every State in the U.S. This celebration is an ideal time to emphasize programs and activities that support voluntary wetland restoration and protection.

During May, conservation districts, grassroots organizations, and government agencies join individuals and educators across the country to acknowledge the importance of this valuable natural resource and the role wetlands play in the health of our Nation. Discover more about wetlands activities on the NRCS wetlands website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/index.html#wetlands, or for more detailed information on NRCS wetlands research and programs, visit the Wetlands Sciences Institute website at http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/WLI/, or the Wetlands Reserve Program website at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/.
Your contact is Fred Jacobs, NRCS public affairs specialist, at 202-720-6794, or fred.jacobs@usda.gov.

Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Twenty-four years ago, President Jimmy Carter signed a joint resolution declaring the first Asian Pacific American Heritage Week as May 4-10, 1979. Eleven years later, in 1990, President George Bush extended the week into a month-long celebration. Two years after that, Public Law 102-450 designated May of each year Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The theme for this year’s Asian Pacific American month is Salute to Liberty.
Your contact is Virginia C. Lewis, NRCS Acting Asian American/Pacific Islanders National Program Manager, at 301-504-2194.

Tech Tip

Cumulative Effects Analysis
A new guide, Considering the Cumulative Effects of NRCS Activities has been completed and posted at the NRCS Watershed Science Institute's (WSI) web site. The document can be viewed and downloaded by selecting it from the PLANNING TOOLS list under the PRODUCTS page at http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/watershed/wssi-products.html.

The purpose of the document is two-fold. The first is to enable conservationists to integrate cumulative effects analysis into a forward-thinking process as part of NRCS area wide conservation planning activities. The second purpose of the document is to properly respond in reactive situations when new or unforeseen cumulative effects issues are identified during or after implementation of conservation practices and measures. The guide contains important definitions, how-to instructions, numerous methods and examples of cumulative effects analyses, references, and illustrations.
Your contact is Lyn Townsend, NRCS forest ecologist, at 503-414-3028, or ltownsend@wcc.nrcs.usda.gov.

Please send correspondence and material for "NRCS This Week" to the editor by: e-mail to: fred.jacobs@usda.gov or by fax to: Editor, "NRCS This Week," 202-720-1564; or by mail to: Editor, "NRCS This Week," NRCS, P.O. Box 2890, Washington, D.C. 20013.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 202-720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

The NRCS Mission: The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

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