Technical Resources

Biology

Quails roost at the cornfield.

Aquatic Ecology Links
Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force
Biology Technical Notes
Conservation Programs
Farm Ponds as Critical Habitats for Native Amphibians
Constructed farm ponds represent significant breeding, rearing, and overwintering habitat for amphibians in the Driftless Area Ecoregion of southeastern Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and northeastern Iowa, a landscape where natural wetlands are scarce. Despite intensive agricultural use adjacent to the ponds, these ponds harbor an abundance of frogs and toads. This region contains thousands of farm ponds constructed with cost-sharing dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the states.
Invasive Species
National Resources Inventory (NRI)
NRCS is exclusive in completing the NRI on a continual basis to monitor the trends and conditions of the soil, water, and natural resources on private lands throughout the states. Based on this critical information, decision makers and planners can set program priorities and target efforts where the needs are greatest.
PLANTS Database
Plant Materials Program
VegSpec
VegSpec is a web-based decision support system that assists land managers in the planning and design of vegetative establishment practices. VegSpec utilizes soil, plant, and climate data to select plant species that are (1) site-specifically adapted, (2) suitable for the selected practice, and (3) appropriate for the purposes and objectives for which the planting is intended.
Restoring and Managing Habitat for Reptiles and Amphibians
Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices
Wetlands
Wildlife Habitat Management

National Biology Handbook, Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitat Resources

Subpart A General Information (PDF; 305 KB)

Part 600 Introduction
Part 601 Conservation Partnerships
Part 602 Training Opportunities

Subpart B Conservation Planning (PDF; 13 MB)

Part 610 Ecological Principles for Resource Planners
Part 611 Conservation Planning for Integrating Biological Resources
Part 612 Fish and Wildlife Habitat in Ecological Site Descriptions
Part 613 Conservation Corridor Planning at the Landscape Level—Managing for Wildlife Habitat

Subpart C Technical Resources (PDF; 3.6 MB)

Part 620 Technical References for Integrating Fish and Wildlife Considerations into Conservation Planning
Part 621 Technical Guidance Documents
Part 630 Exhibits
Cover Page
Tabs for Printout

Subpart D Reporting Procedures for Conservation Practice Standards (PDF; 273 KB)

Part 641.00 – Guidance for Effective Implementation and Reporting of conservation Practice Standard 395, Stream Habitat Improvement and Management

Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU)

These documents require Adobe Reader.

Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and Bat Conservation International (PDF; 446 KB)
Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and Ducks Unlimited (PDF; 453 KB)
Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and National Audubon Society (PDF; 510 KB)
Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and National Wild Turkey Federation (PDF; 117 KB)
Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and Pheasants Forever (PDF; 183 KB)
Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and Quail Unlimited (PDF; 444 KB)
Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (PDF; 445 KB)
Memorandum of Understanding between NRCS and Trout Unlimited (PDF; 312 KB)

General References

National Biology Manual (PDF; 3.82 MB)
Biodiversity: Connecting with the Tapestry of Life, prepared with the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. (PDF; 1.7 MB)
National Conservation Buffer Initiative (PDF; 93 KB)
— Question and answer sheet concerning the NRCS Conservation Buffer Initiative
Wetlands Reserve Program (PDF; 116 KB)
— Fact sheet discussing one of the conservation provisions of the 1996 Farm Bill. The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program to restore and protect wetlands on private property
Version 1 of the Rivers and Streams, and Floodplain Restoration Annotated Bibliography (PDF; 317 KB)

Updated:09/29/2008