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About NRCS in Virginia
(this page was last changed on
06/30/2008)
The
Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service (originally named the
Soil Conservation Service) has provided conservation
technical assistance to Virginia landowners since the 1930's. The Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with the people of
Virginia to improve and protect their soil, water and other natural resources.
For decades, private landowners have voluntarily worked with NRCS specialists to
prevent erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable agriculture.
John A. Bricker,
State Conservationist
Our Mission
Helping People Help the Land
Our Vision
Productive Lands - Healthy Environment
Overview
NRCS employs soil conservationists,
soil scientists, agronomists, biologists, engineers, geologists and resource
planners. These experts help landowners develop conservation plans, create and
restore wetlands, restore and manage other natural ecosystems as well as advise
on stormwater remediation, nutrient and animal waste management and watershed
planning.
NRCS, formerly called the Soil
Conservation Service, was initially focused on preventing soil erosion on
America’s farmland. Over the years Americans have become concerned with a
broader array of natural resource issues. In response, NRCS has broadened its
technical services in order to provide science-based solutions to address
America’s ever-changing environmental concerns. While farmers remain the primary
client of NRCS, the agency also provides technical assistance to city planners,
watershed groups, state and local governments, civic organizations and
individual homeowners.
Conservation Technical
Assistance
The Natural Resources Conservation Service
provides conservation planning and technical assistance to individuals, groups
and units of government. These clients develop and implement conservation plans
to protect, conserve and enhance their natural resources.
When providing assistance, NRCS focuses on the sound use and management of soil,
water, air, plant and animal resources. NRCS helps clients manage their
resources in a way that prevents resource degradation, ensures sustainability,
allows for productivity and respects the client’s needs. Conservation planning
can make improvements to livestock operations, crop production, soil quality,
water quality, hayland, forestland and wildlife habitats. The process also
integrates ecological and economic considerations in order to address private
and public concerns.
The success of conservation planning depends upon the voluntary participation of
clients. The planning process used by NRCS is based on the premise that clients
will make and implement sound decisions if they understand their resources,
natural resource problems and opportunities as well as the effects of their
decisions.
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"Who
We Are" fact sheet (pdf, 45 KB)
Last Updated
06/30/2008 | |
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