Information For Homeowners, Urban and Suburban Land Users

NRCS and Urban Conservation

It's not only farmers and ranchers who benefit from the expertise of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), people in suburban and urban areas do, too.  We work with homeowners, business people, and local governments to prevent soil erosion, keep water clean and plentiful, create and preserve green spaces, and reduce the impacts of floods.  And when communities and individuals need to meet State and local requirements for natural resources quality and management, we have the knowledge and experience to help them, as well.

Urban Conservation Resources

• Use the some conservation methods farmers use right in Your Own Backyard.
• Get information on a demonstration project that helps homeowners practice Conservation Where You Live.
• See some helpful Home and Garden Tips to keep you conservation-conscious around your home.
• Get information to help teach your children about conserving our natural resources.
• The Earth Team, the volunteer arm of NRCS, is now recruiting volunteers in more than 3,000 locations across the country.  Make a difference in your community - become an Earth Team Volunteer!
• Publications and links en Español.
• Iowa Urban Conservation Fact Sheets
  • Bioswales (2.8 mb)
  • Low Impact Development (3.1 mb)
  • Native Landscaping (3 mb)
  • Pervious Paving (1.7 mb)
  • Rain Garden (2.8 mb)
  • Soil Quality (3.5 mb)
• Urban BMP Performance Tool - This US EPA site provides easy access to approximately 220 studies assessing the performance of over 275 BMPs.
• Ohio Rainwater and Land Development Manual (ODNR)

Ohio NRCS Outreach Program

The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Districts are national leaders in the Urban Conservation movement in meeting the Minimum Control Measures of the Clean Water Act.

These six measures are:

• Public Education and Outreach
• Public Participation/Involvement
• Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
• Construction Site Runoff Control
• Post-construction Runoff Control
• Pollution Prevention/Good Housekeeping

43 of the 88 counties have active Urban Programs helping local communities to attain compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Web Sites Related to Urban Conservation

• Water Related Best Management Practices in the Landscape
• Certified Professionals in Erosion and Sediment Control
• National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
• Illinois Urban Manual
• Backyard & Urban Conservation
• NRCS Soils Website
• Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Storm Water Program
• Metropolitan Council Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPS) and Best Management Practices (BMP)
• US EPA Construction General Permit
• US EPA Polluted Runoff
• US EPA National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

Photo Gallery

Under construction!

Urban Photos

Contact Person:

Dan Ross, Urban Resource Conservationist
Phone: 330-722-2628 (121)