The NRCS Watershed Program Role In Locally-Led Conservation

Project sponsors are provided assistance in installing planned land treatment measures when plans are approved. Surveys and investigations are made and detailed designs, specifications, and engineering cost estimates are prepared for construction of structural measures. Areas where sponsors need to obtain land rights, easements, and rights-of-way are delineated. Technical assistance is also furnished to landowners and operators to accelerate planning and application of needed conservation measures on their individual land units. There are presently over 1600 projects in operation.

A Strategy For The 21st Century

This report reflects a recommended strategy, to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regarding the future of the agency's watershed program. The recommended strategy was developed by an NRCS Quality Improvement Team.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Background

Vision

Guiding Principles

Strategy

Goal One: Expand and strengthen NRCS assistance in support of locally-led watershed planning and implementation

Action 1. Seek Financial Support

Action 2. Plan Independent of Implementation

Action 3. Expand and Strengthen Partnerships

Action 4. Strengthen NRCS Technical Capacity

Goal Two: Support the implementation of priority watershed projects to reduce the existing Federal unfunded commitment

Action 1. Prioritize Implementation

Action 2. Seek Additional Financial Resources

Action 3. Complete Priority Projects

Goal Three: Assist watershed project sponsors to revitalize NRCS-assisted project infrastructure

Action 1. Encourage and support State funding initiatives

Action 2. Support comprehensive planning in completed NRCS-assisted watersheds

Action 3. Seek additional funding

Action 4. Explore the establishment of a revolving fund for operation and maintenance and rehabilitation

Action 5. Revise policy

Goal Four: Amend PL 83-566 legislation and change policies to include new concepts and principles

Action 1. Seek Legislative Changes

Action 2. Revise Policy

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