The Missouri Ecological Services Field Office (CMFO) has solidified its relationship with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) by joining the agency’s State Technical Committee, a key stakeholder forum for planning and implementing NRCS conservation practices and programs.

Charles Scott, Field Supervisor of CMFO, attended a NRCS/FWS- ESA Workshop in Nebraska City, NE June 12th-14^th. The three-day workshop centered on enhancing communications and actions for listed, candidate, and near candidate species between NRCS and FWS, and discussed recent memos of understanding between FWS and NRCS.

FWS Assistant Regional Director Wendi Weber emphasized the importance of strengthening existing partnerships to reaching the objectives of both agencies. Workshop presenters gave an overview of NRCS Conservation Practices, Easement Programs, and Special Factors used in evaluating projects, and highlighted ESA regulatory assurance programs. FWS and NRCS leaders from across the country discussed examples of streamlining Section 7 programmatic consultations in Kentucky and South Dakota and brainstormed additional ways for NRCS and FWS to work together to improve conservation for listed and candidate species.

FWS Biologist Heidi Kuska has taken the lead on NRCS-ESA involvement by joining the NRCS State Technical Committee, and will assist CMFO biologists on recovery actions, potential pilot projects, and other priority species/areas where NRCS assistance would be beneficial.  Scott and Kuska will continue to attend State Technical Committee meetings and NRCS-FWS workshops as representatives of Missouri Ecological Services to strengthen the lines of communication between FWS and NRCS.