The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) documents the effects of conservation practices and systems at various geographic levels so that better decisions can be made up front and risk is managed more effectively. NRCS cooperates with other Federal agencies, State agencies, and partners to collect and analyze natural resource data. As new information becomes available, it is used to conduct analyses of policy options and strategies for improving conservation efforts.
CEAP is a multi-agency effort to quantify the environmental effects of conservation practices and programs and develop the science base for managing the agricultural landscape for environmental quality.
Cultural Resources are evidence of past human activity. These nonrenewable resources often yield unique information about past societies and environments, and provide answers for modern day social and conservation problems.
The National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) was written to ensure that Federal decision-makers take into account the environmental effects of their proposed actions and consider ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate adverse effects before implementing the action.
The RCA prvides USDA broad strategic assessment and planning authority for the conservation, protection, and enhancement of soil, water, and related natural resources.