This document discusses the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and efforts to improve conservation planning. It provides examples of CSP projects that improved soil health, productivity, erosion control and wildlife habitat on farms in Iowa, Texas, and Ohio. The next steps outlined are to provide more flexibility, respond to feedback, advance precision conservation, and better demonstrate outcomes. It also discusses coordinating CSP with other NRCS programs, connecting enhancements to conservation practices and standards, and promoting local priorities.

1. Soil and Water Conservation Society
Jason Weller
Chief, NRCS
July 2016

3. “Blueprinting [conservation planning]
in this way for the development of soil
conservation farming is like making a
plan to guide the building of a house
or the drawing up of specifications for
digging an irrigation ditch or installing
a fish pond.”
‐ Chief Hugh H. Bennett, Journal of Soil and
Water Conservation, July 1946

4. Jason Weller,
Chief

5. National Conservation Planning Partnership
 Reinvigorate conservation planning
 Improve capacity to deliver planning
assistance
 Ensure the delivery of sound science
 Build a workforce of strong conservation
planners

9. CSP at work Elsbernd Farm
Allamakie & Winnesshiek
Counties
IOWA
• Improved Soil Health
• Increased Productivity
• Reduced Erosion
• Improved Wildlife Habitat
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

10. CSP at work Birdwell Clark Ranch
Clay County
TEXAS
• Improved Forage Production
& Quality
• Optimized Animal Health
• Improved Wildlife Habitat
• Self‐sustaining Operation
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

11. CSP at work Crown Point Ecology Center
Summit County
OHIO
• Improved Crop Productivity
• Improved Plant Health
• Improved Wildlife Habitat
• Increased Pollinator Habitat
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

12. The Next Steps for a Successful Program
Providing greater
flexibility
Responding to customer
and partner feedback
Advancing precision
conservation
Demonstrating
outcomes better
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

13. Straightforward Conservation
• Redesign program tools for clearer, more logical process
• Engage stronger conservation planning
• Foster collaboration between applicants and NRCS planners
• Provide more options for producers
• Improve connection with enhancements and resource concerns
• Support farm and ranch business planning and goals
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

14. Coordination with Other NRCS Programs
Connect
with
conservation
planning and
CTA
Better
incorporate
practice
standards
and quality
criteria
Improve
coordination
with
practices
and EQIP
Integrate
with other
NRCS field
business
tools
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

15. Better Connection to our Conservation Standards
Enhancements
linked to
conservation
practices
More
enhancements
and
conservation
practices offered
Better reporting
tools get a
improved picture
of results
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

16. Promotion of Local Priorities
Provides a more locally‐led process
Offers greater ability to address region‐specific
natural resource concerns
Contracts will be ranked according to how they
address local resource concerns
States have options to request additional
enhancements in future years
CONSERVATION STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

18. Success in Pond
Creek, Oklahoma

19. SGI is highly
targeted
75% within PACs

20. 2004

21. 2012

28. www.nrcs.usda.gov