The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA. Pub. L. 91-190, 42 U.S.C. 4321-4347, January 1, 1970, as amended by Pub. L. 94-52, July 3, 1975, Pub. L. 94-83, August 9, 1975, and Pub. L. 97-258, § 4(b), Sept. 13, 1982) requires agencies of the Federal Government to "… utilize a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which will insure the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning and in decision making which may have an impact on man's environment . . ."

The United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) developed the 9-Step Conservation Planning Process that enables the agency to meet this NEPA regulation while assisting Tribal governments, farmers, ranchers, and other landowner in the decision making process. The planning process thus establishes a framework in the spirit of NEPA for planning and applying conservation practices/systems which will " . . .encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between [people and their environment] . . . " (NEPA 1969).

As presented in NRCS policy, the objective of conservation planning is to help each client attain sustainable use and sound management (prevent degradation) of soil, water, air, plant, and animal (SWAPA) resources while also including consideration and strategies in meeting human, social, and economic needs (SWAPA+H). The NRCS-National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) provides procedures and guidance on implementing the conservation planning policy. The NRCS-Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) is the primary technical reference for the agency. It is composed of five sections which contain either directly or by reference technical information about the SWAPA resources as discussed above.

In New York State, the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee developed the "Agriculture Environmental Management System" (AEM). AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps farmers make common-sense, cost-effective and science-based decisions to help meet business objectives while protecting and conserving the State's natural resources. Farmers work with local AEM resource professionals to develop comprehensive farm plans using a tiered process. The tiered process provides a complimentary series of actions to the NRCS planning process, providing mission critical information to planners and landowners regarding existing farm and natural resource conditions.

This combined NRCS-AEM process in New York provides a synergistic approach to ascertain federal and state programs appropriate to address on-farm concerns, and to leverage federal and state programs to provide technical and financial assistance to farmers developing and implementing conservation plans. (AEM, 2008). Thus, the NRCS-AEM strategy is designed to facilitate the development of comprehensive tactical plans based upon the inputs and outputs of the planning process, helping to identify and systematically treat the resource concerns and opportunities on the farm.

Technical and financial assistance is offered to farmers in a voluntary, cost-share driven incentive environment through conservation programs offered from federal, state, and/or local governments.  Such programs reflect the public's concern over a broad range of environmental conditions and their desire to address these problems. The non-farming public wishes for a clean, stable natural resource base which provides an adequate, affordable food supply. In addition, the natural and social amenities (green space, viewsheds, quality of the soil, water, and air resources, and wildlife health and habitat) brought about by the conservation and wise use of our natural resources are also highly desired public goods. When farmers implement conservation plans through participation in conservation programs they underscore their concern for these same issues and bolster their environmental stewardship. This environmental and socially responsible behavior also results in social and community benefits reflected in the quality of life for all.

Federal, state and local programs provide technical and financial assistance to farmers and other landowners interested in developing and implementing a conservation plan. Technical assistance is brought to bear by NRCS and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) employees, as well as certified Technical Service Providers (TSP) from the private sector. These individuals provide expertise from discipline areas such as agronomy, sediment and erosion control, animal science, engineering, water quality, nutrient and pest management, forestry, and wildlife. Thus, these individuals are subject matter experts tasked to providing guidance and decision making assistance to farmers and other landowners. A significant portion of the technical assistance cost is covered through the salaries of the public sector employees. TSP fees are offset through cost sharing available through federal and state conservation programs. A varying percentage of the cost of the materials and services for the installation of a conservation practice or system composed of practices (conservation management systems) is addressed through the financial assistance provisions of a variety of federal and state conservation programs. Leveraging of these programs at the local level is a very effective strategy to provide a significant amount of the financial assistance that a farmer needs.

The United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) developed and uses a three phased - nine-step conservation planning process. It is a systematic, interdisciplinary approach which ensures the integrated use of the natural and social sciences and the environmental design arts in planning and in decision making (See NEPA). The planning process establishes a framework in the spirit of NEPA for planning and applying conservation practices/systems which will " . . .encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between [people and their environment] . . . " (NEPA 1969).

The planning process is presented in the NRCS "National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) available at http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/17088.wba . The NPPH provides the following overview of conservation planning:

"Conservation planning is a natural resource problem solving and management process. The process integrates economic, social (cultural resources are included with social), and ecological considerations to meet private and public needs. This approach, which emphasizes desired future conditions, helps improve natural resource management, minimize conflict, and address problems and opportunities. The success of conservation planning and implementation depends on the voluntary participation of clients. While participation is voluntary, NRCS personnel must carry out outreach activities to reach underserved customers, such as minority, and small producers with limited resources, to ensure that services are offered to them on an equal basis with traditional customers. It is imperative that all customers be treated fairly and equitably, with dignity and respect. The planning process used by NRCS is based on the premise that clients will make and implement sound decisions if they understand their resources, natural resource problems and opportunities, and the effects of their decisions.

Conservation planning helps clients, conservationists, and others view the environment as a living system of which humans are an integral part. Conservation planning enables clients and planners to analyze and work with complex natural processes in definable and measurable terms." (NPPH 2003) 

The NRCS Three Phase – Nine Step Conservation Planning Process

image source: NRCCA Soil and Water Management Study Guide 

In New York, the AEM System utilizes a tiered process, consisting of the following five tier distinctions:

Tier 1 – Inventory current activities, future plans, and potential environmental concerns.

Tier 2 – Document current land stewardship; assess and prioritize areas of concern.

Tier 3 – Develop conservation plans addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals.

Tier 4 – Implement plans utilizing available financial, educational and technical assistance.

Tier 5 – Evaluate to ensure the protection of the environment and farm viability.

(http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/SoilWater/aem/index.html)

Tiers 1 and 2 provide a complimentary series of actions to the NRCS planning process, providing the information to planners in consultation with the landowners, and documenting and prioritizing landowners concerns, needs, and future plans. Tiers 3 through 5 provide a venue for tailoring the plan and for implementation. The interaction of the Nine Step Process and AEM is summarized in Table 1 (next page).

Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG)

The Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) is the primary technical reference for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It is also the umbrella document for NRCS Technical Releases and References. The FOTG is available on-line and is known there as the electronic FOTG or eFOTG. It is divided into five sections:

• Section I – General Resource References

Section I contains general state maps, descriptions of Major Land Resource Areas, watershed information, and links to NRCS reference manuals and handbooks. Section I contains links to researchers, universities, and cooperating agencies. Section I also contains conservation practice costs, natural resource related laws and regulations, cultural resources, and information about protected plant and animal species.

• Section II – Natural Resources Information

Section II contains detailed information about soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources. NRCS Soil Surveys, Hydric Soils Interpretations, Ecological Site Descriptions, Forage Suitability Groups, Cropland Production Tables, Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Guides, Water Quality Guides, and other related information can be found in this section as it becomes available.

• Section III – Resource Management Systems and Quality Criteria

Section III contains detailed information about NRCS Quality Criteria, which establish standards for resource conditions that help provide sustained use. It also provides guidance for the development of conservation management systems (CMS).

• Section IV – Practice Standards and Specifications

Section IV contains the NRCS Conservation Practice standards, specifications, guidelines, statements of work, and job sheets. Practice standards define the practice and where it applies. Practice specifications are detailed requirements for installing the practice in the state.

• Section V – Conservation Effects

Section V provides background information on how conservation practices affect each identified resource concerns in the state. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/efotg/index.html

National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP)

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is the lead USDA agency for providing conservation technical assistance and planning on privately owned lands. The National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP) establishes national standards for conservation practices commonly used to address natural resource concerns and opportunities. Each NRCS State office localizes the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) to its geographic area and establishes quality requirements for applying conservation practices within its area of responsibility. Revised local practice standards are to be equal to or more rigorous than the national standard. Conservation practice standards are in section IV of the FOTG. The NHCP not only houses the current national conservation practice standards but also provides guidance and direction on maintaining conservation practice standards, offers several ways for obtaining the standards, and encourages involvement in the process of developing new or revising current standards.

National conservation practice standards should NOT be used to plan, design, or install a conservation practice or system of practices. The national practice standards are reviewed and adapted for each state to meet local conditions. Use the standard developed by the state in which you are working to ensure that you meet all state and local criteria which may be more restrictive than the criteria found in the national version of the practice standard. In addition, each state determines which National conservation practice standards are applicable in their state. States add the technical detail needed to effectively use the standards at the field office level, and issue them as state conservation practice standards. New or revised state practice standards are posted to the Federal Register for review and comment by the public for a minimum of 30 days. State conservation practice standards may be found in Section IV of the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG). The national NHCP web site also contains the National NHCP Notices; conservation practice job sheets, statements of work, information sheets, and other references.

Conservation practice standards in the NHCP evolved in accordance with advancement in farming and ranching techniques used throughout the world and with changes in technology as documented by research, conservation field trials, and accumulated experience. Practice standards need to be reviewed and maintained continuously to stay current with rapid changes in technology and to ensure that they address multiple resources. Reviews ensure that standards:

• Provide timely incorporation of new technologies.
• Address multiple resource concerns.
• Are consistent in format and content.
• Enhance interagency cooperation with regard to development of standards.
• Account for the varied conservation activities expected of NRCS in the future.

National policy and the practice standards are developed for the protection of the landowner, conservation contractors, Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) employees, and NRCS employees. When a practice is installed according to criteria specified in the practice standard and the plans and specifications:

• The landowner receives a conservation product that solves the apparent resource problem.
• The contractor understands his/her responsibility in providing a quality job on the ground and is not required to warranty a product beyond the requirements of the standard.
• The NRCS is protected by being assured that its employees are working within the scope of their employment.

The following definitions help to clarify the different documents that are found in the NHCP or Section IV of the FOTG.

• Conservation Practice Standards

A statement of acceptable quality or technical excellence in terms of both form and function (performance), usually expressed in terms of limits; i.e., minimum or maximum. The conservation practice standard contains information on why and where the practice is applied, and sets forth the minimum quality criteria that must be met during the application of that practice in order for it to achieve its intended purpose(s).

• Conservation Practice Specification

An explicit set of requirements to be satisfied by a material, product, system, or service, such as construction. It also identifies the methods for determining whether each of the requirements is satisfied.

• Conservation Practice Information Sheets

The conservation practice information sheet contains a photograph of the installed practice, plus a definition or description of the practice, where it is commonly used and a brief description of the conservation effects of this practice when it is properly applied.

• Conservation Practice Job Sheets

The conservation practice job sheets provide detailed guidance on the application of the practice, and contain worksheets that can be used to document the practice plan and design for a specific site.

• Statements of Work

The Statements of Work outline deliverables for all conservation practices in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP), as well as for comprehensive nutrient management plan development, conservation planning, and cultural resources compliance activities.

• ftp://ftp-fc.sc.egov.usda.gov/NHQ/practice-standards/notices/nhcp-chapter1.pdf
• http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Standards/nhcp.html
• http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/Standards/

National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH)

(also see PO 87 – Understand the NRCS 9-Step Planning Process and other State planning tools)

The purpose of this handbook is to provide guidance on the planning process the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) uses to help develop, implement, and evaluate conservation plans for individuals, and area wide conservation plans or assessments for groups. NRCS provides conservation planning and technical assistance to clients (individuals, groups, and units of government). These clients develop and implement plans to protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources (soil, water, air, plants, and animals) within their social and economic interests.

In 1947, Hugh Hammond Bennett, the father of soil conservation and first Chief of the Soil Conservation Service (now the NRCS) identified the principles of conservation planning in his text, "Elements of Soil Conservation". According to Bennett, an effective conservation planner must adhere to the following principles:

• Consider the needs and capabilities of each acre within the plan
• Consider the farmer's facilities, machinery, and economic situation
• Incorporate the farmer's willingness to try new practices
• Consider the land's relationship to the entire farm, ranch, or watershed
• Ensure the conservationist's presence out on the land

The NPPH reaffirms these principles throughout the planning process for all types of land uses.

Planning involves more than considering individual resources. It focuses on the natural systems and ecological processes that sustain the resources. The planner strives to balance natural resource issues with economic and social needs through the development of conservation management systems (CMS). The conservation planning process helps the planner and client accomplish the following:

• Help protect, conserve, and enhance natural resources.
• Design alternatives that meet local resource quality criteria for identified resource issues.
• Include the consideration of human concerns toward achieving sustainable agriculture.
• Consider the effects of planned actions on interrelated geographical areas (i.e., looking off-site, beyond the planning unit boundary).
• Consider and explain the interaction between biological communities and society.
• Focus on ecological principles.
• Consider the effects and interactions of planned systems and practices on the natural resources, as well as economic and social considerations.
• Assist with development of plans, regardless of scale, which will help achieve the client's and society's objectives.
• Identify where knowledge, science, and technology need to be advanced.

The planning process is used to assist clients in developing conservation plans for individuals, or area wide conservation plans or assessments for groups within watersheds or other defined areas. The process thus establishes a framework for planning and applying conservation systems on individual land units, as well as multiple ownerships. It also provides opportunities for input by stakeholders during development of area wide conservation plans or assessments.

Planning is complex and dynamic. Successful planning requires not only a high level of knowledge, skills, and abilities on the part of the planner, but also the exercise of professional judgment. To gain or maintain the knowledge, skills, and abilities, this handbook can be used as a training tool by less experienced planners and as a reference tool by experienced planners.

The United States Department of Agriculture - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) developed the 9-Step Conservation Planning Process that enables the agency assist Tribal governments, farmers, ranchers, and other landowners in the conservation planning decision making process. The process establishes a framework for planning and applying conservation practices/systems which will facilitate and encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between people and their environment (see NEPA).

As presented in NRCS policy, the objective of conservation planning is to help each client attain sustainable use and sound management (prevent degradation) of soil, water, air, plant, and animal (SWAPA) resources while also including consideration and strategies in meeting human, social, and economic needs (SWAPA+H).

The NRCS-National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH) provides procedures and guidance on implementing the conservation planning policy. In New York State, the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee developed the "Agriculture Environmental Management System" (AEM).

AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps farmers make common-sense, cost-effective and science-based decisions to help meet business objectives while protecting and conserving the State's natural resources. Farmers work with local AEM resource professionals to develop comprehensive farm plans using a tiered process. 

Guide to Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)

(also see PO 87 – AEM Tier planning process)

In New York State, the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee developed the "Agriculture Environmental Management System" (AEM). AEM is a voluntary, incentive-based program that helps farmers make common-sense, cost-effective and science-based decisions to help meet business objectives while protecting and conserving the State's natural resources.

The NRCS-AEM strategy is designed to facilitate the development of comprehensive tactical plans based upon the inputs and outputs of the planning process in helping to identify and systematically treat the resource concerns and opportunities on the farm.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO)

An AFO that is defined as a Large CAFO or as a Medium CAFO…, or that is designated as a CAFO… Two or more AFOs under common ownership are considered to be a single AFO for the purposes of determining the number of animals at an operation, if they adjoin each other or if they use a common area or system for the disposal of wastes. [40 CFR 122.23(b)(2)]

Large Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (Large CAFO) [40 CFR 122.23(b)(4)]

An AFO is defined as a Large CAFO if it stables or confines as many or more than the numbers of animals specified in any of the following categories:

• 700 mature dairy cows, whether milked or dry;
• 1,000 veal calves;
• 1,000 cattle other than mature dairy cows or veal calves. Cattle includes but is not limited to heifers, steers, bulls and cow/calf pairs;
• 2,500 swine, each weighing 55 pounds or more;
• 10,000 swine, each weighing less than 55 pounds;
• 500 horses;
• 10,000 sheep or lambs;
• 55,000 turkeys;
• 30,000 laying hens or broilers, if the AFO uses a liquid manure handling system;
• 125,000 chickens (other than laying hens), if the AFO uses other than a liquid manure handling system;
• 82,000 laying hens, if the AFO uses other than a liquid manure handling system;
• 30,000 ducks (if the AFO uses other than a liquid manure handling system); or
• 5,000 ducks (if the AFO uses a liquid manure handling system

Medium Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (Medium CAFO) [40 CFR 122.23(b)(6)]

The term Medium CAFO includes any AFO with the type and number of animals that fall within any of the ranges listed below and which has been defined or designated as a CAFO. An AFO is defined as a Medium CAFO if the type and number of animals that it stables or confines falls within any of the following ranges:

• 200 to 699 mature dairy cows, whether milked or dry;
• 300 to 999 veal calves;
• 300 to 999 cattle other than mature dairy cows or veal calves. Cattle includes but is not limited to heifers, steers, bulls and cow/calf pairs;
• 750 to 2,499 swine each weighing 55 pounds or more;
• 3,000 to 9,999 swine each weighing less than 55 pounds;
• 150 to 499 horses;
• 3,000 to 9,999 sheep or lambs;
• 16,500 to 54,999 turkeys;
• 9,000 to 29,999 laying hens or broilers, if the AFO uses a liquid manure handling system;
• 37,500 to 124,999 chickens (other than laying hens), if the AFO uses other than a liquid manure handling system;
• 25,000 to 81,999 laying hens, if the AFO uses other than a liquid manure handling system;
• 10,000 to 29,999 ducks (if the AFO uses other than a liquid manure handling system);
• 1,500 to 4,999 ducks (if the AFO uses a liquid manure handling system); and

Either one of the following conditions is/are met:

http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/glossary.cfm#L

Cooperative Extension Service (CES)

Cornell Cooperative Extension is a key outreach system of Cornell University with a strong public mission and an extensive local presence that is responsive to needs in New York communities.

The Cornell Cooperative Extension educational system enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work. Cornell Cooperative Extension operates on the Cornell campus through the leadership of faculty and staff in departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Ecology, with contributions from the College of Veterinary Medicine. The county-based Cornell Cooperative Extension associations and the New York City office provide 56 portals to Cornell University.

Extension educators in these locations form powerful community-university partnerships with the Cornell campus, and involve local constituents to address the issues and concerns of New Yorkers. http://www.cce.cornell.edu/editor/show/About_Extension. Similarly, the New England states have their own Cooperative Extension systems.

Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD)

Soil and Water Conservation Districts are government entities that help control the use of land and water in U.S. states and insular areas. There are more than 3,000 in the United States. Depending on the state, they may also be known as soil and water conservation districts, soil conservation districts, resource conservation districts, or other similar names. Nationally and within each state, the districts are generally coordinated by non-governmental associations. District borders often coincide with county borders.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_and_water_conservation_district.

Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA)

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers and manages farm commodity, credit, conservation, disaster and loan programs as laid out by Congress through a network of federal, state, and county offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of the agricultural industry and to help farmers adjust production to meet demand. Economically, the desired result of these programs is a steady price range for agricultural commodities for both farmers and consumers.

State and county offices directly administer FSA programs. These offices certify farmers for farm programs and pay out farm subsidies and disaster payments. Currently, there are 2,346 FSA county offices in the continental states. FSA also has offices in Hawaii, and a few American territories.

More than 8,000 farmer county committee members serve in FSA county offices nationwide.  Committee members are the local authorities responsible for fairly and equitably resolving local issues while remaining dually and directly accountable to the Secretary of Agriculture and local producers though the elective process. They operate within official regulations designed to carry out Federal laws and provide a necessary and important voice in Federal decisions affecting their counties and communities. Committee members make decisions affecting which FSA programs are implemented county-wide, the establishment of allotment and yields, commodity price support loans and payments, conservation programs, incentive, indemnity, and disaster payments for commodities, and other farm disaster assistance.

http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=about&subject=landing&topic=landing.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Since 1935, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (originally called the Soil Conservation Service) has provided leadership in a partnership effort to help America's private land owners and managers conserve their soil, water, and other natural resources. NRCS employees provide technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. The agency provides financial assistance for many conservation activities through Federal conservation programs. Participation in these programs is voluntary.

• Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) program provides voluntary conservation technical assistance to land-users, communities, units of state and local government, and other Federal agencies in planning and implementing conservation systems.
• NRCS reaches out to all segments of the agricultural community, including underserved and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, to ensure that our programs and services are accessible to everyone.
• NRCS manages Federal natural resource conservation programs that provide environmental, societal, financial, and technical benefits.
• Our science and technology activities provide technical expertise in such areas as animal husbandry and clean water, ecological sciences, engineering, resource economics, and social sciences.
• We provide expertise in soil science and leadership for soil surveys and for the National Resources Inventory, which assesses natural resource conditions and trends in the United States.
• We provide technical assistance to foreign governments, and participate in international scientific and technical exchanges.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/

Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS-DEC)

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created to bring together in a single agency all state programs directed toward protecting and enhancing the environment.

"The quality of our environment is fundamental to our concern for the quality of life. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the State of New York to conserve, improve and protect its natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being." - Environmental Conservation Law, Article 1

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission by embracing the elements of sustainability – the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity, and social wellbeing, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives. http://www.dec.ny.gov/about/511.html

Rural Development (USDA-RD)

The USDA Rural Development is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in all of rural America. The agency administers programs that touch rural America in many ways.

• Financial programs support essential public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, emergency service facilities, and electric and telephone service.
• Promote economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools.
• Technical assistance and information to help agricultural and other cooperatives get started and improve the effectiveness of their member services; and provide technical assistance to help communities undertake community empowerment programs.

Rural Development achieves its mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.

Rural Development works to make sure that rural citizens can participate fully in the global economy.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/index.html

Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA)

EPA leads the nation's environmental science, research, education, and assessment efforts. The mission of the EPA is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people and:

• Develops and enforces regulations
• Gives grants
• Studies environmental issues
• Sponsors partnerships
• Teaches people about the environment
• Publishes information

http://www.epa.gov/epahome/aboutepa.htm and http://www.epa.gov/epahome/whatwedo.htm

Department of Health (NYS-DOH, County-DOH)

The Department of Health works with its federal, state and local partners to help people in the state stay healthier and safer. Our programs and services help prevent illness and injury, promote healthy places to live and work, provide education to help people make good health decisions and ensure our state is prepared for emergencies.

Resource Conservation and Development Councils USDA-NRCS-RC&D)

The purpose of the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) program is to accelerate the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources, improve the general level of economic activity, and to enhance the environment and standard of living in designated RC&D areas. It improves the capability of State, tribal and local units of government and local nonprofit organizations in rural areas to plan, develop, and carry out programs for resource conservation and development. The program also establishes or improves coordination systems in rural areas.

Current program objectives focus on improvement of quality of life achieved through natural resources conservation and community development which leads to sustainable communities, prudent use (development), and the management and conservation of natural resources. RC&D areas are locally sponsored areas designated by the Secretary of Agriculture for RC&D technical and financial assistance program funds. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/rcd/

• To keep water safe for agricultural, ecological, and human use, there are a multitude of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. They provide resources, training, and some funding to improve the safety and reduce pollution potential of any pollution source.
• In particular, the USDA-NRCS has developed a 9-step planning process featuring collection and analysis of information (i.e. assessing the situation), decision making and support (i.e. deciding what to do), and application and evaluation (i.e., putting the system into place and observing the success). The NRCS also provides forms and information to assist planners and farmers in making wise decisions, implementing them properly, and recording what they have done.
• While best management practices are always encouraged, farms of certain sizes and animal densities (CAFOs) are mandated to follow certain federal and state regulations.