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Influence of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Alabama Agriculture

Influence of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Alabama Agriculture. Robert N. Jones State Conservationist USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. That’s the Mission of NRCS.

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Influence of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Alabama Agriculture

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  1. Influence of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Alabama Agriculture Robert N. Jones State Conservationist USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

  2. That’s the Mission of NRCS • To provide leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment.

  3. The Method • Work with local soil and water conservation districts • Work with other partners

  4. A View of Our Past • By late 1920’s, erosion was widespread in Alabama

  5. Opportunities were Abundant

  6. Reversing the Cycle Begins

  7. Conservation Reserve Program • 480,188.5 acres in CRP • 9,845 active CRP contracts • 39.2 million acres through 2007 cap on CRP

  8. Wetlands Reserve Program • 1,502 acres enrolled in WRP • The program offers three easement options:10 year period30 year periodPermanent

  9. RC&D RC&D helps people protect and develop: • Economic, Natural, Social resources In ways that improve their area’s: • Economy, environment, and quality of life

  10. RC&D Areas in Alabama • Alabama has nine RC&D Regions • Programs vary by needs within the region

  11. How Do RC&D Regions Operate? • Council leadership • Funds provided through:USDA-NRCSGrantsEndowment fundsPrivate foundations

  12. Assistance Provided by RC&D • Identifying funding sources • Writing grants • Helping with grant administration • Organizing events • Conducting tours and educational events • Assisting with administrative functions

  13. Impact of the RC&D Program • In Fiscal 2002, state funds totaled $777,660 • Overall project funds totaled $7,438,519

  14. Impact of NRCS Activities • In fiscal 2002, NRCS talked with and provided assistance to 228,669 Alabama landowners • Conservation systems applied to 296,920 acres in the state.

  15. Conversion to Urban Land • Rate of 63,100 acres per year • Alabama ranks 13th in the nation

  16. Impact of the 2002 Farm Bill • Conservation Security Program • Farmland Protection Program

  17. Another Oldie from the Past

  18. Conclusion • Draw from 70 years of experience • Voluntary participation • Partnership effort We’ve made progress

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