Influence of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Alabama Agriculture

1
Influence of the Natural Resources Conservation
Service on Alabama Agriculture

• Robert N. Jones
• State Conservationist
• USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

2
Thats 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 1920s, 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 options10
  year period30 year periodPermanent

9
RCD

• RCD helps people protect and develop
• Economic, Natural, Social resources
• In ways that improve their areas
• Economy, environment, and quality of life

10
RCD Areas in Alabama

• Alabama has nine RCD Regions
• Programs vary by needs within the region

11
How Do RCD Regions Operate?

• Council leadership
• Funds provided throughUSDA-NRCSGrantsEndowment
  fundsPrivate foundations

12
Assistance Provided by RCD

• Identifying funding sources
• Writing grants
• Helping with grant administration
• Organizing events
• Conducting tours and educational events
• Assisting with administrative functions

13
Impact of the RCD 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

Weve made progress