USDA Announces Updated Conservation Practice Standards

Earlier this week, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, NRCS, published a new list of updates to its National Conservation Practice Standards. The revisions include 58 standards that have been updated or revised since August. The 2018 Farm Bill required NRCS to review all 169 of its national conservation practices to seek opportunities to increase flexibility and incorporate new technologies.

“NRCS is committed to efficiently and effectively implementing the Farm Bill and delivering on our promise to America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners,” says Acting NRCS Chief Kevin Norton. “These practices are the building blocks of conservation, and they are science-based and site-specific. We took a hard look at our existing practices on the books, looking for opportunities to improve flexibility and integrate technology.”

The National Conservation Practice Standards provide guidelines for planning, designing, installing, operating, and maintaining conservation practices. The 58 revised standards cover a wide range of conservation practices, including irrigation water management, heavy use area protection, and compositing facilities.

NRCS is also adding two conservation practices dealing with wastewater treatment and wildlife habitat planning. More information on the National Conservation Practice Standards is available on  NRCS' Website or by visiting your local NRCS office.

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