Conservation Planning
Conservation planning is the process used to identify and evaluate resource concerns, analyze information, and recommended conservation practices alternatives to treat identified problems. Conservation plans provide a sound foundation for technical and financial assistance to local landowners and managers looking to treat their resource concerns.
Conservation Planning Process
The objective in conservation planning is to help each client attain sustainable use and sound management of soil, water, air, plant, animal, and energy resources, based on related human considerations. The purpose is to prevent the degradation of resources and to ensure their sustained use and productivity, while considering the client's economic and social needs. Conservation planning assistance is based on ecological, economic, and social considerations relative to the resources. The end result of this process is the conservation plan - a record of the client's decisions and supporting information for the treatment of one or more resources.
The conservation planning process is generally progressive and begins by looking at a limited number of resource concerns on a single landuse. Over time conservation planning may lead towards resource management systems - a combination of conservation practices and management activities that treats all identified resource concerns for all landuses.
Conservation planning is a three phase, nine step process. Conservation planning should begin with step 1, 2, 3, or 9, but the process is dynamic and it is frequently necessary to repeat certain steps.
Phase I: Data Collection and Analysis
1. Problem Identification
2. Determine Objectives
3. Inventory Resources
4. Analyze the Resource Data
Phase II: Decision Support
5. Formulate Alternatives
6. Evaluate Alternatives
7. Client Decides
Phase III: Application
8. Implement the Plan
9. Evaluate the Plan
Conservation Planner Levels
There are four levels of Conservation Planners.
Conservation Planner Level 1
Level 1 conservation planners meet with clients to determine their objectives, conduct resource inventories, run assessment tools, and develop alternative solutions to address resource concerns for the planning area(s). Conservation plans and alternatives must be reviewed and approved by a Level 3 or 4 planner before presenting them to the client.
Level 1 Conservation Planner Requirements
Specialty Conservation Planner Level 2
Level 2 conservation planners can provide planning assistance and attain national or state level specializations. Level 2 conservation planners with a specialization can sign component plans as per their specialization (i.e., Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan).
Level 2 Conservation Planner Requirements
Certified Conservation Planner Level 3
The Level 3 certified conservation planner is the primary role for those regularly delivering conservation planning assistance to clients. Level 3 certified conservation planners are able to complete all steps of the conservation planning process for all common land uses and resources concerns in their work area. Level 3 planners are also able to review and approve conservation plans and practice alternatives developed by Level 1 and 2 planners.
Level 3 Conservation Planner Requirements
Certified Conservation Planner Level 4
The Level 4 conservation planner designation is an advanced role for those planners having the experience, knowledge, skill, and abilities to address complex planning situations and train others in the application of the conservation planning process. Level 4 planners are also able to review and approve conservation plans and practice alternatives developed by Level 1 and 2 planners.
Level 4 Conservation Planner Requirements
Maintaining Certifications
Level 2, 3, and 4 conservation planners must pass a quality assurance review during a repeating three year period to maintain their current highest conservation planner designation. Enough conservation plans must be reviewed to determine that the conservation planner has developed conservation plans that meet the NRCS planning policy and follow the procedures and guidelines listed in the National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH). GM 180 Part 409 Exhibit 5 contains the plan evaluation worksheets for individual conservation plans.