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 To provide leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment.

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

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

Opportunities were Abundant

Reversing the Cycle Begins

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

Wetlands Reserve Program 1,502 acres enrolled in WRP The program offers three easement options: 10 year period 30 year period Permanent

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

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

How Do RC&D Regions Operate? Council leadership Funds provided through: USDA-NRCS Grants Endowment funds Private foundations

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

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

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.

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

Impact of the 2002 Farm Bill Conservation Security Program Farmland Protection Program

Another Oldie from the Past

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