1. Creating Partnerships: EPA R8, NRCS, and States

2. Why work with NRCS? NRCS has strong relationships with ag producers
NRCS has strong technical expertise in areas that EPA generally does not
NRCS is promoting Soil Health (reduces contaminants to streams, captures carbon, reduces soil erosion)
NRCS and Region 8 EPA Share Common Goals:
Protecting Water and Resources
While Ensuring Viable, Sustainable agriculture
NRCS has $$
Great people to work with!
EPA needs NRCS more then NRCS needs EPA so it needs to be EPA’s job to keep the connection

3. History The region had lost our connections with NRCS state offices
Some states had more of a connection, some had minimal
In 2013, the Region began a concerted effort to reconnect, reinvigorate, and partner with NRCS focusing on nutrients and water quality
Building off of our NWQI watersheds and seeking ways to further protect and restore 303d listed waterbodies through the 319 and TMDL program
Learning from Utah NRCS office and the work combined with the state 319 program

4. Creating the Opportunities
First, we had to get to know our NRCS counterparts and their programs
Hosted a state, NRCS, EPA meeting with a one day focus on NRCS programs
Initiated 2-3 times year conference calls with states and NRCS
Looked for meetings and opportunities where we could connect (State Technical meetings, NACD conference, 319 taskforce, training on conservation practices, etc. )
We were open to any opportunity where we could work
with and learn from NRCS
Goal to develop water quality projects in each state that
involved all agencies
Including attending NRCS training if available and able.

5. Results of the Partnerships - CO
Lower Arkansas River Basin (agriculture)
Background – selenium, uranium, nutrients, and water quantity compact
State requested EPA assistance
EPA stakeholder group – sets meetings, invites stakeholders, compiles notes, facilitates
CDPHE is key player for EPA
EPA R8 & North Dakota NRCS rotational assignments to each office

6. Results of the Partnerships - CO
Outcome of stakeholder meetings:
State has identified local partners and funding multiple projects to research BMPs;
NRCS identified additional NRCS funding for conversion to sprinklers and cover crops;
Stakeholder group is facilitating a partnership between several ag producers and the state who is funding soil health (ex. cover crop seeds);
watershed plan/alternative plan jointly developed

7. Results of the Partnerships - ND
North Dakota
Close communication & coordination between EPA and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDH)
good working relationship between NDDH & NRCS
EPA-NRCS rotational assignments in 2015
nutrient reduction and soil health focus
getting to know the players

8. Results of the Partnerships – ND
Incorporation of cost-share, EQIP, and carry-over cooperative agreement funding between NRCS and NDDH
Working with soil conservation districts in their watersheds
Resulting in Broad-based agricultural partnerships: Nonpoint Source 319 BMPs & NRCS conservation practices; 303(d) impairments; and TMDLs

9. Results of the Partnerships - SD
Currently seeking to develop a joint EPA-NRCS-State nutrient reduction project
Established monthly calls which continue to expand to include more partners in South Dakota
Current plan is to ID watershed with a significant resource, still healthy watershed, utilize NRCS training of ag specialists to work with producers and implement Nutrient Management Plans
Possibly nutrient management planning and/or soil health
NRCS whole farm planning?

10. Lessons Learned
Lead by Asking Questions and Expressing Interest in Their Agricultural Programs
Meet on-site, at their location
Identify areas where there is common ground and similar goals – concentrate on the win/win
EPA Role - Offer to Bring Groups Together and Facilitate Discussions. Do the background pieces so that the other partners can easily and simply engage.
Be Patient and Tireless – may take several years to really take off – be prepared for a winding path and enjoy even the smallest of successes along the way.

11. EPA Role in Engaging NRCS/States/Partners
Set up the meetings and invite the players
Set the table and expect over time, the table will need to expand
Sit back and enjoy the potluck