1. Influence of the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Alabama Agriculture Robert N. Jones State Conservationist USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service

2. 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.

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

4. A View of Our Past By late 1920’s, 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 options: 10 year period 30 year period Permanent

9. 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

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

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

12. 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

13. Impact of the RC&D 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 We’ve made progress