2. Providing Tools for Wise Stewardship of the Land

USDA’s Natural Resources and Environment mission area plays a vital role in the management and conservation of the Nation’s land, natural resources, and natural heritage. USDA’s Forest Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service share responsibility for fostering sound stewardship on 75 percent of the country’s total land area.

The Forest Service mission is to sustain the health, productivity, and diversity of the land to meet the needs of present and future generations. The Forest Service carries out its mission in several ways: through wise care and stewardship of national forests and grasslands; through cutting-edge research programs which promote conservation, recycling, and new technologies that support ecologically sustainable development; and through State and private forestry programs which help deliver the benefits of conservation to hundreds of communities and States across the Nation.

The Forest Service manages 191.6 million acres of public lands, made up of 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands in 44 States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The Forest Service challenge on the eve of the 21st century is to manage the people’s forests and grasslands through a new natural resource agenda with health of the land as the primary objective.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) mission, “to provide leadership and administer programs to help people conserve, improve, and sustain our natural resources and environment,” provides the foundation for the conservation leadership role it has earned. For 6 decades, NRCS has worked side by side with landowners, conservation districts, State and local governments, and urban and rural partners to restore and enhance the American landscape. The agency provides direct technical assistance and conducts a broad range of programs to address farmers’ and ranchers’ natural resource concerns on millions of acres of private lands.

Although the programs of these agencies differ, both are defined by profound land and service ethics which guide their common mission: to promote diverse, healthy, and sustainable ecosystems by restoring and sustaining the integrity of soil, air, water, biological diversity, and ecological processes. By making resource management decisions in the context of the full system, the agencies ensure that products, values, services, and uses desired by people are produced in ways that sustain a healthy and productive Nation and environment.

Forest Service

Sustaining Our Natural Resource Legacy

As the Forest Service enters its second century, it is advancing a strong, broad-based natural resource agenda that sets clear priorities for its scientists and managers, holding them accountable to the American people for sustaining the health of the land.

In support of the agenda, the Forest Service is focusing special attention on four areas: Watershed health and restoration; Sustainable forest management; National forest roads; and Recreation.

In autumn 1998, the Forest Service released Charting our Future: A Nation’s Natural Resource Legacy, a publication that presents a conservation vision for public lands in the 21st century. It is a call to action, both for Forest Service employees and for the many organizations and people who depend upon and care for the national forests and grasslands.

Making a Difference on the Ground

In 1998 Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck awarded more than 100 natural resource agenda grants worth more than $2 million to a wide array of projects that included community forestry, outreach to urban communities, interpretation and education, noxious weed eradication, watershed and road rehabilitation, wildlife and fisheries projects, forest management, research on assessing harvest methods, forest stress, watershed restoration, sustainability, and more. The grants were awarded to National Forests, Research, and State and Private Forestry programs.

Working Together

The Sustainability Roundtable made up of over 30 leaders of Federal agencies and State, county, tribal, and nongovernmental organizations (including environmental, industry, landowner, and community groups and professional societies) was formed in 1998. The Roundtable was brought together by Secretary Dan Glickman and Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck to help realize the President’s commitment to achieve sustainable forest management by the turn of the century. The overall goal of the Roundtable is to bring people together to foster common goals for sustainable forests and grasslands.

A Southwest Strategy for Natural Resource Conservation and Community Development

The Forest Service, along with other Federal agencies in Arizona and New Mexico, is working with local communities on a natural resource conservation and community development strategy. This is a collaborative effort to seek solutions to difficult issues such as adjustments to grazing permits, protection of endangered species, and protection and use of water resources. Awareness of the Southwest Strategy approach continues to spread as a potential model to resolve tough local and regional issues for public land management in the Southwest.

Communities Reinvent Government To Protect and Use Public Lands

In 1998, Under Secretary James Lyons presented representatives of the Diablo Trust with a National Reinvention Laboratory Certificate. Signed by Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck and Vice President Al Gore, the certificate establishes the Diablo Trust as a National Reinvention Laboratory. Reinvention laboratories are innovative organizations or activities established to test or prototype new reinventing government initiatives. The Diablo Trust is the result of 5 years of effort by ranchers, environmentalists, the Hopi Tribe, Federal and State agencies, college faculty, and others in the Flagstaff, Arizona, area to keep the area’s hallmark large-scale landscapes intact. It is the first Reinvention Laboratory focused on ranching and landscape-scale opportunities. The Diablo Trust encompasses 500,000 acres including private lands and a portion of the Coconino National Forest (AZ).

Recreationists Have New Resources

In 1998, the Forest Service joined with six other Federal agencies under the National Partnership for Reinventing Government to create www.recreation.gov, a new interagency Internet website and search engine that allows users to quickly and easily locate recreation opportunities on Federal lands. Also in 1998, the Forest Service expanded the opportunity for recreationists to reserve space at recreation sites nationwide through a toll-free number, providing a “one-stop” reservation service.

Clean Water Act Turns 25

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act, commonly known as the Clean Water Act, marked its 25-year anniversary in FY 1998. Nearly 80 percent of the Nation’s freshwater sources originate on national forest land. In February 1998, President Clinton and Vice President Gore announced a new strategy for addressing water problems across the country in a Clean Water Action Plan. Developed under the leadership of USDA and the Environmental Protection Agency, the plan focuses on: greater Federal, State, and local integration through a watershed approach; connection between water quality and natural resource programs; accelerating watershed and ecosystem restoration; and critical role of collaboration with communities and other local stakeholders.

Turning Street Trees Into Sawlogs

Utilizing City Trees, an award-winning publication by the Forest Service and New Jersey Forestry Services, inspired workshops on the same theme in 1998. The publication and workshops educate and train personnel from tree service companies, lumber manufacturers, municipalities, and State agencies on how to merchandise sawmill-size logs from trees removed from city streets. The strategy turns urban wood waste, a potential cost burden, into an income-producing opportunity. Urban wood recycling efforts are a part of the Forest Service’s emphasis on urban and community forestry.

Improving the Urban Environment in the Nation’s Capital

On February 3, 1998, Secretary Dan Glickman joined USDA’s Forest Service; Natural Resources Conservation Service; Agricultural Research Service; and Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service; and District of Columbia Government officials to recognize community organizations that will share $250,000 of Federal Challenge Cost-Share funds. Twelve groups received funds ranging from $5,098 to $50,000 to use in implementing Urban Environmental Resource Initiative projects as part of USDA’s Plan of Action for the District of Columbia. The Urban Environmental Resource Initiative helps local groups improve their environment through volunteerism and community support. This project is part of the President’s Initiative to assist the District of Columbia in improving the health and beauty of its urban environment.

Sustaining Forests Globally

In 1998, Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck reviewed collaborative programs in Negev, Jerusalem, and the northern Galilee region in Israel. The Forest Service and the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael World, the land management counterpart in Israel, have been working together on arid and semi-arid afforestation (planting trees where they have not grown before) and watershed management for over 10 years, during which time over 50 technical exchanges involving more than 100 professionals have occurred. The Forest Service is the principal sponsor of the International Arid Land Consortium that researches, develops, and performs demonstration projects in arid lands management.

Serving All People

In 1998, the Forest Service joined with the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Fish and Wildlife Service to improve our ability to serve all of our publics. We joined in an agreement with a nonprofit organization, Wilderness Inquiry, to further the goals of dignity, independence, and social integration in the outdoor recreation environment. Wilderness Inquiry, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been providing recreation and wilderness opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds, including those with disabilities, urban at-risk populations, and single-parent families, for more than 20 years. Services include training, outreach, and development of information. Trips are also available for those who may not be able to experience natural settings on their own.

Forestry Is for Farmers Too

The Forest Service built a partnership in 1998 with the National Black Farmers Association and the USDA Coalition of Minority Employees. The agency is helping its new partners become better informed on landowner assistance programs available through State forestry organizations, and the partners are helping the Forest Service identify interested landowners with limited resources who have been underserved in the past. The Forest Service’s Southern Region plays an important role in reaching out to landowners in the South, where additional program services are especially needed.

Natural Resources Conservation Service

Backyard Campaign Brings Conservation Close to Home

Thanks to the Backyard Conservation Campaign, people across the Nation are discovering that healthier natural resources can start very close to home. Unveiled by Secretary Glickman on Earth Day, April 22, 1998, the campaign continues to generate an avalanche of interest. So far, nearly 300,000 copies of the Backyard Conservation booklet have been distributed, and more than 30,000 requests for campaign information packet have been received. Local and national media interest continues to grow. Free air time is valued at more than $800,000 for the campaign’s television public service announcement, and more than $250,000 for the radio announcement. The campaign has brought a 600-percent increase in recruitment for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Earth Team Volunteer Program. The Backyard Conservation Campaign is a cooperative project of NRCS, the National Association of Conservation Districts, and the Wildlife Habitat Council.

Secretary Glickman Announces 25 New RC&D Areas

In March, Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced that 25 areas in 18 States became eligible for USDA’s Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program. The addition brings the total of RC&D areas to 315. RC&D, which is administered by NRCS, offers USDA technical and financial assistance for conservation and water management projects and expansion of economic, cultural, and recreational opportunities. Secretary Glickman also announced the expansion of six existing RC&D areas.

NRCS Helps Farmers in Guam “Go on the Record”

NRCS reports that some limited-resource farmers in Guam have difficulties receiving Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) benefits because recordkeeping is not part of their culture. To turn this situation around, NRCS entered into an EQIP educational assistance contract with the University of Guam, which includes workshops and one-on-one assistance on recordkeeping. This action has increased the effectiveness of EQIP.

NRCS Responds to Water Emergency in Pohnpei

The NRCS’ Pacific Basin office reports that a drought caused by El Niño forced the declaration of a water shortage emergency in the Federated States of Micronesia. Governor Del S. Pangelinon called for the protection of streams and underground water sources from animal and human wastes and nonbiodegradable products. In response to the declaration, NRCS conservationists translated water management information materials into local languages. NRCS also advised people on proper waste disposal and the need to boil drinking water to prevent hepatitis and other diseases.

NRCS, Partners Assist Drought-Affected Farmers

In Central Texas, NRCS and the Texas Department of Agriculture held workshops with farmers and ranchers to provide them with information about how USDA can help them cope with drought conditions. Workshop topics included planting and managing winter pastures, selling cattle and buying hay, farm programs, and emergency loans. NRCS in the Dallas/Fort Worth area advised the public about how drought increases the possibilities and dangers of wildfire.

EQIP-Funded Effort Reducing Soil Erosion, Fertilizer Use

With funding from EQIP, the city of Syracuse, New York, is improving water quality in the Skaneateles Lake Watershed. Farmers are developing nutrient management plans that include conservation buffers and minimize nutrient use. Eighty percent of the farms—48 out of 60—are participating in the effort. These farms hold more than 90 percent of the agricultural land in the watershed. On 16 farms, the annual rate of erosion has been reduced by more than 2,000 tons. Fourteen farms have saved an average of $1,000 in fertilizer costs. On 11 farms, livestock no longer have access to waterways.

NRCS, Partners Add Practices, Personnel To Protect Neuse River

NRCS and the North Carolina Division of Soil and Water Conservation accelerated the establishment of best management practices that address the pollution problems of the Neuse River, the waterway in which the bacteria Pfiesteria was discovered. NRCS added two positions and is sharing the cost of 10 district positions.

NRCS Accelerates Outreach to Native Americans

NRCS continues its commitment to increasing its services to Native Americans. The following are examples of this outreach:

   Colorado: NRCS assigned two tribal outreach specialists to work with the Ute Mountain Ute and Southern Ute tribes. NRCS has offices at each tribe’s headquarters and works directly with producers and the tribes’ agricultural and natural resources departments.

   Montana: NRCS held meetings to provide tribal representatives with overviews of USDA programs, the NRCS planning process, and the roles of tribal representatives on the State Technical Committee.

   South Dakota: NRCS gave the Standing Rock Tribal Conservation District an overview of assistance available from USDA. NRCS also developed a cultural resource agreement with the Tribal Historic Preservation Office to help members of the tribe plan conservation practices.

   North Dakota: Eight listening forums sponsored by American Indian communities established a dialogue between USDA and the communities.

   Arizona: Thanks to an unprecedented agreement with the Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department, NRCS employees in Arizona are conducting archeological clearances prior to beginning conservation projects on some of the most culturally significant and well-preserved archeological sites in the world.

   Wyoming: NRCS and the State’s Food and Agriculture Committee met with the Shoshone-Arapaho Joint Business Council to discuss services of the USDA Service Center and Department programs available to the Wind River Indian Reservation.

   Minnesota: NRCS and the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in Cloquet established the Center of Excellence for Map Compilation. Students learn about soil science, soil surveys, aerial photo interpretation, remote-sensing fundamentals, and geographic information systems.

NRCS, Partners Restore Streambank Near Geriatric Center

In Upper Providence Township, NRCS in Pennsylvania and its State and local partners restored an 800-foot section of streambank along a tributary of the Schuykill River on property near a geriatric center. The NRCS-designed project protects the streambank from erosion, which in turn prevents silt from eroding into the tributary. Working with NRCS were volunteer environmentalists, county inmates in an early release work program, county park personnel, county planners, and workers from State and local conservation agencies.

Conservation Measures, NRCS Efforts, Prevent Flood Damage

Storms in southwest Iowa severely eroded nearly 350,000 acres of cropland. Despite these losses, NRCS reports that fields protected by agency-recommended practices such as no-till farming, contour buffer strips, grassed waterways, field borders, and terraces suffered minimal sheet and rill erosion. In the town of Hamburg, a restored wetland prevented flooding. In Iowa County, wetland areas restored through NRCS’ Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program prevented the flooding of 12,000 acres of cropland.

NRCS Funds Repair of Critical Access Road

Near Buffalo, Wyoming, an access road needed for emergency services and the livestock industry was repaired with nearly $240,000 in funds from EWP. State congressional delegates supported and assisted local people in finding funding for this project.

Hydrants Installed Through RC&D Program Cool Fire Insurance Costs

A study by NRCS of the RC&D Program in Louisiana found that fire protection measures installed through the program reduce rural homeowners’ fire insurance rates by approximately $137 per year. NRCS attributes the decrease to more than 2,000 dry fire hydrants installed through the program.

“SWAT” Team Protects Natural Resources

In Cobb County, Georgia, homeowners formed a “SWAT” team to prevent soil erosion and encourage the use of landscaping techniques that protect natural resources. “SWAT” is an acronym for “soil, water, air, and trees.” Team members must first join the NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Program to learn the basics of community conservation. NRCS Marietta Field Office provides the team with training and technical assistance.

NRCS Office Excels, Earns Awards, Recognition From Secretary Glickman

For “performing its work with enthusiasm and competence far beyond most citizens’ expectations of a government agency,” the Baldwin County NRCS office in Bay Minette, Alabama, was named Government Agency of the Year by the county’s Environmental Advisory Board. The board praised NRCS Baldwin County for helping schools develop and build wetland study areas and an outdoor learning center. The office also worked with local conservation groups to develop a flood protection plan for a 200-square-mile watershed. Secretary Glickman cited NRCS Baldwin County for demonstrating the effectiveness of locally led conservation efforts and for its commitment to “going the extra mile to serve its customers.”

NRCS, Partners Team Up To Teach Businesses About Woodland Erosion

A woodland erosion control curriculum developed and implemented by NRCS in Louisiana with Boise Cascade and the Louisiana Forestry Association will have positive impacts on more than 3 million acres of industrial forest land and nearly 9 million acres of non-industrial forest land. NRCS reports that hundreds of contractors, loggers, foresters, and others have participated in education sessions based on the curriculum. Sponsors for these sessions include International Paper Company, Georgia Pacific, Weyerhauser, and Willamette Industries.

Demand Growing for NRCS Plant Materials in Garden State

In New Jersey, demands for NRCS plant materials are exceeding supplies. To meet the demands, NRCS is reaching out to farmers to encourage them to grow conservation plants for commercial production. NRCS conservation plants and bioengineering assistance are protecting shorelines and preventing erosion along the Atlantic Ocean, bays and streambanks, and rivers and lakes.

New NRCS Information Series Shows “How-To’s” of Effective Customer Service

The NRCS and its partners in conservation are working more effectively with people and communities, thanks to an information series produced by the agency’s Social Sciences Institute. The series features 11 publications that help NRCS and its partners communicate to their customers the benefits of conservation and how to deal with situations that can occur while doing customer service. Copies of the publications were distributed to all NRCS State and field offices and are available on NRCS’ home page on the World Wide Web.