Conservation Planning Process for CNMPs Barry L Kintzer

Conservation Planning Process for CNMPs Barry L. Kintzer, P. E. Consulting Engineer

Objectives • Introduce the 9 -step NRCS planning process • Become familiar with NRCS requirements for conservation planning related to CNMP development and conservation practices.

Conservation Planning Process • Six Resources that are addressed by a Resource Management System – – – Soil Water Air Plants Animals Humans

Conservation Planning Process • Quality Criteria for Soil Erosion Resource Concern Description of Concern National Quality Criteria Measurement Units Assessment Tools Soil Erosion – Sheet and Rill Detachment and transport of soil particles caused by rainfall splash and runoff degrade soil quality. Sheet and rill erosion does not exceed the Soil Loss Tolerance “T”. Tons/Acre/Year – average annual tons of erosion reduced per acre for the field or planning area/unit Visual assessment Erosion-bridge (OR Ag TN 51); Rangeland Soil Quality Information Sheet -- Water Erosion RUSLE II WEPP Soil Quality Information Sheet - Erosion

Conservation Planning Process • Quality Criteria for Water Quality Resource Concern Description of Concern National Quality Criteria Measurement Units Water Quality – Excessive Nutrients and Organics in Surface Water Pollution from natural or human induced nutrients such as N, P, and S (including animal and other wastes) degrades surface water quality. Nutrients and Non organics are Measurable stored, handled, disposed of, and managed so that surface water uses are not adversely affected. Assessment Tools SVAP (Stream Visual Assessment Protocol – USDA/NRCS) National Engineering Handbook, Part 651, Ag. Waste Mgt. Field Handbook Surface water chemical/particle sampling and assay Field application and management Oregon Water Quality Decision Aid Local Fertilizer Guides Nitrogen Water Quality Screening Tool, Phosphorous Index Water Quality TN 1 Fertilizer Storage and Handling Worksheet – Livestock Manure Storage Worksheet – Livestock Yard Management Worksheet Biosolids

Conservation Planning Process Water Quality Working Toward an RMS Conservation Plan Soil Erosion Soil Water Air Plants Animals Humans CNMP RMS

Conservation Planning Process

Conservation Planning Process Nine Steps of Conservation Planning: 1. Identify Problems 2. Determine Objectives 3. Inventory Resources 4. Analyze Resources 5. Formulate Alternatives 6. Evaluate Alternatives 7. Make Decisions 8. Implement Plan 9. Evaluate Plan

Conservation Planning Process Phase I Collection and Analysis Phase II Decision Support Phase III Application and Evaluation

Conservation Planning Process Step 1 Identify Problems Step 2 Determine Objectives Phase I Collection & Analysis Step 4 Analyze Resources Step 3 Inventory Resources

Conservation Planning Process 1. Identify Problems

Conservation Planning Process 1. Identify Problems • Client’s Perspective & Planner’s Knowledge – Consider Client’s Concerns – Planner May Identify Other Problems, Concerns and Opportunities – On-Site Visit – Document Resource Problems

Conservation Planning Process 1. Identify Problems Resource Problem Checklist Client: Field: A. Soil 1. Erosion a. Sheet and Rill b. Wind c. Concentrated Flow d. Classic Gullies e. Streambank f. Irrigation Induced g. Soil Mass Movement h. Roadbank, Scour Area i. Other Date:

Conservation Planning Process 1. Identify Problems Resource Problems Soil Erosion Water Quality Air Quality Pest Management Crop Yields Labor Quality Criteria Soil Loss “T” Value >10 ppm NO 3 No Complaints >2% Yield Loss Typical Productivity Defined by Client

Conservation Planning Process 2. Determine Objectives

Conservation Planning Process 2. Determine Objectives • Desired Future Condition • Defined by the Client and the Planner • Objectives are Documented: – Written – Specific – Measurable – Time Reference

Conservation Planning Process 2. Determine Objectives • Three Objective Categories: – Social – Economic – Environmental

Conservation Planning Process 2. Determine Objectives Economic Objective Make Farm More Profitable Increase Crop Yields Increase Value of Farm Goals This Year 5 Tons/Acre Before Retirement Target $10, 000 + 27 Ton/Acre 5%/Yr Social Objective Minimize Labor on Farm County Can’t Blame Me Son May Not Farm Good Citizen 1 Full Time Compliance Environmental Objective Reduce Soil Erosion Protect Water Quality Keep Soil in Place Do The “Right” Thing < 5 Tons/Acre < 10 ppm Nitrates

Conservation Planning Process 3. Inventory Resources

Conservation Planning Process 3. Inventory Resources • General Inventory Methods – – Procedural Observation Predictive Deduction • Initial Inventory Becomes Benchmark • Documentation: – Farm Environment/Operations – Physical Resources – Economic/Social Concerns

Conservation Planning Process 3. Inventory Resources Soil • Slope = 5%, L=400 feet on fields used to grow Corn Silage • Refer to Soil Survey and Map for T values Water • Applying 200 Lbs Nitrogen per Acre on Corn Silage fields • Nitrogen and Phosphorus a water quality concern in the watershed, Estimate 12 ppm N in Groundwater Air • Odors from animal feeding operation are offensive to neighbors Plants • Continuous Corn for Silage, Typical Yields- 22 Tons/Acre • Pest Damage Reduces Yields Animal • Occasional Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Use Human • Farm Labor May be Limited, Farm Machinery in Good Condition

Conservation Planning Process 3. Inventory Resources L=400 Ft. S=5% Crop Pasture/Hay Headquarters

Conservation Planning Process 4. Analyze Resource Data WEQ FIRI

Conservation Planning Process 4. Analyze Resource Data • • Define Resource Conditions & Limitations Use Worksheets, Models & Other Tools Compare Benchmark & Future Condition Professional Judgment

Conservation Planning Process 4. Analyze Resource Data Soil • Soil Erosion from RUSLE 2 - A = 7 Tons/Acre/Year > T = 5 Tons/Acre/Year – Erosion rates could be reduced by using a conservation cover and/or using residue management. Water • Nitrate Leaching Estimated at 100 lbs/Acre/Yr. – Nitrate leaching can be reduced to acceptable levels by practicing proper nutrient management, waste utilization and irrigation water management. Air • Odors from animal feeding operation are offensive to neighbors. – Offensive odors can be reduced using tree and shrub plantings. Plants • Pest Damage Reduces Yields – Pest damage can be reduced by practicing proper pest management which will increase yields.

Conservation Planning Process 4. Analyze Resource Data Animal • Occasional Migratory Waterfowl and Upland Game Use – Adequate habitat exists to support waterfowl migrations and upland game but could be improved by using wildlife habitat plantings. Human • Farm Labor May be Limited, Farm Machinery in Good Condition – Labor inputs can be reduced through better management.

Conservation Planning Process Step 6 Evaluate Alternatives Step 5 Formulate Alternatives Phase II Decision Support Step 7 Make Decisions

Conservation Planning Process 5. Formulate Alternatives • Alternatives Achieve Client’s Objectives • Address All Resource SWAPA+H Problems • Develop Several Alternatives: High Cost/Low Management Inputs Moderate Cost/Moderate Management Inputs Low Cost/High Management Inputs • Alternatives Developed with Input from the Client

Conservation Planning Process 5. Formulate Alternatives Conservation Cover Other Practices Irrigation Water Management Conservation Nutrient Management Cover Pest Management Upland Wildlife Habitat Management Waste Utilization

Conservation Planning Process 5. Formulate Alternatives CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CROPLAND- ALTERNATIVE 1 RESOURCE CONCERNS CONSERVATION PRACTICES Soil Erosion, Sheet & Rill Access Road - 560 Water Quantity, Water Management for Irrigated Land Conservation Cover - 327 Water Quality, Groundwater; Nutrients and Organics Irrigation Pipeline, High Press Underground Plastic – 430 DD Water Quality, Surface Water; Nutrients and Organics Irrigation System, Sprinkler - 442 Water Quality, Surface Water; Suspended Sediments and Turbidity Irrigation Water Management - 449 Air Quality, Undesirable Odors from Agricultural Sources Manure Transfer - 634 Plant Management, Nutrient Management - 590 Plant Management, Pests Pest Management - 595 Animal Habitat, Wildlife Food Pumping Plant for Water Control - 533 Upland Wildlife Habitat Management - 645 Waste Utilization – 633 Water Well – 642 Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment - 380

Conservation Planning Process 5. Formulate Alternatives CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR CROPLAND- ALTERNATIVE 2 RESOURCE CONCERNS CONSERVATION PRACTICES Soil Erosion, Sheet & Rill Access Road - 560 Water Quantity, Water Management for Irrigated Land Conservation Cover - 327 Water Quality, Groundwater; Nutrients and Organics Irrigation Pipeline, High Press Underground Plastic – 430 DD Water Quality, Surface Water; Nutrients and Organics Irrigation System, Sprinkler - 442 Water Quality, Surface Water; Suspended Sediments and Turbidity Irrigation Water Management - 449 Air Quality, Undesirable Odors from Agricultural Sources Manure Transfer - 634 Plant Management, Nutrient Management - 590 Plant Management, Pests Pest Management - 595 Animal Habitat, Wildlife Food Pumping Plant for Water Control - 533 Upland Wildlife Habitat Management - 645 Waste Utilization - 633 Water Well - 642 Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment - 380

Conservation Planning Process 6. Evaluate Alternatives Conservation Effects for Decision Making – Compare “Benchmark” to “Future Condition” Effects – Estimate Change in Effects – Evaluate Impacts as Positive or Negative Effects on Resource Problems – Social, Economic, Environmental

Conservation Planning Process 6. Evaluate Alternatives Alternative #1 for Crop Land Use Conservation Practices Conservation Cover Upland Wildlife Management Pest Management Nutrient Management Waste Utilization Irrigation Water Management Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment Positive Impacts Reduce Soil Erosion 4 T/Ac/Yr Increased Crop Yields 5 T/Ac/Yr Reduced Odor Complaints Improve Water Quality Improve Wildlife Habitat Negative Impacts Labor 1/4 Hr/Ac/Yr Costs $25/Ac/Yr High Installation Cost

Conservation Planning Process 6. Evaluate Alternatives Alternative #2 for Crop Land Use Conservation Practices Conservation Cover Nutrient Management Pest Management Irrigation Water Management Waste Utilization Positive Impacts Reduce Soil Erosion 4 T/Ac/Yr Increased Crop Yields 5 T/Ac/Yr Reduce Odor Complaints Improve Water Quality Negative Impacts Labor 1/2 Hr/Ac/Yr Costs $15/Ac/Yr Moderate Installation Cost

Conservation Planning Process 6. Evaluate Alternatives Pasture/Hay Headquarters

Conservation Planning Process 7. Make Decisions

Conservation Planning Process 7. Make Decisions • The Planner Provides Information – Alternative Conservation Management Systems • The Client Makes an Informed Decision • The Decision is Documented – Conservation Plan (CNMP)

Conservation Planning Process Step 8 Implement Plan Phase III Apply & Evaluate Step 9 Evaluate Plan

Conservation Planning Process 8. Implement Plan

Conservation Planning Process 8. Implement Plan • The Client Implements the Plan • Planner and Technical Specialists Provide Technical Assistance to Implement Practices Identified in the Plan – – – Surveys Final Designs Job Sheets, Drawings & Specifications Inspections Operation & Maintenance

Conservation Planning Process 9. Evaluate Plan

Conservation Planning Process 9. Evaluate Plan • Client & Planner Evaluate Plan – – Are Practices Functioning as Intended? Is the Plan Meeting Objectives? Are Plan Modifications Needed? Is Additional Maintenance Needed? • Planning is an Ongoing Process

Conservation Planning Process NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook NPPH Contains Guidance for Conservation Planning

Summary • NRCS uses a 9 step planning process • Alternatives should be offered to the owner/operator • The owner/operator makes the final decision on alternative to implement BUT – Alternative selected must meet RMS level for: • SOIL • WATER

Summary (continued) • Proper conservation planning requires: – Considerable time – Appropriate expertise – interdisciplinary approach – $$$$$ - sufficient funding