Conservation Planning Defined

The Caldwell-Travis SWCD in conjunction with the NRCS Lockhart Service Center offers landowners within the district voluntary conservation planning. NRCS defines conservation planning as " a natural resource problem solving and management process. The process integrates economic, social (cultural resources are included with social), and ecological considerations to meet private and public needs. This approach, which emphasizes desired future conditions, will improve natural resource management, minimize conflict, and address problems and opportunities."

Local Working Group

To provide conservation planning direction and help ensure a balance of natural resource issues with social and economic needs, the local NRCS employees work with the Caldwell-Travis SWCD to establish objectives that reflect current resource issues in the district. Landowners and stakeholders are invited annually to the Local Working Group Meeting to help determine the natural resource priorities and criteria for local conservation activities and programs. This public form provides valuable input to identify other resource issues or human considerations that may not previously been a focus of interest in the area.

The success of conservation planning and implementation depends on the voluntary participation of client landowners. The planning process used by NRCS is based on the premise that clients will make and implement sound decisions if they understand their resources, natural resource problems and opportunities, and the effects of their decisions.

Conservation Planning Process

The NRCS describes the 9-Step Conservation Planning Process as follows...

1. Identify Problems and Opportunities

2. Determine Objectives

3. Inventory Resources

4. Analyze Resource Data

5. Formulate Alternatives

6. Evaluate Alternatives

7. Landowner/manager decision making

8. Implement the Plan

9. Evaluate the Plan

Landowners interested in conservation planning are encouraged to contact the district office to find the best fit for their needs, land use, and resource concerns. The office can advise of the process to become a cooperator with the district and the application procedure.

The NRCS provides additional details on Conservation Planning and Technical Assistance on their website.

Contact the office to learn more about conservation planning for your land.