Introduction
Introduction
Embedded Files
Please review the materials below and complete the accompanying worksheets and activities prior to attending the Fundamentals of Conservation Planning training.
These pre-course assignments will help to familiarize you with new topics and allow you to engage them more thoroughly than would be possible in the classroom. Reviewing these resources and completing the associated worksheets will also help set the stage for the material that will be covered during the training.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the materials, please contact Josh Vetter.
Pre-course Worksheet
Pre-course Worksheet
Please download or print the pre-course worksheet and fill out all questions as they pertain to the activity referenced. This is a "fillable" PDF if you download and save the worksheet. Please bring a copy of your answers to the start of training.
Fundamentals of Conservation Planning- Questions 2025_Fillable.pdf
Activity 1:
Activity 1:
Soil and Water Conservation Background
Soil and Water Conservation Background
Watch the short documentary on soil conservation pioneer Hugh Hammond Bennett, the history of NRCS and soil and water conservation districts and the birth of the private lands’ conservation movement in the U.S. This video will provide a background as to why the Division and Districts exist in North Carolina.
Activity 2:
Activity 2:
Introduction to Conservation Planning
Introduction to Conservation Planning
Conservation planning is at the heart of the Commission’s conservation programs. We must become strong conservation planners to best serve the cooperators we work for and best use public funds to improve the soil and water of North Carolina.
Read the Conservation Planning document, review the 9 steps to conservation planning and watch the three short videos to better understand the process of conservation planning and its importance in continuing the conservation success of soil and water conservation districts and partnering organizations.
NCPP_Conservation_Planning_Intro.pdf
Activity 3:
Activity 3:
Working with Landowners
Working with Landowners
The North Carolina Soil and Water Conservation Commission programs are voluntary and are most often implemented by working with private landowners. Please review the information on the GrowMore Program facilitated through National Wildlife Federation. Although this guide references the adoption of soil health practices, the outreach and communication strategies covered are relevant and applicable to working with all conservation practices and cooperators as well.
Grow More Messaging Guide_2021.pdfDid you know that the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts has a grant to implement GrowMore training programs? Contact brandy.myers@ncagr.gov for more information.
Activity 4:
Activity 4:
Introduction to Resource Concerns
Introduction to Resource Concerns
Properly identifying and documenting resource concerns is the first fundamental step in conservation planning. We work with cooperators to solve these issues, and conserve soil and water. Watch the video and review the three Resource Concern Fact Sheets on common cropland resource concerns.
04_SOIL-RCFactSheets.pdf05_WATER-RCFactSheets.pdf06_PLANTS-RCFactSheets.pdf03_Resource_Concern_List_CROPLAND.pdfActivity 5:
Activity 5:
Introduction to Cropland Best Management Practices
Introduction to Cropland Best Management Practices
Best Management Practices (BMPs) are used as a possible solution to resource concerns. The Soil and Water Conservation Commission as well as the Natural Resources Conservation Service have developed many BMPs that are available to assist cooperators meet their goals and conserve soil and water resources. These videos introduce you to some common cropland BMPs.
Crop Rotation
Cover Crops
Critical Area Planting
Diversion
Field Borders
Residue & Tillage Mgmt
Precision Land Forming
Grassed Waterways
Activity 6:
Activity 6:
Introduction to RUSLE2 (optional)
Introduction to RUSLE2 (optional)
These videos are optional. Please make note that there are 10 videos in total (4 with Part 1 and 6 with Part 2). The Fundamentals of Conservation Planning course will briefly cover an introduction to RUSLE2 and its importance for conservation planning. It is recommended that these videos are watched prior to the training as they provide a deeper understanding of the tool in preparation for the training.
RUSLE2 Background, Part 1 (4 videos)
RUSLE2 Background, Part 2 (6 videos)
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