Review the Proposed Practice(s)

The Technical Service Provider (TSP), prior to meeting with the owner or operator, should review the proposed practice(s) in advance. In the example we are following, the TSP notes that FSA Practice CP21 has been selected. The TSP translates this into the corresponding NRCS practice numbered 393.

A copy of the Practice Standard 393 has been included here for your review. Later in the course we will cover how to translate FSA Practice Codes into NRCS Practices and use the electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG) to research practices and their associated job sheets. Take time now to review a copy of the Illinois Practice and Standard for a Filter Strip. Unlike the original found on the eFOTG, the document has been highlighted in some areas. Be sure to read through all of it and examine the included tables.

Illinois Practice and Standard for a Filter Strip 393

Prior to meeting with the owner or operator we need to take a step back and go over the NRCS-CPA-52 Environmental Evaluation. The NRCS-CPA-52 is required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) which became effective in 1970. The NEPA mandate is to protect and enhance the quality of the human environment. It requires all federal agencies to document and take into account the environmental impact of the actions they propose. The NRCS-CPA-52 is a tool which helps identify the baseline conditions of land proposed to the FSA for the Conservation Reserve Program. It also helps examine the impact of proposed practices on Soil, Water, Air, Plants, Animals and Humans (SWAPA +H).

Remember, the purpose of the Conservation Reserve Program is to mitigate natural resource concerns. If the proposed CRP practice or practices do not address issues then there really is no justification for spending federal dollars. The TSP then needs to evaluate alternatives and propose different practices that address natural resource concerns.