Conservation Planning
Conservation planning is a natural resource problem-solving and
management process. The process integrates ecological (natural resource), economic, and
social considerations to meet private and public needs. This approach, which emphasizes
identifying desired future conditions, improves natural resource management, minimizes
conflict, and addresses problems and opportunities.
Marion SWCD, along with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), provides
conservation planning and technical assistance to clients (individuals, groups, and
units of government). These Clients develop and implement conservation plans to protect,
conserve, and enhance natural resources (soil, water, air, plants, and animals) within
their related social and economic interests.
The success of conservation planning and implementation depends
upon the voluntary participation of clients. The planning process used by Marion SWCD
and 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 helps clients, conservationists, and others
view the environment as a living system of which humans are an integral part. It enables
clients and planners to analyze and work with complex natural processes in definable and
measurable terms. The objective in conservation planning is the sound use and management
of soil, water, air, plant, and animal resources to prevent their degradation and ensure
their sustained use and productivity while also considering related human social and economic needs.
What is a Conservation Plan?
A conservation plan is essentially two things. First, it is a written record
of your management decisions and supporting information, and second, it contains the
conservation practices that you choose to implement and maintain on your land.
A conservation plan encompasses all of the natural resources on your land which can generally
be categorized into soil, water, air, plant, animal, and human considerations. There are many
benefits to a conservation plan but two main goals will be achieved through the
implementation of a plan: the control of soil erosion and the maintenance of local surface
and ground water quality.
Why do I need a Conservation Plan?
As a landowner, you are a manager of the resources that come with the land you own.
Those resources include soil, water, air, plants, animals, and yes, even yourself. Those
resources can be either renewable or nonrenewable. The proper management of your land is
very important to the health and sustainability of the natural resources found there.
Anyone whose livelihood depends upon the soil, water, and air around them, knows the
importance of conserving and protecting the very elements that sustain them. The
conservation planning process produces a valuable tool that will help to guide you
towards enhancing and increasing your management skills. Perhaps most important of
all is the fact that this conservation plan is voluntary and flexible. You make the
decisions and carry them out and finally, this is your plan for your land.
Benefits of a Plan
Starting the Conservation Planning Process
To start your own voluntary plan, you can print out the
Conservation Plan packet
and fill in the information to the best of your knowledge. Feel free to contact the District to speak with
one of the resource conservationists for assistance. We'd be happy to help you complete and implement your
voluntary conservation plan. Hard copies of this packet are available at the Marion SWCD office.
Be aware that in order for us to help you, there are responsibilities of both the planner and the landowner:
- Landowners Responsibilities
- Provide access to property
- Walk the property with the planner
- Participate in each planning process step
- Voluntarily follow Conservation Plan
- Choose and apply conservation practices
- Monitor effects and re-plan if necessary
- Planner Responsibilities
- Develop conservation plan with you
- Provide technical assistance
- Provide information about possible financial assistance
- Assist with monitoring progress and providing documentation
- Evaluate monitoring and provide re-planning technical assistance if necessary