535.0  NRCS Mission

The mission of the NRCS is to help people help the land.  The NRCS provides products and services that enable people to be good stewards of their soil, water, and related natural resources.  With our assistance, people are better able to conserve, maintain, or improve their natural resources.  Toward this end, the NRCS is committed to conservation forestry by maintaining a high level of expertise in planning, using, and conserving soil, water, animals, plants, air, and related human resources.

535.1  NRCS Strategic Plan Outcome and Objective

Through the National Strategic Plan (2010-2015), the foundation goal for Healthy Plant and Animal Communities, the NRCS has committed to the following outcome and objective:

(1)  Outcome:  Healthy forestlands that are productive, diverse, and resilient, and provide a wide range of ecosystem services.

(2)  Objective:  During 2011 to 2015, nonindustrial private forest landowners will apply management that will maintain or improve vegetative condition and protect and enhance ecosystem services on 9 million acres of nonindustrial private forestland that are considered to have minimal or degrading vegetative conditions.

535.2  Purpose

Title 190, National Forestry Manual (NFM) establishes NRCS policy for forestry and agroforestry activities.

535.3  Definitions

See the appendix at the end of this manual for a glossary of terms and list acronyms used in this manual.

535.4  Supplementing the Manual

Some supplemental manual material may be required at the State level to provide additional clarification and to comply with specific State and local laws and regulation.  Supplements must be in accordance with the NRCS Directives System.  Copies of all State-level supplements will be provided to the Director, Ecological Sciences Division at National Headquarters.

535.5  Relationship to the National Forestry Handbook

Title 190, National Forestry Handbook (NFH) is a companion document to this manual.  The NFH contains methodology, procedures, and related reference materials that assist NRCS personnel in implementing policy in forestry and agroforestry technologies set forth in this manual.  190-NFH consists of Parts 635, 636, 637, and 638 that directly complement Parts 535, 536, 537, and 538, respectively, of this manual.  Materials prepared for 190-NFH will be numbered based on the predominant relationship to specific paragraphs in the manual.  Handbook material may be prepared at any administrative level.  The originating level is responsible for administrative and technical support of such materials published in the handbook.

535.6  Quality Assurance

A.  Quality reviews of forestry and agroforestry activities are performed in conjunction with normally scheduled state quality reviews.  The checklist contained in Exhibit 535–3, Checklist for Forestry and Agroforestry Functional Appraisal, may be used for assessing forestry and agroforestry activities.

B.  Quality assurance reviews are initiated by any administrative level.  Quality assurance reviews are conducted in each State as prescribed in Title 340, General Manual, Strategic Planning and Accountability, Part 404 - Evaluations, Audits, Investigations, and Reviews.  The NRCS State staff forester or assigned specialists lead quality assurance reviews.  In States where there is no administrative designation below the State level, the NRCS State staff forester or assigned specialists may conduct county forestry quality assurance reviews.

 

535.10  General

The forestry and agroforestry activities of the NRCS are provided through authorities charged to the Secretary of Agriculture and delegated to the Chief in 7 CFR Section 2.61(a)(3)(i)(C).

535.11  Conservation Technical Assistance, Soil Surveys, and Plant Materials Centers

A.  Public Law 74-46 (16 U.S.C. Section 590(a-f)) of 1935 authorizes the work of the NRCS to prevent the "wastage of soil and moisture resources on farm, grazing, and forestlands of the Nation."  It also provides basic authority for plant materials centers and soil surveys.  Additional authorities for forestry activities are in the 1985 Food Security Act, 1990 Food and Agricultural Conservation Trade Act, 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform Act, Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (2002), Healthy Forests Restoration Act (2003), and the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008.  Additional authority for soil surveys was added by Public Law 89-560 (42 U.S.C. Sections 3271 to 3274), and additional authority for plant materials centers was added by Public Law 74-210 (7 U.S.C. Sections 1010 to 1011).

B.  NRCS personnel provide forestry assistance to landowners as set forth in the delegation of authorities to the NRCS by the Secretary of Agriculture and in cooperation with State forestry and other agencies.  In 2008, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between the National Association of State Foresters, National Association of Conservation Districts, NRCS, and Forest Service (FS) “to strengthen cooperation among the Parties that results in coordinated interagency delivery of forestry-related conservation assistance to private landowners in order to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s private working lands—forestland, cropland, pasture, and rangeland” (see exhibit 535–1 of this manual).

C.  The NRCS provides forestry assistance to the plant materials program.  NRCS State staff foresters serve on the State Plant Materials Committee to advise on matters relating to forestry.  See Part 540 of the National Plant Materials Manual.

D.  Within the Department, the NRCS has technical leadership for forestry services in connection with windbreaks and shelterbelts to prevent wind and water erosion of lands [7 CFR Section 2.61(a)(3)(i)(C)].  In 2006, an MOU was signed between the FS and NRCS to jointly support agroforestry science and technology through the National Agroforestry Center (see exhibit 535-2 of this manual).

535.12  Authorized Watershed Projects

A.  Public Law 78-534 (33 U.S.C. Section 701b-1 et seq.) of 1944 authorizes the construction of certain public works on rivers and harbors for flood control and other purposes.

B.  The defined responsibilities for program management and accountability of the forestry activities in the flood prevention program are contained in an MOU between the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) and FS, which is included in the exhibits at Title 390, National Watershed Program Handbook (NWPH), Part 606, Subpart B, Section 606.10.

535.13  Emergency Watershed Protection

A.  Public Law 81-516 (33 U.S.C. Section 701b-1) of 1950 and Public Law 95-334 (7 CFR Part 624) authorizes emergency watershed protection work except for responsibilities assigned to the FS.

B.  NRCS and FS responsibilities for this program are contained in Title 390, National Emergency Watershed Protection Program Manual (NEWPPM) (December 2009).

535.14  Small Watershed Program

A.  Public Law 83-566 (16 U.S.C. Sections 1001 to 1009) of 1954 authorizes the Small Watershed Program and the Cooperative River Basin Surveys and Investigations Programs.

B.  Forestry responsibilities for the Small Watershed Program are contained in the MOU between the SCS and FS, which is included in the 390-NWPH, Part 606, Subpart B, Section 606.10.

535.15  Farm Bill Programs

A.  The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill; Public Law 110‒234) reauthorized and amended the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), Healthy Forest Reserve Program (HFRP), Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP), Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA), Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI), and Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI) to provide technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest landowners for conservation activities on their land.

B.  The NRCS is responsible for administering EQIP, WHIP, CSP, WRP, HFRP, FRPP, AMA, CBWI, and CCPI and provides technical assistance for eligible conservation practices such as forestry and agroforestry.

535.16  Resource Conservation and Development Program

A.  Public Laws 97-98 (16 U.S.C. Sections 3451 to 3461) authorize the Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D).

B.  The Secretary of Agriculture has delegated to the FS the responsibility for helping RC&D Areas implement their Area Plan as it addresses forestry resources (7 CFR, Section 2.60 (a)(23)(i)(C)(ii)).  The FS has further defined the responsibility in the Forest Service Manual 3600.  See Title 440, Part 513, Resource Conservation and Development Program (RC&D) manual for additional information.

535.17  National Resource Inventory

A.  Public Law 95-192 (16 U.S.C. 2001) of 1977 authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to appraise the status and condition of the Nation's soil, water, and related resources.

B.  NRCS personnel at the Remote Sensing Laboratories (Central, East, and West) coordinate and conduct the forestland components of the National Resource Inventory.

535.18  Rural Abandoned Mine Program

A.  Public Law 95-87 (30 U.S.C. Section 1236) of 1977 as amended by the Abandoned Mine Reclamation Act of 1991, as subtitled under the Budget Reconciliation Act (Public Law 101‒508; 30 U.S.C. Section 1236) authorizes a program of technical and financial assistance for reclamation of abandoned mined land in rural areas.

B.  The NRCS provides forestry assistance on the reclamation of abandoned mined land in the same manner as assistance is provided under the Conservation Technical Assistance Program.

 

535.20  General

USDA interagency coordination of forestry-related programs is contained in the various authorities previously mentioned and at the Secretary's direction.

535.21  Forest Service

A.  Department Level

The Forest Service (FS) manages public lands in national forests and grasslands and has departmental leadership for forest research and development and State and private forestry programs throughout the United States.  The NRCS shall cooperate and coordinate with the FS on forestry programs and activities.

B.  National Level

(1)  NRCS foresters at National Headquarters (NHQ) and the National Centers maintain contact with appropriate FS staff to share science and technology to further the delivery of forestry assistance to NRCS customers.

(2)  The USDA National Agroforestry Center (NAC) is a partnership between the NRCS and FS (Research and Development branch and State and Private Forestry branch).  The NAC accelerates the application of agroforestry through a national network of partners.  Together, they conduct research, develop technologies and tools, coordinate demonstrations and training, and provide useful information to natural resource professionals.

C.  State Level

The State Conservationist (includes directors of the Pacific Islands and Caribbean Areas) will cooperate with the FS on programs of mutual interest such as the Forest Stewardship, Forest Legacy, Urban and Community Forestry, National Cooperative Soil Survey, the Small Watersheds Program and River Basin.  The NRCS State staff forester gives technical support to the State Conservationist.

535.22  National Institute of Food and Agriculture

A.  Department Level

The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), formerly known as the Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, encompasses land-grant university partnership activities.  The NIFA expands the growing knowledge of forest ecosystems, trains future forestry professionals, and puts research-based management practices into action through extension to landowners.  Education programs are offered in forestry, agroforestry, home horticulture, soil, entomology, pathology, landscape architecture, tree selection and care, environmental protection, wood energy, and other related subjects.

B.  National Level

NRCS foresters at NHQ and the National Centers shall maintain technical contact with their NIFA counterparts.

C.  State Level

The State Conservationist will cooperate with the NIFA on programs of mutual interest.  The NRCS State staff forester gives technical support to the State Conservationist.

D.  Local Level

NRCS District Conservationists work closely with county NIFA personnel on tours, demonstrations, workshops, and other group functions.

535.23  Farm Service Agency

A.  Department Level

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has USDA leadership for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  The FS and NRCS provide technical expertise to help deliver these programs.  Forestry and agroforestry practices are used to accomplish the purposes of the CRP, which are to reduce soil erosion, protect the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduce sedimentation in streams and lakes, improve water quality, establish wildlife habitat, and enhance forest and wetland resources.

B.  National Level

The NRCS shall cooperate and coordinate with the FSA on forestry programs and activities.

C.  State Level

The NRCS State staff forester gives technical support to the State Conservationist as needed to cooperatively deliver FSA programs such as the CRP.

D.  Local Level

NRCS personnel assist FSA County Committees in technical matters.  For the CRP, the NRCS provides technical land eligibility determinations, conservation planning and practice implementation such as tree and shrub establishment, riparian forest buffers, windbreak/shelterbelt, and other forestry and agroforestry practices.

535.24  Research Agencies

A.  National Level

NRCS foresters at NHQ and the National Centers maintain contact with research agencies and represent the NRCS on technical forestry and agroforestry matters.  Agencies include the NIFA, FS Research Stations, National Association of University Forest Resources Programs, National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges, USDA Agricultural Research Service and Economic Research Service, and other research organizations and groups.

B.  State Level

The State Conservationist is responsible for maintaining relations with research institutions and ensuring the activities are closely coordinated.  The NRCS State staff forester is to assist in this work.

535.25  State Forestry Agencies

A.  National Level

The National Association of State Foresters (NASF) represents the State forestry agencies at the national level.  The NRCS national forester maintains contacts with NASF.  NRCS foresters at NHQ and the National Centers coordinate and cooperate with the NASF and respective regional organizations on forestry issues and activities.  The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2008 describes the mutual working relationship between the NRCS and NASF (see exhibit 535–1 of this manual).

B.  State Level

The State Conservationist is responsible for maintaining relations with the State forestry agency and ensuring the activities of both agencies are closely coordinated.  The NRCS State staff forester assists the State Conservationist in coordinating activities with the State forestry agency.

C.  Local Level

NRCS District Conservationists cooperate with State forestry field foresters to provide forestry and agroforestry technical assistance on private forests, farms, and ranches.  State staff foresters assist District Conservationists in this effort.

535.26  Conservation Districts

A.  National Level

(1)  The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) represents conservation districts at the national level.  NRCS foresters at NHQ and the National Centers are responsible for coordinating with the NACD Forest Resource Policy Group.

(2)  The USDA has entered into an MOU with each conservation district in the United States.

(3)  For roles and responsibilities, see exhibit 535–1 (MOU between NASF, NACD, NRCS, and FS) of this manual.

B.  State Level

Conservation districts are usually affiliated with a State association that provides coordination and leadership for all districts statewide.  Each State association will be encouraged to have a forestry committee.  The NRCS State staff forester works with this committee to ensure participation in forestry and agroforestry activities.

C.  Local Level

NRCS District Conservationists work with conservation districts to include forestry and agroforestry activities in the district conservation program.  Conservation districts often administer State cost-share programs to implement forestry and agroforestry practices.  State staff foresters assist District Conservationists in this effort.

535.27  State-Level Committees

A.  State Technical Committees

The 1985 Food Security Act, as amended by the 1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act (FACTA) and the 1996 Federal Agriculture Improvement Reform Act, and the 2002 Farm Security and Rural Investment Act authorized formation of the State Technical Committee to coordinate all conservation programs.  The 2008 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act expanded forestry involvement in the committee by adding a member that represents owners of nonindustrial private forestland.  State forestry agencies and the FS are also represented on the committee.  The State Conservationist is the chair of this committee.  The State Conservationist may designate a forestry subcommittee of the State Technical Committee to address forestry-related resource concerns.  If a forestry subcommittee is established, the State Conservationist should coordinate with their State forestry agency and consider appointing members who also serve on the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee.

B.  State Forest Stewardship Coordinating and Forest Legacy Committees

Title XII of FACTA authorized formation of the State Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee to coordinate the Forest Stewardship Program.  Some States also have established a State Forest Legacy Committee.  The State Conservationist is the designated NRCS member of both committees; however, the NRCS State staff forester may support and/or represent the State Conservationist.

535.28  Indian Tribes

A.  National Level

The Intertribal Timber Council (ITC) represents Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native corporations) and facilitates communication with the NRCS, U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and other entities on matters relevant to forestry activities on Indian lands.  The NRCS national forester maintains contacts with ITC, while coordinating with the NRCS national Tribal relations coordinator.

B.  State Level

NRCS State Conservationists are responsible for maintaining contacts with federally recognized Indian Tribes and the BIA regarding opportunities to provide forestry-related assistance through Farm Bill programs and cooperate on related conservation activities.  The NRCS State staff forester provides support and technical consultation to the State Conservationist.

C.  Local Level

NRCS District Conservationists work with Indian Tribes, individual Indians, and Tribal and BIA foresters to provide and/or coordinate forestry-related assistance.  State staff foresters assist District Conservationists in this effort.

535.29  Other Agencies, Officials, Committees, Councils, Advisory Boards, and Groups

A.  NRCS foresters at any level may be called on to provide technical information to officials, councils, or groups of various agencies.  The purpose of such contacts is usually to evaluate specific items of ongoing forestry programs or to give input on proposed initiatives.

B.  Foresters providing information shall apprise their supervisor on the nature of the consultation.  NRCS foresters will prepare issue papers as appropriate to inform NRCS managers.

 

535.30  General

Subpart D describes the NRCS’s cooperation with nongovernmental forestry organizations.

535.31  Nongovernmental Organizations

A.  Forest Industries and Associations

Forest industry and their associations are of local, State, regional, and national scope.  NRCS foresters and other appropriate NRCS staff maintain working relationships with forestry industry organizations at all levels.  NRCS foresters at National Headquarters (NHQ) and the National Centers maintain contacts with national and regional forest industry associations.

B.  State and National Forestry and Conservation Organizations

National and State foresters participate with forestry-related associations and apprise them of NRCS activities.  NRCS foresters at NHQ and the National Centers maintain relations with national forestry organizations, such as the American Forest Foundation, Association of Consulting Foresters, and National Woodland Owners Association.

C.  Professional and Technical Societies and Organizations

NRCS foresters participate with professional and technical societies and organizations to ensure professional development and maintain competencies and/or certifications.  These organizations include the Society of American Foresters, Soil and Water Conservation Society, Association for Temperate Agroforestry, Soil Science Society of America, Society for Range Management, and others.

 

535.40  General

Subpart E describes forestry positions in the NRCS, steps in career development, training guidelines, and sources of technical materials and information.

535.41  Forestry Positions

A.  National Level

NRCS foresters at National Headquarters and National Centers represent the NRCS nationally and provide national leadership on NRCS forestry and agroforestry-related activities.  The NRCS national forester will assist with developing and maintaining national criteria for technical service providers (TSP).

B.  State Level

(1)  State Conservationists will have a NRCS State staff forester or designated staff forestry specialist. This position has responsibility for conservation technical leadership and assistance for forestry and agroforestry for the NRCS and related cooperative programs within the State.

(2)  NRCS State staff foresters may also assist with certifying that TSPs meet the national criteria for providing forestry-related assistance.

C.  Area and Field Levels

State Conservationists may have area and field foresters or designated forestry specialists that provide forestry and agroforestry assistance.

535.42  Career Development

A.  Foresters at all levels will pursue continuing education to maintain technical expertise.  Foresters will encourage qualified employees to consider forestry positions within the NRCS.

B.  NRCS foresters are encouraged to become Society of American Foresters Certified and registered/licensed, as required in the State of practice.

535.43  Performance Benchmarks

The training guidelines for soil conservationists and foresters are contained in Title 360, General Manual (GM), Part 410.  Additional guidelines are contained in exhibit 535–4.

535.44  Technology Transfer

A.  Acquiring and Maintaining Technical Materials

NRCS foresters will acquire or maintain access to technical materials for the administrative area they serve.

B.  Disseminating Technical Information

NRCS foresters will issue technical information at the area, State, or national level.  This may include original information, research notes or papers, or excerpts of such material.  Foresters are encouraged to submit articles for publication or presentation at professional meetings.  Information will have an appropriate technical review and include crediting of information source(s).

C.  Training

NRCS foresters will receive and provide training necessary to maintain technical competency at all administrative levels. Training includes, but is not limited to, National Employee Development Center courses, workshops, conferences, and university courses.

535.45  Technical Guides

NRCS State staff foresters will develop and review Field Office Technical Guide materials and ensure that they are technically correct, comprehensive, and useful to other agencies.  NRCS policy on preparing and maintaining technical guides is contained in 450‒GM, Part 401.

535.50  Memorandum of Understanding Among National Association of State Foresters, National Association of Conservation Districts, NRCS, and Forest Service

Click here for a copy of the MOU among the NASF, NACD, NRCS, and FS

535.51  Memorandum of Understanding Between NRCS and Forest Service for the National Agroforestry Center

Click here for a copy of the MOU Between NRCS and FS for the National Agroforestry Center

535.52  Checklist for Forestry and Agroforestry Functional Appraisals

Click here for a copy of the Checklist for Forestry and Agroforestry Functional Appraisals

535.53  Performance Benchmarks

Click here for a copy of the Performance Benchmarks

 

536.10  Forest Management Plan Criteria

Note:  Following is an excerpt from the national criteria for Practice/Activity Code 106 in Section III of the Field Office Technical Guide, but signifies the minimum criteria for all forestry and agroforestry plans developed by both NRCS employees and partners.

Forest Management Plan Criteria

           

I.        Definition

A forest management plan is a site-specific plan developed for a client, which addresses one or more resource concerns on land where forestry-related conservation activities or practices will be planned and applied.  The forest management plan will:

A.    Meet NRCS quality criteria for the identified resource concern(s);

B.    Comply with Federal, State, Tribal, and local laws, regulations, and permit requirements; and

C.    Meet the client’s objectives.

II.        Forest Management Plan Criteria

This section establishes the minimum criteria to be addressed in the development of Forest Management Plans.

A.    General Criteria

1.     An environmental evaluation (EE) (CPA 52) is to be prepared for all plans to demonstrate NRCS compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, National Historic Preservation Act, Endangered Species Act, Environmental Justice, Air Quality, and other designated environmental concerns and environmental laws.  The environmental effects from the plans on environmental resource concerns should be clearly documented on the EE (CPA-52 form). The following is abbreviated guidance for preparation of the EE:

a.     Planners should follow the EE guidance delineated in the National Environmental Compliance Handbook. 

b.     The EE describes the existing conditions for all applicable resource concerns. 

c.     The EE will assess the resources potentially impacted by no action, proposed action, and any reasonable alternatives. 

d.     Guide sheets will accompany the EE, as needed, to provide information on how to assess and deal with special environmental concerns. 

e.     The findings section of the EE is to identify whether NRCS has determined, based on the analysis of the EE:  (1) that a site-specific environmental assessment (EA) or an environmental impact statement (EIS) should be prepared based on the significance of potential impacts, or (2) the EE can be tiered to a State, regional, or national programmatic EA or EIS because the proposed effects have been sufficiently analyzed in a State, regional, national programmatic EA or EIS. 

B.    Background and Site Information

1.     Landowner information – name, address, operation, size

2.     Location and plan map of parcel

3.     Documentation of existing practices

4.     Past harvest history

5.     Identification of resource concerns

C.    Client Objectives, which may include these and others

1.   Expected income

2.   Forest stand improvement

3.   Wildlife habitat/riparian areas

4.   Recreation

5.   Agroforestry

D.    Existing Conditions

1.     Identify resource concerns based on an inventory to assess these concerns and opportunity for treatment. The inventory will typically include forest management unit and stand boundaries, site index, basal area, species, size class, wood product potential, soil conditions, slopes, topography, aspect, natural and cultural features, roads, wildfire risk (surface and crown fires), risk of insect and disease infestation, fish and wildlife species and habitat elements, noxious and invasive species, water quality, and other important features as applicable.

E.     Desired Future Conditions

1.     Goals such as stocking, basal area, species composition, wildlife, recreation, etc., for stands where practices/activities are recommended to meet future goals.

F.     Forest Management Plan Documentation

1.     Forest management plan map – boundaries, fields, scale, north arrow, stand boundaries, appropriate map symbols.

2.     Soils map – legend, interpretations, suitability index for forest activities.

3.     A wetland delineation map and associated wetland compliance documentation (Food Security Act of 1985), if applicable.

4.     Conservation plan (record of decisions) (Utilizing Customer Service Toolkit) to include the planned practice(s), the amounts to be applied, the schedule for implementation, and the appropriate site-specific specifications and/or job sheet for each practice. A Forest Management Plan may include, but is not limited to, the conservation practices listed below:

·          Access Control (472) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Forest Stand Improvement (666) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Road/Trail/Landing Closure and Treatment (654) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Forest Trails and Landings (655) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Forest Slash Treatment (384) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Firebreak (394) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Fuel Break (383) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Multi-Story Cropping (379) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Prescribed Burning (338) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Riparian Forest Buffer (391) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Silvopasture Establishment (791) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Tree/Shrub Site Preparation (490) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Tree/Shrub Establishment (612) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Tree/Shrub Pruning (660) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Alley Cropping (311) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment (380) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet

·          Windbreak/Shelterbelt Renovation (650) plus site-specific specifications or job sheet.

III.        Deliverables for the Client – a hardcopy of the plan that includes:

A.    Cover page – name, address, and phone number of client; total Acres of the Plan, signature blocks for the TSP and producer, and a signature block for the NRCS acceptance.

B.    Soils map and appropriate soil descriptions.

C.    Resource assessment results (wind and water erosion, water availability, soil fertility, and others that may be needed).

D.    For management practices: the planned practices and the site-specific specifications on how each practice will be applied, when the practice will be applied, and the extent (acres or number) that will be applied.

E.     For engineering/structural practices: when the planned practice will be applied and the extent, and where located on the conservation plan map.

IV.        Deliverables for NRCS Field Office (when prepared by partners):

A.Complete hardcopy and electronic copy of the client’s plan (MS Word copy).

B.    Digital Conservation Plan Map with fields, features, and structural practices located.

C.    Digital Soils Map.

D.    Completed Form CPA 52 and appropriate worksheets.

 

 

537.0  Introduction

A.  Part 537 describes policy for the collection of data and development of soil-related interpretations to assist with forestry and agroforestry planning and management activities.

B.  Soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations are to be included in Field Office Technical Guides, published soil surveys, and other documents where appropriate.

537.1  Policy

A.  Soil Component Interpretations

It is NRCS policy to make forestry and agroforestry interpretations for all areas in which forestland is a present or potential land use and/or agroforestry practices are a present or potential practice.  Data will be collected, analyses made, and evaluations performed to accurately describe the behavior and limitations of soil components for the purposes of forestry and agroforestry.

B.  Ecological Site Interpretations

The NRCS, in cooperation with other agencies, will identify and define ecological sites for use in the inventory, evaluation, and management of the Nation’s forestlands.

537.2  Responsibilities

A.  National Level

(1)  Forestry specialists at National Headquarters and the National Centers and Institutes have national responsibility for assisting State Conservationists in developing and maintaining soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations.  Interstate coordination is part of this responsibility.

(2)  These forestry specialists coordinate resource assessment activities that are national in scope with the Chair of the National Soil Survey Center and the directors of Ecological Sciences Division (ESD) and Soil Survey Division in National Headquarters.

B.  State Level

State-level foresters will work jointly with Major Land Resource Area Project Office leaders and State soil scientists to provide technical guidance and leadership to the States in developing and maintaining soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations, and assist in the preparation of soil survey manuscripts.

C.  Area and Field Levels

(1)  Field-level foresters will work jointly with resource soil scientists and/or soil survey project leaders to collect the data needed for soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations within their areas of responsibility, and assist in developing soil-related forestry and agroforestry interpretations and soil survey manuscripts.

(2)  When field-level foresters are not available, other forestry-trained personnel may perform the work.

537.3  Basic Unit of Interpretation and Forms of Information Display

A.  Basic Unit of Interpretation

The basic geographic or land unit for interpretation is the soil component. For the purposes of this manual, the soil component normally refers to a soil series or phase of a soil series that exhibits consistent behavior in terms of growth, management, and response of trees and associated understory. Soil map unit delineations in published soil surveys usually contain one or more predominant soil components and a number of components as inclusions. Regardless of complexity, interpretations and supporting data have a single soil component as their base unit or point of focus.

B.  Forms of Information Display

(1)  Soil map unit descriptions and ecological site descriptions are the two major forms of display used to describe the information and interpretations known about individual soil components.

(2)  Soil map unit descriptions usually show the anticipated behavior or limitations of each soil component included in the map unit.

(3)  Ecological site descriptions show group-level interpretations for soil components that behave similarly and, where necessary, include component-level interpretations for individual soil components. For example, a group of similar soil components may have the same interpretation for overstory tree species but have different erosion hazard ratings. A group-level interpretation, when used and appropriate, allows for simplification of database relationships and forms of display.

537.4  Use of Soil-Related Information and Interpretations

A.  The NRCS collects and develops soil-related forestry and agroforestry information and interpretations alone or jointly with other agencies and organizations under cooperative agreements.  Cooperating organizations that help during the collection and development phases are to have access to such information.  These organizations must be appraised of NRCS policy and procedures in the use of such information.

B.  When the NRCS receives a request for unpublished information and interpretations, the State Conservationist will consult with the directors of the ESD and Soil Survey Division regarding the request.  The State Conservationist is to release the material with the understanding that the data are subject to change and that the NRCS can review the technical materials in which the data are used before the materials are published.

 

537.10  General

A.  Interpretations associated with each soil component are:

(1)  Developed from the raw field data and subsequent analyses.

(2)  Inferred from historical data, maps, or anecdotal information.

(3)  Derived from criteria based on soil characteristics, soil-moisture relationships, and other associated attributes.

B.  Certain interpretations are highly dependent on the analyses of field data, e.g., Trees to Manage, Forest Productivity, Forest Understory, Ground Cover and Structure, etc.  NRCS foresters are to avoid making such interpretations without adequate and properly collected data.

C.  Other interpretations are inferred from historical data and maps, e.g., Historic Climax Plant Community or from expert criteria or rating guides, e.g., Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups.  These interpretations are usually not field data dependent and can be derived from available reference materials or criteria.  As such, they are approximations or expectations of an individual soil component’s behavior and limitations.

537.11  Organization of Interpretations

Forestry and agroforestry interpretations are organized into two subparts:

(1)  Part 537, Section 537.2 - National Soil Information System (NASIS) Interpretations: 

This section presents the policy, definitions, and requirements for basic forestry and agroforestry interpretations normally published in soil survey map unit descriptions and tables.

(2)  Part 537, Section 537.2 - Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) Interpretations:

This section presents ecological site concepts and the policy, definitions, and requirements for:

·          Collection of forestry and agroforestry plot data.

·          Development of forestland ecological site descriptions.

 

537.20  General

Subpart C presents the policy, definitions, and requirements for basic forestry and agroforestry interpretations normally published in soil survey map unit descriptions and tables.  The interpretations and associated data values and ratings in this section constitute the data set that is administratively and technically supported on a national level by the NRCS.  The National Soil Information System (NASIS) is the repository for this data set.  See the NASIS documentation for details on adding and/or modifying interpretive elements and soil rating criteria.

537.21  Vegetation and Productivity

A.  Land management decisions dealing with the choice of tree species and growth are normally in effect for decades.  Thus, the correlation of the species of trees and their expected productivity to soil components is of significant importance to forestry and agroforestry practitioners.

B.  These interpretations are developed from analysis of field data collected for individual soil components.  NRCS foresters are to avoid making such interpretations without adequate and properly collected data.

C.  Trees to Manage

(1)  Description

Trees preferred for planting, seeding, or natural regeneration and residual trees in thinning or partial harvest operations.

(2)  Element Values

(i)  Tree species listed are those that are:

·          Adapted to the soil component

·          Currently valuable or commercial

·          If to be planted or seeded, propagule material is available

(ii)  Tree species are identified by plant symbol, as listed in the National Plants Database.  See Part 538, Section 538.12 of this manual.

D.  Forest Productivity ‒ Culmination of Mean Annual Increment (CMAI)

(1)  Description

(i)  The site index and annual productivity of tree species is described by cubic feet per acre at the age of CMAI, for identified soil components.  Site index and productivity values will be determined from plot data recorded in the Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) database (see Part 537, Section 537.33 of this manual).  It is recognized that some species and localities do not have site curves and/or growth and productivity tables/curves.  Estimates of productivity for such cases can be made from local growth studies if available.

(ii)  Site index for a species is determined from applicable publications as cited in the National Register of Site Curves, found in Title 190, National Forestry Handbook (NFH) exhibits.  CMAI annual growth, which is based on site index, is determined by using the tables also found in 190-NFH exhibits.

(2)  Element Values

(i)  Plant Symbol

·          Each identified tree species is identified by a plant symbol, as listed in the National Plants Database.

(ii)  Productivity

·          The annual production of each identified species is expressed in terms of cubic feet per acre at the age of CMAI.

(iii)  Site Index

·          The site index, as determined from the identified site index curve, of each identified species is recorded.

(iv)  Site Index Base

·          A number, as listed in the National Register of Site Index Curves (see 190‒NFH, Exhibits for the Register), that identifies the site index curve used to determine the CMAI productivity.

E.  Forest Productivity - Other

(1)  Description

The site index and annual productivity of tree species described by common units of measurement other than CMAI, for identified soil components. Site index and productivity values will be determined from plot data recorded in the ESI database.  See Part 537, Section 537.33 of this manual.

(2)  Element Values

(i)  Plant Symbol

·          Each identified tree species is identified by a plant symbol, as listed in the National Plants Database.

(ii)  Other Productivity

·          The annual production of each identified species is expressed in terms of an identified unit of measure.

(iii)  Unit of Measure

·          The unit of measurement used to determine other productivity, i.e., board feet per acre, cords per acre, etc.

(iv)  Site Index

·          The site index, as determined from the identified site index curve, of each identified species is recorded.

(v)  Site Index Base

·          A number, as listed in the National Register of Site Index Curves (see 190‒NFH exhibits for the entire register), that identifies the site index curve used to determine the productivity.

·          Part 537, Section 537.22  Criteria-based Interpretations

F.  Criteria-based interpretations in this section are derived from rating guides that are used to assess a soil component’s features and properties. Interpretive ratings are automatically assigned to each soil component based on an evaluation of the rating criteria through the “interpretations generator” module in NASIS. The interpretations generator affords States the ability to delete or add interpretations and/or modify the soil rating criteria of criteria-based interpretations in the nationally supported data set. State offices will be administratively and technically responsible for all State and locally developed and/or modified interpretations.

G.  The criteria-based interpretations are listed below. Each interpretation is defined and described in 190-NFH, including the soil-based criteria used to make ratings for individual soil components.

(1)  Potential Erosion Hazard (Road/Trail)

(2)  Potential Erosion Hazard (Off-Road/Off-Trail)

(3)  Soil Rutting Hazard

(4)  Road Suitability (Natural Surface)

(5)  Log Landing Suitability

(6)  Construction Limitations for Haul Roads and Log Landings

(7)  Harvest Equipment Operability

(8)  Mechanical Site Preparation (Surface)

(9)  Mechanical Site Preparation (Deep)

(10)  Hand Planting Suitability

(11)  Mechanical Planting Suitability

(12)  Potential Damage to Soil by Fire

(13)  Potential Seedling Mortality

(14)  Conservation Tree/Shrub Suitability Groups

 

537.30  Forestland Ecological Sites

A.  Forestland landscapes are divided into ecological sites for the purposes of inventory, evaluation, and management.  An ecological site is a distinctive kind of land with specific physical characteristics that differs from other kinds of land in its ability to produce a distinctive kind and amount of vegetation.

B.  Soils with like properties that produce and support a characteristic native plant community are grouped into the same ecological site.

C.  An ecological site is recognized and described on the basis of the characteristics that differentiate it from other sites in its ability to produce and support a characteristic plant community.

D.  For a more detailed description of ecological sites, see Title 190, National Forestry Handbook (NFH), Part 637, Section 637.3.

537.31  Ecological Site Descriptions

A.  Developing Ecological Site Descriptions

An ecological site description is prepared for each ecological site identified.  Descriptions will clearly present the features that characterize the site.  They are to address all the resources of the site that are important for identifying, evaluating, planning, developing, managing, and monitoring forestland resources. Descriptions are developed as part of the Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) using the ecological site description format.  The ESIS is the official repository for all data associated with forestland ecological site descriptions.  The designated State Office specialist is responsible for entry and maintenance of site descriptions in this database.  See 190‒NFH, Part 637 for detailed instructions on entering data into the ESIS database.  The ESIS database is available.

537.32  Ecological Site Description Content

A.  The following are minimum requirements to be included in the contents of an ecological site description. For additional guidance and details about the different parts of an ecological site description and the development of State and transition diagrams, see 190‒NFH, Section 637.3.

B.  The data comprising a forestland ecological site description is presented in four major categories:

(1)  Site Characteristics

(2)  Communities

(3)  Site Interpretations

(4)  Supporting Information

C.  The following describes the data presented within each of these four sections.

(1)  Site Characteristics:

The Site Characteristics category identifies the site and describes the physiographic, climate, soil, and water features associated with the site.

(2)  Communities include:

(i)  Description of the ecological dynamics of the site

(ii)  State and Transition Model diagram

(iii)  Description of the reference state and its communities and other communities comprising the various states of the site

(iv)  Description of the most common, predominant, or ecologically significant states and community phases, including descriptions of transitions, restoration pathways, and community pathways

(v)  Ground cover and structure

(vi)  Overstory and understory composition and production

(vii)  Photos of each state or community phase

(3)  Site Interpretations:

This category contains interpretive information pertinent to the use and management of the site and its related resources.  The information includes forest site productivity, animal community, plant preferences by animals, hydrology functions, recreational uses, wood products, and other products.

(4)  Supporting Information:

This category contains information useful in assessing the quality of the site description and its relationship to other ecological sites. This will include associated ecological sites, similar ecological sites, state correlation, inventory of data references, type locality, relationship to other established classifications, other references, and site description approval.

(5)  Reference State:

A reference state will be identified and used as the standard of comparison for all plant communities that can occur under the specific physical conditions for the site. The reference state for an ecological site in North America is the group of plant communities that existed at the time of European immigration and settlement. The reference state has developed as a result of all site forming factors and was best adapted to the unique combination of environmental factors associated with the site.  The reference state was in dynamic equilibrium with its environment. For additional guidance in identifying the reference state, see 190-NFH, Section 637.3.

(6)  State and Transition Models:

A state and transition model will be utilized to describe vegetation dynamics and management interactions associated with each ecological site.  A state and transition model provides a method to organize and communicate complex information about vegetation response to disturbances (fire, lack of fire, drought, insects, and disease) and management. For additional guidance in developing a state and transition diagram, see 190-NFH, Section 637.3.

(7)  Naturalized Plant Communities:

Ecological site descriptions are to be developed for all identified sites on forestland.  In some parts of the country, however, the historic reference state has been destroyed, and it is impossible to reconstruct that plant community with any degree of reliability.  In these regions, site descriptions will be developed using the naturalized plant communities for the site.  The use of this option for ecological site descriptions is limited to those parts of the country where the historic reference state has been destroyed and cannot be reconstructed with any degree of reliability.  An example of the areas in the United States where this may be used is the State of Hawaii, the Caribbean Area, and the annual grasslands of California.  Approval to describe additional forestland ecological regions in this way must be obtained from the national program leader for forestry.

(8)  Differentiation Between Ecological Sites:

(i)  The following criteria are used to differentiate one ecological site from another:

·          Significant differences in the species or species groups that are in the reference state.

·          Significant differences in the relative proportion of species or species groups in the reference state.

·          Soil factors that determine plant production and composition, the hydrology of the site, and the functioning of the ecological processes of the water cycle, mineral cycles, and energy flow.

(ii)  Contrasting conditions in the soil characteristics, climate, topography, and other environmental factors known to be associated with a specific ecological site can be used as a means of identifying the site when the historic reference state is absent.

(9)  Native and Naturalized Pasture

(i)  Description of the ecological dynamics of the site.

(ii)  Forestland ecological site descriptions will be developed for land previously managed as native and naturalized pasture where they occurred on forest soil.

(iii)  If forestland ecological site descriptions have not been developed, or if they do not adequately serve the purpose, native and naturalized pasture forage suitability groups will be developed as the basic interpretive or suitability grouping for native and naturalized pasture. Native and naturalized pasture forage suitability groups consist of one or more soils capable of producing similar kinds and amounts of herbaceous natural vegetation. These soils generally are also capable of producing similar kinds and amounts of overstory trees.

(iv)  Forestland ecological site descriptions used for native and naturalized pasture must have details about the herbaceous native and naturalized plant community, its production potential, and other pertinent features.  The natural tree overstory part of the description will be omitted only if not known.  The State forester and State grazing lands specialist, working as a team, have the responsibility of identifying and describing forestland ecological sites with native and naturalized pasture. Assistance from soil scientists and biologists will be requested as needed.

537.33  Correlating Ecological Sites

A.  Ecological sites are to be correlated between States.  Only one Site ID should be given to a single site that occurs in adjacent States within the same major land resource area (MLRA).

B.  The following procedures for soil-ecological site correlation are compatible with the procedures detailed in Title 430, National Soil Survey Handbook (NSSH), Part 627.09.

(1)  Responsibilities of State Conservationists

(i)  Maintaining all Ecological Site Inventory (ESI) data and descriptions within their State

(ii)  Proposing and developing new sites

(iii)  Consulting with administrators of cooperating agencies for correlating all sites within their States

(iv)  Designating which State is responsible for maintaining and updating the ecological site descriptions when a site occurs in more than one State

(2)  Responsibilities of Field Personnel of All Cooperating Agencies

(i)  Collecting the necessary documentation for each site

(ii)  Proposing draft descriptions for consideration and approval by the appropriate technical specialist of the agency responsible for the survey

(3)  Guidelines for Internal Consistency of Soil-Ecological Site Correlation

(i)  Portray each individual feature with the narrowest feasible range of characteristics that accurately describes the site.  For example, portray elevation in relation to aspect.  Exclude exceptions that result from unique combinations of features in the described range of characteristics.  Discuss the exception in the narrative.

(ii)  Check that all combinations of features are compatible with the range of characteristics that are described for each individual feature.  Coordinate the soil moisture and temperature with the climatic features described.  Review the compatibility of listed plant species and the soil properties listed under soil features.  Check for other apparent inconsistencies.

(4)  Guidelines for Correlation Between Sites

(i)  Make and document comparisons of site descriptions when proposing new sites, reviewing existing sites, or correlating between survey areas, MLRAs, or States.

(ii)  Compare all sites that have two or more major species in common and all sites that have the same soil family, groups of similar families, or other taxa.

537.34  Revising Ecological Site Descriptions

Analysis and interpretation of new information about the soil, vegetation, and other on-site environmental factors may reveal a need to revise or update ecological site descriptions.  Because the collection of such information through resource inventories and monitoring is a continuous process, site descriptions should be periodically reviewed for needed revision.  It is especially important that site descriptions be reviewed when new data on composition, production, or response to disturbance become available.  Documented production and composition data, along with related soil, climate, and physiographic data, will be the basis of the site description revisions or new site descriptions.

537.35  Developing New Site Descriptions

A.  A new site description should be prepared when data analysis or new information reveals that a different or new ecological site exists.  Generally, enough land area must be identified to be of importance in the management or study of the site before a new site will be developed and described.

B.  A new ecological site may be differentiated from an existing site when sufficient erosion or other action has occurred to significantly alter the site's potential

537.36  Ecological Sites and Soil Surveys

A.  NRCS policy dictates mapping of soils and the publication of soil surveys that contain essential information for use in conservation and resource planning activities.  These surveys must meet the requirements of the National Cooperative Soil Survey Program (see 430-NSSH, Part 606).

B.  Parts 622 and 627 of 430-NSSH, establish responsibility for planning soil surveys.  Soil scientists and forestry discipline specialists work together to map soils and ecological sites in forestland areas.  Essential activities include development of soil survey work plans, determination of composition of soil mapping units, preparation of map legends, determination of mapping intensity, and necessary field reviews.

C.  Using Soil Surveys to Identify Ecological Sites

(1)  Where Order II soil surveys are completed and ecological site interpretations have been made, boundaries of ecological sites can generally be determined directly from the soil map.

(2)  Order III mapping describes individual soil and plant components at association or complex levels.  This requires that mapping unit descriptions be developed that describe each association component and assign locations and percentages to each.  Individual ecological sites must be described at a level equivalent to the individual components of the Order III soils map.

(3)  Each ecological site will be assigned a unique number that distinguishes it from all other ecological sites. This unique 10-character number will be correlated to each soil series or taxonomic unit that occurs within the ecological site. This number and site name will be inputted into the National Soil Information System or other applicable soils database.

537.37  Ecological Site Inventory

Vegetation sampling is an important activity conducted by the NRCS.  The data are used to develop inventories for planning, monitor ecological change, provide data to make management decisions for the development of ecological site descriptions, and for many other purposes.  An inventory is defined as the collection, assemblage, interpretation, and analysis of natural resource data for planning or other purposes.  Inventories are regularly completed to determine the present status of variables important to the NRCS and decisionmakers.  Production and composition by species are used by the NRCS in characterizing ecological sites.

(1)  Forest Plot Inventory

(i)  The ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet is used to record forest plot inventory information.  See 190-NFH, Part 637 for detailed instructions on the collection of forest plot data, completion of the ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet, and use of the ESI database.

(ii)  Minimum Forest Plots

Table 537-D1 lists the minimum number of plots required for major species for each wood-producing soil component identified within a soil survey area.

Table 537-D1  Minimum plots by soil component extent

Soil Component Extent	Acreage (thousands)	No. of plots (National Comparison)
Small	<10	3
Moderate	10‒100	5
Large	>100	8

(iii)  Class-determining and Local Phases

·          Some soil components have class-determining and/or local phases based on productivity or species composition.  In such cases, the minimum standards apply for each phase.  Existing conditions on certain soil components and/or phases, such as recent harvesting, may preclude obtaining sufficient data.  In addition, some species do not have established site index curves.  These cases are exempt from the minimum plot standards.

(iv)  Comparison Data

        --  Data from other soil surveys for a particular soil component or phase may be used to determine site index values if:

·          A minimum of three verification plots is taken, or

·          The data source is footnoted.

(v)  Measurement Integrity

--  For all plots on a soil component or phase, the variance of site index values for the indicator species should not exceed a standard deviation value of 10.  If the standard deviation of the plots taken is greater than 10, then:

·          Increase the number of plots, or

·          Determine if a class-determining phase of the soil component or a new soil component is warranted.

(vi)  Documentation

Site index information published in soil surveys, ecological site descriptions, special reports, and other documents used by the public will list the mean site index for the soil component or phase for its entire geographic extent or for the specific soil survey area. Where the site index displayed does not meet standards of sampling and analysis, clearly note that the standards of sampling and analyses are not met.

(2)  Conservation Tree/Shrub Plot Inventory

(i)  The ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet is used to record plot data for conservation tree/shrub interpretations.

(ii)  See 190‒NFH, Part 637 for detailed instructions on collection of conservation tree/shrub plot data, completion of the ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet, and use of the ESI application to record plot data.

(3)  ESI Application

(i)  The ESI application provides the capability to enter, edit, and retrieve range, forestry, and agroforestry plot data.  ESI is the official repository for all plot data collected via the ESI Forest Plot Field Worksheet, the ESI Windbreak Plot Field Worksheet, and the Production and Composition Record for Native Grazing Lands (ECS-417).

(ii)  See 190-NFH, Part 637 for detailed instructions on the completion of the ESI Forest and Windbreak Plot Field Worksheets, and use of the ESI database.

(iii)  See Title 190, National Range and Pasture Handbook for detailed instructions on the collection of range plot data.

 

 

538.0  Introduction

A.  Various computer databases and applications are available that aid managers in the management of forestland ecosystems.  In general, these applications fall into one of the following categories: 

(1)  Database information systems

(2)  Decision support systems

(3)  Utility software

B.  The following sections in this part describe several software applications in each of the above categories.

C.  The NRCS mandates some of the applications described for use such as the National Soil Information System and Ecological Site Information System.  Other applications are described in the Title 190, National Forestry Handbook. Non-NRCS software applications must comply with Common Computing Environment requirements.

 

538.10  General

Database information systems are primarily designed as a repository for data.  Users, depending upon their authorizations, can enter, edit, or retrieve data from these systems.  The user, however, must normally perform analysis of the data, either manually or with the aid of other software applications such as decision support systems.

538.11  National Soil Information System

A.  The National Soil Information System (NASIS) is the official repository for NRCS soil-related data.  It is the official NRCS information system for managing the National Cooperative Soil Survey data.  It is mandated for use in collection of soil data at NRCS project soil survey offices, the management of soil data at the NRCS area, State, and major land resource areas (MLRA) levels, and the dissemination of soil information at the regional and national levels. 

B.  NASIS is the official NRCS vehicle for delivery of soil data to NRCS field offices for use by the Customer Service Toolkit (CST).

C.  NASIS is the official source of soil data for use by several NRCS software applications, including the Grazing Lands Spatial Analysis Tool (GSAT).

D.  NASIS is the official source of soil data and criteria used in the development of forestry and agroforestry soil-related interpretations.

E.  For detailed information on the use of NASIS, see the NASIS user documentation.

538.12  National Plants Information System

A.  The National Plants Information System (PLANTS) is the official repository for NRCS plant-related data.

B.  PLANTS is the source of taxonomic and plant attribute data used in other database information systems (NASIS and Ecological Site Information System (ESIS)) and in NRCS decision support system software (e.g., GSAT).

C.  PLANTS is the official NRCS vehicle for delivery of plants data to NRCS field offices for use by CST.

D.  PLANTS provides plant information to NRCS, NRCS partners, clients, cooperators, and the public at Welcome to the PLANTS Database | USDA PLANTS.

538.13  Ecological Site Information System

A.  The Ecological Site Information System (ESIS) is the official NRCS repository for ecological site data used in the development of ecological site descriptions and for forestry and agroforestry plot data.

B. The ESIS is organized into two applications and associated databases—Ecological Site Description (ESD) and Ecological Site Inventory (ESI).

C.  ESIS and the corresponding ESD and ESI applications are accessed through the Internet at Welcome to the PLANTS Database | USDA PLANTS.

D.  Part 537 describes the use of ESIS and the associated ESD and ESI applications. See Title 190, National Forestry Handbook (NFH) for details on the entry, edit, and retrieval of forestry-related ESIS data.

538.14  Ecological Site Description

A.  The ESD application provides the capability to produce automated ecological site descriptions from the data stored in its database.

B.  The ESD is the official repository for all data associated with the development of forestland and rangeland ecological site descriptions.  For NRCS policy regarding the ESD, see part 537.1 of this manual, and for technical information, see 190-NFH, Part 637.31.

C.  The ESD application can be accessed via the Internet at http://esis.sc.egov.usda.gov.

D.  See 190-NFH for details on entry, edit, and retrieval of ESD data.

538.15  Ecological Site Inventory

A.  The ESI database is the official repository for forest and windbreak plot data.

B.  ESI is the official source of forest and windbreak field plot data used in support of forestry and agroforestry soil-related interpretations and forestland ecological site descriptions.  See part 537.33 of this manual for a detailed description of the ESI.

C.  The ESI application can be accessed via the Internet at ESIS database.

D.  See 190‒NFH for details on entry, edit, and retrieval of ESI data.

538.16  NRCS Database Administration and Responsibilities

A.  National Level

(1)  The assigned Natural Resource Database managers and computer specialists are responsible for the overall system operation and maintenance of the various NRCS databases.

(2)  The forestry discipline leaders at National Headquarters and the National Centers are responsible for the overall administration and maintenance of the forestry-related data elements in NASIS, PLANTS, and ESIS.

(3)  The forestry interpretations leader at the National Soil Survey Center is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and compatibility of the forestry-related data in NASIS and ESIS across State and regional boundaries.

B.  State Level

(1)  The forestry discipline leaders at this level are responsible for the quality of the forestry-related data entered in NASIS and ESIS.

(2)  They are also responsible for the administration and maintenance of locally developed forestry or agroforestry soil-related interpretations and associated soil criteria in NASIS. 

 

538.20  General

A.  Decision support systems are software applications that managers can use to develop and evaluate ecosystem planning alternatives. 

B.  These systems analyze the available ecosystem data and produce outputs based on defined rules.  The data used by decision support systems for analysis can be internal to the program, supplied by the user, supplied from external sources like The National Plants Information System, National Soil Information System, or Ecological Site Information System, or any combination of the above.

C.  The quality of the alternatives and evaluations produced by these decision support systems is directly related to the quality of the data supplied and the accuracy and validity of the rules used to analyze the data.

538.21  Carbon Management Evaluation Tool – Voluntary Reporting

A.  Carbon Management Evaluation Tool – Voluntary Reporting (COMET – VR) is a decision support tool that allows users to estimate soil carbon changes, including annual carbon flux using a dynamic Century model simulation.  Users of COMET-VR specify a history of agricultural management practices on one or more parcels of land.  The results are presented as 10-year averages of soil carbon sequestration or emissions with associated statistical uncertainty values. Estimates can be used to construct a soil carbon inventory for the 1605(b) program.  More information is available at:  Welcome to the Voluntary Reporting Carbon Management Online Tool for Agriculture and AgroForestry   Version:1.0. 

B.  An agroforestry extension is under development that will allow users to estimate and report carbon stock changes in agroforestry practices in the United States.  NRCS practices included are windbreaks, alley cropping, silvopasture, riparian forest buffers, multi-story cropping, and farm woodlots.