NRCS Conservation Practices and Materials
Framework for Conservation Action in the Sagebrush Biome
This action-based framework is the culmination of multi-state, areawide planning initiated to update SGI 2.0 and its ongoing success in 2021-2025. This framework also serves as NRCS’ ongoing contribution to the Sagebrush Conservation Strategy administered by Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. Sharing common cross-boundary threats, NRCS staff across 11 western states collaborated to create this shared vision for conservation action.
Framework for Conservation Action in the Great Plains Grasslands Biome
A ‘Call to Action’ has emerged in the Great Plains to scale-up conservation on private lands and meet the sustainability targets that benefit both agriculture and wildlife. In 2020, a multi-state, areawide planning initiative produced the first biome-scale framework for grassland wildlife conservation on the region’s sustainable working rangelands. This initiative features an action-based framework for 2021-2025 focused on addressing the two most severe and large-scale threats to the Great Plains biome: woodland expansion and land use conversion.
A Function-Based Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration Projects
Download the Functional Framework for Stream Assessment and Restoration. This is the science-based development of the original function-based framework that is the basis for the SQT.
SE FireMap Phase 2 Proposal - Public Version
Phase II "Development" proposal jointly submitted by Tall Timbers Research Station and USGS. Financial information has been removed to accommodate sharing. This proposal was approved for funding by NRCS via direct agreements in November, 2022. Initial deliverables are anticipated in March, 2023 and the agreement performance period ends in 2026.
2022 Was a Busy Year for the Working Lands for Wildlife Hellbender Program
2022 was a busy year for the Working Lands for Wildlife hellbender program.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Gopher Tortoise
The gopher tortoise is a large burrowing tortoise that occurs in upland pine forests of the southeastern United States. The gopher tortoise is one of five tortoise species native to North America and the only tortoise species east of the Mississippi River. The sex of individual tortoises can usually be determined by shell dimensions. A male tortoise has a greater degree of lower shell concavity, and a longer gular projection. However, the sex of tortoises at maturity size is difficult to determine (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1990).
Slow and Steady: Bog Turtles at Home on Private Lands
As a result of the Delaware Watershed Conservation Fund, agricultural landowners in New Jersey are changing management practices on their land to support the bog turtle, a species listed as threatened in the northern part of its range under the federal Endangered Species Act. The beauty is, farmers aren’t just changing their practices because it’s good for the turtle; they are changing their practices because it’s good for business.
Golden-Winged Warbler Habitat Project Update from Southeast Trust for Parks & Land (STPAL)
Southeast Trust for Parks & Land (STPAL) and their Wildlife Consultant, Vic Vansant, is undertaking a project with Ecoforester, Carolina Audubon, USDA Equip program, and State of North Carolina Forestry and DENR to create 16-acres of habitat for the “near threatened” golden-winged warbler (GWWA) on 750-acres Bald Mountain Creek Nature Preserve in Yancey County, NC. This bird’s population has declined 98% in the Appalachians in the past 45 years, primarily due to habitat loss.
Golden-winged Warbler Habitat Restoration Work in Charlotte, VT
While many migratory birds are spending warm sunny days in Central and South America, Vermont biologists are braving the cold to improve conditions for birds when they return from their wintering grounds to breed in Vermont.
USDA Awards 'Farmers Helping Hellbenders' Project $2.7 Million in Funding
The “Farmers Helping Hellbenders” project is among the projects set to receive funding through the RCCP Classic fund, which uses NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities in collaboration with project partners.
SE FireMap-Final Scoping Report (July 2021)
Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is pleased to present the July 15th 2021 Final Report and recommendations for the scoping agreement of the SE FireMap to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Tall Timbers Geospatial Center-Scoping Activity Updates 2020-2021
Tall Timbers Geospatial Center-Scoping Activity Updates 2020-2021
SE FireMap Scoping Report October 15, 2020
Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is pleased to present the October 15th Interim Report for the scoping agreement of the SE FireMap to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
SE FireMap Scoping Report July 15, 2020
Tall Timbers Research, Inc. is pleased to present the July 15th Interim Report for the scoping agreement of the SE FireMap to the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Tall Timbers SE FireMap Technical Oversite Team Update April 23, 2020
The Natural Resources Conservation Service and U.S Endowment for Forestry and Communities established the SE FireMap Technical Oversight Team (TOT) to serve as the advisory body for the proposed SE FireMap initiative. The TOT is comprised of subject area experts from a variety of organizations who expressed an interest in directly supporting the project.
Appalachian Ecosystem Restoration Initiative
More than 1,200 acres of red spruce have been planted across its historic range on mine spoils; excluded livestock from 1,500 acres and protected 6,900 feet of streambank; prescribed burns were used to restore a healthy balance of native plants and young forest habitat for wildlife.
Lower Cowpasture Restoration Projects
Prescribed fire was used to reduce fire risk and forest stand improvement was used to restore early succession habitat on 6,169 acres; restoration of James Spiny mussel populations in the Cowpasture River on national forest lands; five new vernal pools were created for native amphibians and stream-crossings improved for cold water fishes.
Monroe Mountain Aspen Ecosystem Restoration Project
Project implementation created 39 jobs, such as equipment operators, surveyors, and foresters, plus supporting jobs in the local communities.
Sustaining Pennsylvania’s Oak Ecosystems Through Partnership in Forest Management
More than 2,000 acres were prepared for the next generation of oaks by creating suitable conditions for acorn establishment.
North Warner Multi-Ownership Forest Health
More than 15,000 acres were treated for hazardous fuels and to improve wildlife habitat using JCLRP funding.
