Natural Resources Conservation Service
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Assistance Available Through the NRCS

The Natural Resources Conservation Service, (formerly the Soil Conservation Service) is a very close working partner with the RCD. Because our partnership also includes sharing office space, equipment, and personnel, many Napa County folk often refer to NRCS staff as "RCD". This slight bit of identity confusion doesn't bother us much, because although the NRCS is an agency of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, they tailor their services and programs to the local RCD and community need. The Napa County RCD partnership with NRCS extends to our beginnings in 1945, so we have enjoyed a long, successful run.

NRCS provides technical leadership to the RCD program, along with some very valuable one-on-one and group technical consultation to landowners and other state, federal, and local agencies in Napa County. Our land stewardship program, the County Conservation Regulations Program, and the many watershed restoration projects we sponsor are just a few of the efforts NRCS helps to support. Their expertise in soil science, soil erosion control, stream restoration, and watershed sciences help round out the RCD's palette of resource conservation services. The Napa County Soil Survey, (now available on-line) was created by NRCS soil scientists, and is supported as an ongoing public information technology effort by local staff. The following is a sampling of the various services and programs NRCS supports or offers:

Services

Soil conservation planning and consultation	Stream restoration project planning and assistance with information on permitting and local laws
Water quality consultation	Assistance with soils and land use information
Grazing management plans	Conservation Regulations Erosion control plans for vineyards
Seeding and planting recommendations	Consultative support for a variety of watershed study projects
Wetlands evaluations	Leadership for the Napa County Conservation Information Group

Programs

• USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program, EQIP ( competitive grants for farmers and ranchers)
• USDA Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, WHIP (competitive grants for farm and ranch projects that benefit wildlife)
• Emergency Watershed Protection Program (grants for land restoration in times of emergency)
• Wetlands Reserve Program (easements for restoration of wetlands)
• EQIP Education Program ( grants for farm and environmental public education efforts)
• The Earth Team (volunteer opportunities for service and work experience in the field of resource conservation)

Local NRCS Staff:

Phill Blake, District Conservationist, send an e-mail
Chip Bouril, Soil Conservationist, send an e-mail
Kelly Gin, Soil Conservationist, send an e-mail
Carolyn M. Jones, PE, Agricultural Engineer, send an e-mail

For further information, call (707) 252-4189

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or familial status. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audio tape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington D.C. 20250, or cal 1-800-245-6340 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 TDD). USDA is an equal employment opportunity employer.

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