Tuolumne County Resource Conservation District

Forest Conservation Activity Planning

General Program Description

Starting in 2010 California NRCS is offering a conservation planning practice as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). NRCS Field Offices in approved counties are now accepting applications from interested landowners and operators for conservation planning activities associated with Forestry. The 2008 Farm Bill includes the opportunity to provide financial and technical assistance for the development of Conservation Activity Plans.

Conservation Activity Plans

A conservation activity plan (CAP) combines specific land use objectives associated with a renewable resource with a comprehensive management plan that addresses all of the natural resource concerns within an agriculture or forestry operation. A CAP meets all NRCS conservation planning standards, and addresses cultural resources and other regulations outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The purpose of a CAP is to outline a combination of vegetative, structural, and/or management practices necessary to protect and sustain natural resources on agricultural and forest landscapes, and to serve as a blueprint for future implementation of conservation practices..

NOTE: Applications for the General EQIP signup are accepted on an ongoing basis.

In California, NRCS is accepting applications from landowners and operators requesting assistance to develop:

• Forest Management Activity Plans: ownership specific conservation plans prepared by a Registered Professional Forester (RPF). The plan identifies and describes in detail the forest resources, management actions and conservation practices that will help the landowner meet their objectives, maintain production, meet regulatory requirements, and enhance soil, water, air, plants, fish, and wildlife resources.