THE AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PLANNING FRAMEWORK NATIONAL HUB
The National Hub for the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework is focused on serving NRCS offices and supporting partners across the US to implement the use of ACPF in conservation planning processes on multiple scales. The National Hub is composed of several partners including: The Conservation Professional Training Program, Iowa Water Center, Iowa State University, Minnesota Water Resources Center, North Central Region Water Network, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
LATEST NEWS
The ACPF National Hub is hosting two upcoming trainings for individuals interested is running ACPF and using the outputs.
The ACPF National Hub is hosting two upcoming training opportunities: an ACPF Technical Training and a Watershed Applications of ACPF Training. Both trainings are free and will be held virtually. The Technical Training is a cohort-style training designed GIS users with intermediate knowledge of ArcGIS. The Watershed Applications of ACPF Training is a three-part training designed for non-GIS users at the federal, state, and local level who want to use ACPF results in their watershed planning or practice implementation processes. Learn more
The ACPF National Hub releases the beta version of the ACPF Financial and Nutrient Reduction Tool (ACPF FiNRT)
The ACPF National Hub is pleased to announce the release of a new tool, the ACPF Financial and Nutrient Reduction Tool (ACPF FiNRT) for ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro. ACPF FiNRT provides ACPF users with the ability to estimate costs and nitrate reduction outcomes from ACPF-generated best management practices and conservation scenarios. The tool is being released in its beta version, and it is currently available for use in Iowa and Minnesota. In coming months, the tool will be expanded to include additional states. Learn more
ACPF AND THE WATERSHED APPROACH
ACPF input data is available for much of the Midwest and the database is constantly growing. Currently, ACPF data is available for Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin and parts of Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Plus, with ACPF Version 3, users are able to build soils and land use databases where not available! Find out if ACPF input data is available for your watershed.
Curious for more examples of where ACPF is being used? Explore the ACPF use map displaying watersheds that have reported using ACPF. If you are already using ACPF, let us know and we’ll ensure your watershed is included! Submit your watershed to our ACPF in Action map using this form.
Photo courtesy of USDA NRCS
WHY USE ACPF
Facilitates targeted conservation
The ACPF identifies and addresses high-risk areas enabling conservation efficiency and effectiveness.
Supports watershed planning
The ACPF identifies high-risk areas and determines solutions that can serve as the foundation for watershed plans. The output maps generated through ACPF show the watershed as a whole, simplifying area-wide planning.
Saves time and resources
The ACPF takes the guesswork out of talking to producers and installing conservation practices and streamlines conservation planning.
Enables local-level flexibility
The ACPF is non-prescriptive, allowing landowners and local stakeholders to choose the option that is right for their land, their community, and their watershed.
Promotes stakeholder engagement
The ACPF facilitates conversation between diverse stakeholders with different perspectives, issues and priorities. The ACPF output maps can be used in conversations with producers, drainage authorities, county supervisors, and program managers, to name a few.
Provides scientific validity to conservation funding opportunities
The ACPF output maps help conservation professionals scientifically justify recommendations and proposals to producers and funders. With ACPF, grant applicants can prioritize and develop potential projects for funding based on outputs.