The Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) leverages high-resolution geo-spatial data to help local farming communities better address their soil and water conservation needs.
The ACPF National Hub releases Version 4 of the ACPF Toolbox
The ACPF National Hub is pleased to announce our annual updates for 2022! Updates include updated ACPF core data using 2021 field season data and nearly 400 new watersheds – bringing us to a total of 12,090 watersheds and a new ACPF Toolbox for ArcGIS and ArcGIS Pro. Beyond bug fixes, this new ArcGIS Pro toolbox incorporates custom metadata for ACPF tool outputs. The metadata will include tool parameters used at run-time to allow users to track how results were generated. Learn more
THE AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION PLANNING FRAMEWORK NATIONAL HUB
The National Hub, funded by the NRCS, is a multi-institutional collaboration to facilitate the use of ACPF; maintain a repository of available data and GIS tools; provide training and outreach resources; and offer ACPF user support. The National Hub is focused on supporting NRCS area-wide planning efforts across the US to implement the use of ACPF in conservation planning processes. It is composed of several partners including: The Iowa Water Center, North Central Region Water Network, Iowa State University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and the University of Minnesota Water Resources Center.
ACPF AND THE WATERSHED APPROACH
ACPF core data is available for much of the Midwest and the database is constantly growing. Currently, ACPF core 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 4, users are able to build watershed data where not available! Find out if ACPF core 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 results 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 results 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 results 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.