ACPF Implementation Guide for the NRCS

URL https://acpf4watersheds.org/files/inline-files/ACPF_ImpGuide_FINAL_20220214.pdf

The Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) Implementation Guide was developed to help the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) adopt the ACPF as a geospatial decision-support tool for watershed-scale agricultural conservation planning. The guide explains ACPF’s value in identifying site-specific conservation opportunities using high-resolution soils, land use, and terrain data, supporting precision conservation, watershed-based planning, stakeholder engagement, and efficient field visits. It outlines strategies for national and state-level dissemination through a proposed National Hub and State Centers, along with marketing guidance targeting NRCS leadership, field staff, and conservation partners. The document identifies enabling factors and hindering factors. Finally, it recommends training strategies, a coalition-building approach, integration with NRCS planning infrastructure (CD/CART), promotion of short-term wins, and long-term anchoring of ACPF adoption within NRCS and partner organizations.

_{ACPF HUB is supported through Cooperative Agreement # NR213A750008C007 with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding for the development of new tools and capabilities for the ACPF is provided, in part, by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Effects Assessment Project- Watershed Assessment Studies under the ACPF Enhancement Project, NRCS Interagency Agreement # NRC21IRA0010883 with USDA ARS.}