Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service Updated:05/2024

The Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service (originally named the Soil Conservation Service) has provided conservation technical assistance to Virginia landowners since the 1930's. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a federal agency that works hand-in-hand with the people of Virginia to improve and protect their soil, water and other natural resources. For decades, private landowners have voluntarily worked with NRCS specialists to prevent erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable agriculture.   

Our Mission

Helping People Help the Land

Our Vision

Productive Lands - Healthy Environment

Overview

NRCS employs soil conservationists, soil scientists, agronomists, biologists, engineers, geologists and resource planners. These experts help landowners develop conservation plans, create and restore wetlands, restore and manage other natural ecosystems as well as advise on stormwater remediation, nutrient and animal waste management and watershed planning.

NRCS, formerly called the Soil Conservation Service, was initially focused on preventing soil erosion on America’s farmland. Over the years Americans have become concerned with a broader array of natural resource issues. In response, NRCS has broadened its technical services in order to provide science-based solutions to address America’s ever-changing environmental concerns. While farmers remain the primary client of NRCS, the agency also provides technical assistance to city planners, watershed groups, state and local governments, civic organizations and individual homeowners.

Conservation Technical Assistance

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides conservation planning and technical assistance to individuals, groups and units of government. These clients develop and implement conservation plans to protect, conserve and enhance their natural resources.

When providing assistance, NRCS focuses on the sound use and management of soil, water, air, plant and animal resources. NRCS helps clients manage their resources in a way that prevents resource degradation, ensures sustainability, allows for productivity and respects the client’s needs. Conservation planning can make improvements to livestock operations, crop production, soil quality, water quality, hayland, forestland and wildlife habitats. The process also integrates ecological and economic considerations in order to address private and public concerns.

The success of conservation planning depends upon the voluntary participation of clients. The planning process used by NRCS is based on the premise that clients will make and implement sound decisions if they understand their resources, natural resource problems and opportunities as well as the effects of their decisions.

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Contact Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of VirginiaLandCAN.
Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service is not employed by or affiliated with the Virginia Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

 

Contact Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Service

Edwin Martinez
State Conservationist
1606 Santa Rosa Road
Suite 209
Richmond, VA  23229-5014
Phone: (804) 287-1691
Fax: (855) 627-9827