Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices

The Montana Prescribed Fire Council supports the NRCS's proposed revisions to Conservation Practice Standard 338 regarding prescribed burning. They argue that the updates provide a necessary, structured framework for managing wildfire risk and restoring ecosystems while offering clearer guidance for private landowners and practitioners.

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, a nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation, support the proposed revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices. They provide specific recommendations to strengthen wildlife timing criteria, suggest additional practice combinations for prescribed burning, and advocate for language that prioritizes native forage and clarifies vegetation management goals.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies supports the proposed revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices, particularly those emphasizing wildlife conservation and native plant species. They recommend specific clarifications to prevent the conversion of non-cropland to cropland and suggest removing requirements to identify specific individuals in prescribed burn plans to reduce administrative burdens.

The Tennessee NRCS Forestry Sub-Committee argues that the proposed revisions to several conservation practices (315, 338, 654, 381, and 490) may create administrative burdens, increase costs for landowners, and reduce the accessibility of forestry-specific benefits. They specifically express concern that narrowing the stated purposes of these practices or changing measurement units could make it harder for forest landowners to qualify for and implement necessary conservation projects.

Ducks Unlimited, a nonprofit conservation organization, expresses support for the NRCS's proposed revisions to various conservation practice standards in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices. They provide specific technical recommendations and minor edits to improve the effectiveness and clarity of practices related to grazing, energy efficiency, weed treatment, and water management.

The American Bird Conservancy (ABC) supports the proposed revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices, particularly those that emphasize native plant materials, wildlife habitat benefits, and design flexibility. They provide specific technical recommendations to improve the language, clarify purposes, and ensure that the revisions do not unintentionally eliminate existing conservation uses or create unnecessary administrative burdens.

The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) supports the proposed revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices but argues that the standards should be better tailored to organic producers. They recommend including specific language in each practice standard to ensure compliance with USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations and to provide guidance on implementing conservation practices in organic and transitioning systems.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) supports the proposed revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices, provided they prioritize wildlife habitat conservation and the use of native plant materials. They offer specific technical recommendations and concerns regarding various conservation practices to ensure they do not inadvertently degrade wildlife resources or create new habitat concerns.

A Certified Prescribed Burn Manager in Florida supports the proposed revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices, noting that the language aligns with state requirements. The commenter provides minor editorial suggestions regarding the wording and formatting of the Plans and Specifications section.

The Water Subcommittee of the Montana NRCS State Technical Committee provides specific technical recommendations and revisions to the proposed updates of the National Handbook of Conservation Practices. They advocate for more precise language regarding groundwater monitoring, water rights, and environmental protections across various conservation practices.