In the spring of 2012, the National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) took a bold step to plan for the agency’s future based on projected impacts of environmental challenges, customer needs, budget constraints, and new technology.
Chief Dave White issued the call to action during a national video conference with NRCS State Conservationists and partners, asking each state to develop a plan for structuring the field office of the future to deliver efficient and effective services over the next three to five years.
In Virginia, NRCS sought input from a broad cross section of individuals using a variety of methods. NRCS employees, soil and water conservation districts and state partners provided comments through an online questionnaire while landowners sent their responses through the mail. NRCS and district employees, members of the State Technical Committee, and Soil and Water Conservation Districts leaders provided their input during facilitated discussions at regional and state meetings. Virginia Farm Bureau also hosted three facilitated meetings for farmers. In addition to comments from the various sessions, NRCS received 323 responses from individuals.
Here are the top responses from landowners, partners and employees.
