What is NRCS?

The District is co-located at the local United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) office at 954 E. Isabella Road Midland, MI 48640. Originally founded in 1935 as the Soil Conservation Service, the mission and priority of NRCS is to provide resources to farmers and landowners to aid them in conservation, and to ensure the harmony of productive lands and a healthy environment. The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management. The Midland Conservation District staff assist NRCS staff in programs, site visits and landowner assistance. Visit USDA NRCS to learn more. 

NRCS District Conservationist, Midland County: Dave Lehnert  

NRCS Programs 

EQIP: Environmental Quality Incentives Program 
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns and deliver environmental benefits such as improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health and reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, and improved or created wildlife habitat. These benefits are implemented through practices such as brush management, cover crops, filter strips, high tunnels, no till, nutrient management, pollinator habitats, prescribed grazing, shelter belts, wind breaks and more! If you have land or farm multiple acres, Contact the District to learn more about these programs and to learn if you qualify, or visit NRCS: Environmental Quality Incentives Program to learn more. 

CSP: Conservation Stewardship Program 
The Conservation Stewardship Program helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities to address priority resources concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment. Contact the District to learn more about CSP, or visit NRCS: Conservation Stewardship Program to learn more. 

​FMP: Forest Management Plan 
A Forest Management Plan outlines your family’s vision for your forest, describes the current forest condition, and outlines a plan of action to achieve your management goals. A forest management plan is not just about the trees; it encompasses all the resources on your property such as roads, water sources, wildlife habitat, recreational sites, and anything else that is relevant to your family and your goals. A plan can help you keep track of activities, communicate with family members and professionals, and earn green certification for your forest. To learn more about this program and to apply, contact the District directly.

Regional Conservation Partnership Program: RCPP
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program promotes coordination between NRCS and its partners to deliver conservation assistance to producers and landowners. NRCS provides assistance to producers through partnership agreements and RCPP conservation program contracts.  To learn more, visit NRCS: Regional Conservation Partnership Program. ​