Ecological Sciences
Ecological Sciences
The Ecological Sciences Division's
(ECS) primary function is to develop and recommend policies, guidelines and
procedures for the technical aspects of issues relating to agriculture, ecology,
environment and energy. Staff members provide the overall technical
framework for conservation planning and practice application activities.
These include natural resources conservation plans, pollution abatement, and
environmental assessment and enhancement.
The ECS consists of an interdisciplinary staff responsible for ensuring the
latest scientific technology and technical information and data are integrated
into NRCS conservation programs and activities. Among other things, staff
members identify and develop new technical standards for implementing natural
resource conservation measures and revise outdated standards to incorporate the
latest conservation technologies. The staff is also responsible for
ensuring the agency appropriately carries out its responsibilities under the
Endangered Species Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, and the National
Environmental Policy Act.
To carry out its broad responsibilities, the staff includes individuals with
a wide range of expertise that covers all aspects of agriculture and the
environment, including: sustainable resource management, agronomy, botany,
archaeology, cultural resources management, nutrient management, pest
management, forestry and agroforestry, range and grazing land management,
wildlife biology, aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem management, invasive
species, air quality, climate change, plant materials for conservation, and
environmental law.
