Mission
The Ecological Sciences Division (ESD) leads the technology for Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in ecological, cultural resource, and environmental compliance technologies to ensure science-based conservation for our Nation's resources.
Functions
- Integrate agricultural, ecological, environmental, fish & wildlife, cultural heritage and energy concerns into all NRCS programs.
- Develop and implement new technologies to assess and treat soil, water, air, plant, animal, and energy resource concerns.
- Provide leadership and technology for erosion prediction and control, nutrient management and comprehensive nutrient management plans, pest management, forestry, fish and wildlife management, highly erodible land and wetland compliance, air quality, invasive species and pollinators, range and pasture management, water quality, soil quality, historical and cultural resources, and organic farming.
- Provide leadership for policy and maintenance of the Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), National Conservation Practice Standards, and the National Technical Guide Committee.
- Develop policies and guidelines for NRCS compliance with laws, regulations, and Executive Orders pertaining to ESD expertise.
- Provide national technical liaisons for NRCS with other agencies and groups for ecological and cultural resources-related legislation, policy, and initiatives.
- Provide leadership for plant data information through the National Plant Data Center.
- Provide leadership for the National Plant Materials Program that selects, evaluates, increases, and releases plant materials and plant technology for conservation uses.
- Provide leadership and guidance for training and employee development in ecological and cultural resources activities.
Categories
Agronomy
Biology
Cultural Resources
Cultural Resources are tangible remains of past human activity. These may include buildings; structures; prehistoric sites; historic or prehistoric objects or collection; rock inscription; earthworks, canals, or landscapes. These nonrenewable resources may yield unique information about past societies and environments, and provide answers for modern day social and conservation problems. Although many have been discovered and protected, there are numerous forgotten, undiscovered, or unprotected cultural resources in rural America.
Our Arkansas Cultural Resources Fact Sheet describes the important role cultural resources plays in support of the Natural Resources Conservation Service mission.
Every day, invasive species are threatening the health of our nation’s vital agricultural and natural lands. Forests and rangelands are being infested, cropland production is being negatively impacted, streams and waterways are being choked with weeds, and wildlife species are losing habitat. These conditions are just a few of the negative impacts that will continue, or will become more severe, if successful actions are not taken to halt and/or reverse this trend.
For more information about invasive species in Arkansas, visit University of Arkansas Extension Service.
Pest Management in NRCS is primarily focused on helping producers mitigate the environmental risks of pest control activities, including pesticide risks to soil, water air, plants, animals, and humans.
Invasive Species
Manure Management
Nutrient Management
Pest Management
Pest Management
Pest Management in NRCS is primarily focused on helping producers mitigate the environmental risks of pest control activities, including pesticide risks to soil, water air, plants, animals, and humans.
Pest Management Resources
NRCS - National Pest Management Policy
Field Crops IPM offsite link image
Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables IPM offsite link image
Animals IPM offsite link image
Urban and Household Insects offsite link image
Plant Health Clinic offsite link image
Plant Disease Management offsite link image
Weed Management offsite link image
Potential Invaders offsite link image
Forest Health offsite link image
Windows Pesticide Screening Tool (WIN-PST)