
These training materials are intended for use by partners, Soil and Water Conservation District staff, Tribal Conservation District staff, NRCS employees who are pursuing a conservation planner certification. They are also useful educational resources for the public.
Self-Guided vs. Instructor-Led Courses
Some courses are self-guided, allowing the student to read through the material on their own at their convenience. Other courses are instructor-led and will require the student to schedule time with an instructor to complete the training. Students are asked to be considerate of the instructor’s time and other work responsibilities, and to schedule training appointments far in advance of when they wish to complete their certification.
Some instructor-led courses will require field time, and thus must take place during the summer field season. Instructor-led courses that do not require field time are best conducted during winter. Students are encouraged to read the course descriptions on each of the courses to plan ahead for scheduling purposes.
NRCS Point of Contact
For questions about the Alaska Curricula, contact Tracy.Robillard@usda.gov.
Agronomy

Growing Degree Days, Frost-Free Days and Plant Hardiness Zones
This course will discuss how planners should consider temperature and season when working with crop producers.
The student must review the following training materials then contact the State Agronomist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Video (41:16)
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Agronomist David Ianson, David.Ianson@usda.gov
Training Materials:

High Tunnels
This course material covers the basics of high tunnels, planning considerations when working with producers using high tunnels, as well as some crops that are typically grown inside high tunnels in Alaska.
The student must review the following training materials. Once completed, contact the State Agronomist.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Slide Presentation and Fact Sheet
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Agronomist David Ianson, David.Ianson@usda.gov
Training Materials
Fertilizer and Lime Availability in Alaska
This course will discuss the use and availability of fertilizer and lime in Alaska, as well as things to consider when providing nutrient management technical assistance to crop producers.
The student must review the following training materials then contact the State Agronomist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Video (23:38)
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Agronomist David Ianson, david.ianson@usda.gov
Training Materials:
Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal Entities

ANCSA and Native Entity Organizations
This course is an overview of the indigenous peoples of Alaska, the history of United States administration in the state, and the present-day organization and structure of the Alaska Native - United States relationship.
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the NRCS Tribal Liaison to schedule a time to review the course materials together.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Web-based graphic presentation
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - AK Natives - ANCSA (7.29 MB)

Alaska Native Corporations
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the NRCS Tribal Liaison to schedule a time to review the course materials together.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Web-based graphic presentation
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - AK Natives - Corporations (3.98 MB)
Working Effectively with Alaska Natives
This course is a review of the concepts and recommendations covered in the full WEWAN training. This course does not satisfy the WEWAN criteria for Level 2, 3 or 4 certification, but it provides enough information for a new conservation planner to being working with Alaska Native customers with oversight provided by a Level 3 or 4 Certified Planner.
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the NRCS Tribal Liaison to schedule a time to review the course materials together.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Web-based graphic presentation
Training Materials:

Subsistence as Agriculture
This course explores both the history of subsistence within Alaska’s Native community as well as present day subsistence statistics. It also discusses the importance of subsistence activities to modern indigenous communities and the cultural, spiritual, and practical considerations that a conservation planner must take into account when providing conservation technical assistance to Alaska Natives.
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the NRCS Tribal Liaison to schedule a time to review the course materials together.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Web-based graphic presentation
Training Materials:
Biology

Stream Visual Assessment Protocol for Alaska
The student should review the following training materials then contact the NRCS State Biologist to schedule a time to review and discuss these SVAP2 materials.
Type: Self-guided, followed by review with NRCS State Biologist
Format: Slide Presentation, Technical Note, SVAP Protocol
NRCS Point of Contact: Dean Houchen, State Biologist, dean.houchen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - Biology - SVAP slides (3.67 MB)
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AK Curricula - Biology - SVAP Handbook (1.31 MB)
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AK Curricula - Biology - SVAP Summary Sheet (354.26 KB)

Alaska Wildlife Habitat Evaluation and Planning Tools
This course covers how to: identify wildlife habitat projects; NRCS conservation practices that may create, enhance or restore wildlife habitat; biology planning and inventory field tools; and effective documentation of the biology planning process.
The student should review the following training materials then contact the NRCS State Biologist to schedule a time to receive training in wildlife habitat planning.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review written technical materials the State Biologist
NRCS Point of Contact: Dean Houchen, State Biologist, dean.houchen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
- State of Alaska Wildlife Action Plan
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AK Curricula - Biology - Wildlife - Tech Note (1016.63 KB)
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AK Curricula - Biology - Wildlife - syllabus (122.44 KB)

Endangered Species Section 7 in Alaska
This course will cover the basics of the ESA and NRCS’ responsibilities under the law, including planning considerations and consultation with the authoritative agencies.
The student must review the following training materials then inform the NRCS State Biologist.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Slide Presentation
NRCS Point of Contact: Dean Houchen, State Biologist, dean.houchen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
Compliance
National Food Security Act
This course will cover the differences between a delineation and a determination.
This is a self-guided course. The student must review the training materials and complete the review examination. Upon completion, the student must contact the State Resource Conservationist.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Slide Presentation
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:

CPA-52 Environmental Evaluation Worksheet
This is a self-guided training; however, the student must not attempt to perform an EE or complete the CPA-52 without the guidance of a Level e or 4 Certified Conservation Planner. The student must review the following training materials. Upon completion, the student must contact the State Resource Conservationist.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Slide Presentation
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
Conservation Practices and Tech Notes
Field Office Technical Guide
This course provides an overview of the FOTG and documents in it that are specific to conservation planning and implementation in Alaska.
The student must review the below training materials and contact the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Slide Presentation
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - FOTG Presentation (2.79 MB)

Conservation Practice Standards
This self-guided course provides instruction on conservation practice standards and how to apply them to site-specific situations in order to provide timely and effective conservation technical assistance to treat unique natural resource concerns.
The student must review the below training materials and contact the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Slide Presentation
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:

Implementation Requirements
The student must review the below training materials and contact the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Slide Presentation
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
Cultural Resources

Alaska Cultural Resources Modules 7 & 8
The NRCS provides a series of training modules on cultural resources through AgLearn, the official agency training division’s online training system. Modules 1 through 6 are self-guided modules that may be taken online. Modules 7 and 8 are instructor-led and require time in the classroom and in the field.
To complete modules 7 and 8, the student must contact the NRCS Tribal Liaison to schedule a time to review the course materials together.
A portion of this course requires time in the field. Because fair weather is required, the student must plan in advance in order to schedule time with the Tribal Liaison during the spring-summer field season. Appropriate field dress will be required, including water-proof boots, brush-resistant clothing, and bug protection.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: AgLearn web-based learning followed by classroom and field portion for modules 7 - 8.
Training Materials:
Erosion (coming soon)
Water Erosion Process
More Information Coming Soon On the Following Erosion Topics:
- Water Erosion Process and USLE
- Wind Erosion Process and WEQ
- AGNPS
- RUSLE2
- WEPS
- WinPST
Farming History & Agricultural Development in Alaska

Alaska Agriculture and USDA Programs
This course provides a general overview of production agriculture in Alaska, including farm and ranch and forest statistics. It also provides details on the various USDA conservation assistance programs available to Alaska land owners.
The student must review the training materials below and upon completion, notify the State Resource Conservationist.
Type: Self Guided
Format: Slide Presentation
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:

Alaska Farming History
This course provides access to non-NRCS history documents. The NRCS does not endorse the opinions expressed by the authors, nor can the agency confirm the names, dates or events depicted. The material is simply meant to give the student a starting point for their own study of the history of agriculture in Alaska.
The student must review the training materials below and notify the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: PDF Articles
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - Farming in Alaska History (801.94 KB)
Common Crops in Alaska
The student must review the training materials below and notify the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: Two Videos
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
Forestry
Basic Forest Ecology and Management Concepts
The student should review the following training materials.
Type: Self-guided.
Format: Slide Presentation.
NRCS Point of Contact: Chris Tcimpidis, NRCS State Forester, christopher.tcimpidis@usda.gov.
Training Materials:
More Forestry Topics Coming Soon
- Tree and Shrub Identification: Native and Introduced
- Tree Planting
- Forest Evaluation Field Tools
- Commercial and Traditional Uses of Alaska Tree Species
- NRCS Forest and Wildlife Management Practices and Tech Notes
- Common Forest Diseases and Pests in Alaska Harvesting Methods, Timber Access and Water Quality Considerations
Land Clearing
Land Clearing Techniques and Equipment
This course discusses some sustainable land clearing methods and techniques. This instruction is intended for familiarization only and is not sufficient to enable the student to perform land clearing planning on their own without oversight from a Level 3 or 4 Certified Conservation Planner.
The student must review the training materials below and notify the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: PDF documents
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - Ag Land Burning (55.82 KB)
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AK Curricula - Ag Land Clearing (56.79 KB)
Land Ownership and Agriculture in Alaska

Land Ownership in Alaska
This course will provide an overview of land ownership in Alaska including reference maps.
The student must review the training materials below and notify the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: PDF documents
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - AK Land Transfer Map (304.12 KB)
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AK Curricula - Who Owns Alaska Map (275.36 KB)
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AK Curricula - Land Ownership in AK Fact Sheet (134.89 KB)
State and Borough Farm Plan Requirements
This course is designed to make the student aware of State and borough farm plan requirements. An NRCS conservation plan may help a land owner comply with the State or borough requirements. It is important for a planner to understand State requirements in order to provide customers with appropriate technical assistance.
The student must review the training materials below and notify the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: PDF documents
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
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AK Curricula - State Conservation Plan Forms (212.74 KB)
- Note: This is a record of the Mat-Su Borough's farm plan requirements. Other boroughs may have different farm plan requirements or no requirements at all.

Alaska Ag Parcel Land Sales
The State of Alaska provides guidance on appropriate land development. This course provides those documents for the student’s review and consideration. This instruction is intended for familiarization only and is not sufficient to enable the student to perform land development planning on their own without oversight from a Level 3 or 4 Certified Conservation Planner.
The student must review the training materials below and notify the State Resource Conservationist upon completion.
Type: Self-guided
Format: PDF documents
NRCS Point of Contact: NRCS State Resource Conservationist
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - Ag Land Development (148.87 KB)
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AK Curricula - Mat-Su Borough Ag Sales Brochure (355.91 KB)
Note: Other boroughs may have different ag land sales programs or none at all.
Other Assessment Tools

GIS Basics
This is an instructor-led course that requires the student to conduct some pre-study on their own before meeting with the GIS Specialist. The student must review the training materials below and enroll in the Esri courses online as instructed. Then watch the one hour video “Introducing Coordinate Systems and Map Projects” at the provided link.
Note: The student must have access to the ArcGIS application in order to complete these prerequisites. Contact the NRCS GIS Specialist for assistance.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Prerequisite study and videos prior to meeting with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Denise Miller, NRCS State GIS Specialist, denise.miller@usda.gov
Training Materials:

GPS Field Use
This is an instructor-led course that will take place both in the classroom and in the field using GPS devices. The student review the following training materials which includes reading sections from The Nature of Geographic Information online course module from Penn State’s College of Earth and Mineral Science, and watching an online webinar called “Use of GPS for NRCS Conservation Planning: Collecting, Managing, and Entering Data."
Upon completion of these pre-requisites, the student must contact the State GIS Specialist.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Pre-requisite study and videos prior to meeting with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Denise Miller, NRCS State GIS Specialist, denise.miller@usda.gov
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - GIS and GPS Pre-requisite study (114.33 KB)

Hydrology EFH2
This course is only intended to make the student aware of the EFH2 and its purpose. It will not give the student enough information to use the program independently.
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the Planning Specialist to schedule time together to review the EFH2 User Manual.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the EFH2 User Manual with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Phil Naegele, NRCS Planning Specialist, phil.naegele@usda.gov

Hydraulics and Waterway EFT
This course is only intended to make the student aware of the various engineering field tools (EFT) used for hydraulic engineering practices. It will not give the student enough information to use the formulas and tools independently.
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the Planning Specialist to schedule time together to review the EFH2 User Manual.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the EFH2 User Manual with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Phil Naegele, NRCS Planning Specialist, phil.naegele@usda.gov

Level Surveying
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the EFH2 User Manual with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Phil Naegele, NRCS Planning Specialist, phil.naegele@usda.gov

Hand Level and Clinometer
This is a self-guided course consisting of You Tube videos and self-paced exercises. Please review the links and instructions in the document posted below. If you have any questions about using these tools while going through the training document, please contact Phil Naegele.
Type: Self-Guided
Format: Review training document (includes watching You Tube videos and performing your own self-paced exercises)
NRCS Point of Contact: Phil Naegele, NRCS Planning Specialist, phil.naegele@usda.gov
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - Hand Levels and Clinometers (187.94 KB)

Delineating a Watershed
This is an instructor-led course and will take place in the classroom. The student must contact the Planning Specialist to schedule time for the instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the EFH2 User Manual with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Phil Naegele, NRCS Planning Specialist, phil.naegele@usda.gov

Alaska Phosphorous Index
This is an instructor-led course and will take place in the classroom. The student must contact the Planning Specialist to schedule time for the instruction. The course will cover “The Phosphorus Index Tech Note” and the “AK-CPA-7 Phosphorus Index” worksheet.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the EFH2 User Manual with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Phil Naegele, NRCS Planning Specialist, phil.naegele@usda.gov
Pasture and Rangeland

Range Assessment in Alaska
This course gives instruction on how to inventory, evaluate, and monitor range condition to ensure that the plants and habitat the land supports are utilized in a sustainable manner.
This is an instructor-led course. The student should view the training materials below, then contact the Rangeland Specialist to schedule time for in-person review of the materials and further instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the course material with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Karin Sonnen, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, karin.sonnen@usda.gov
Training Materials:

Pastureland Assessment in Alaska
This course gives instruction on how to inventory, evaluate, and monitor pasture condition to ensure that desirable plants maintain health and vigor and a sufficient level of nutrition for the intended grazing livestock.
This is an instructor-led course. The student should view the following training materials, then contact the Rangeland Specialist to schedule time for in-person review of the materials and further instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the course material with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Karin Sonnen, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, karin.sonnen@usda.gov
Training Materials:

Grazing Planning Tools and Computations
This is a bundle of courses that provide general instruction and familiarity for multiple planning tools used by NRCS and other industry professionals.
This is an instructor-led course. The student should view each of following presentations. Once all items have been explored, contact the Rangeland Specialist to schedule time for in-person review of the materials and further instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the course material with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Karin Sonnen, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, karin.sonnen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - Body Condition Scoring Beef Cows (791.68 KB)
Plants

Alaska Ecological Sites - Coming Soon
This is an instructor-led course. The student should view the “Ecological Site Descriptions” presentation, then contact the Rangeland Specialist to schedule time for in-person review of the materials and further instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review of Ecological Site Descriptions in Alaska
NRCS Point of Contact: Karin Sonnen, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, karin.sonnen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
- Ecological Site Descriptions Presentation (coming soon)

Plant Identification
This course is designed to introduce the student to the concept of plant identification. It also introduces several technical references to aid the student in plant identification.
This is an instructor-led course. The student should view the following presentation then contact the Rangeland Specialist to schedule time for in-person review of the materials and further instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Review the course material with the instructor
NRCS Point of Contact: Karin Sonnen, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, karin.sonnen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - Plant Identification (2.44 MB)

Common Plants in Your Service Area
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the NRCS State Rangeland Specialist to schedule in-person training in the field. Because plants must be alive and active for proper identification, the student must plan in advance in order to schedule time with the Rangeland Specialist during the spring-summer field season. Appropriate field dress will be required, including water-proof boots, brush-resistant clothing, and bug protection.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Field work
NRCS Point of Contact: Karin Sonnen, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, karin.sonnen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - Plant List Central (115.36 KB)
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AK Curricula - Plant List Southeast (122 KB)
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AK Curricula - Plant List North (155.96 KB)
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AK Curricula - Plant List West (116.52 KB)

Wetland Plant Identification
This is an instructor-led course. The student must contact the NRCS State Rangeland Specialist to schedule in-person training in the field. Because plants must be alive and active for proper identification, the student must plan in advance in order to schedule time with the Rangeland Specialist during the spring-summer field season. Appropriate field dress will be required, including water-proof boots, brush-resistant clothing, and bug protection.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Field work
NRCS Point of Contact: Karin Sonnen, NRCS Rangeland Specialist, karin.sonnen@usda.gov
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - Wetland Plants Presentation (732.31 KB)
Soils

Web Soil Survey
The goal of this course is to introduce students to several common soil properties and interpretations, the basics of map unit composition, and Web Soil Survey, the official source of soils data. This course will also give students the opportunity to practice applying your soils knowledge within the context of the conservation planning process.
Type: Self-Paced virtual course on Ag Learn
Format: Ag Learn. Students should log into their Ag Learn accounts and search for the following course title and course ID to sign up and take the training:
- Name: Using Basic Soil Survey Information in Conservation Planning
- Course ID Number: NRCS-NEDC-000416
- Course Category: NRCS-NEDC-ONLINE
- Contact Hours: 4
In addition to taking the Ag Learn training, the State Soil Scientist will provide more instruction on Alaska-specific Web Soil Survey interpretations during the other in-person soils curricula.
NRCS Point of Contact: Cory Cole, NRCS State Soil Scientist, cory.cole@usda.gov

Hydric Soils
This course provides more instruction than just hydric soils. It also gives a general overview of soil formation, soil structure, soil description, and soil diagnostic methods.
This is an instructor-led course. The student must schedule time with the Resource Soil Scientist to receive in-person instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Classroom instruction on the computer
NRCS Point of Contact: Dennis Mulligan, NRCS Resource Soil Scientist, dennis.mulligan@usda.gov
Training Materials:
-
AK Curricula - Hydric Soils presentation (8.93 MB)

Basic Soils Training
This course goes into greater detail on soils formation, soil structure, soil description, and soil diagnostic methods, as well as soil survey. This course also includes a field component where the student will become familiar with field investigation of soils including how to dig a test hole, how to texture soil, and how to evaluate soil health.
This is an instructor-led course. The student must schedule time with the State Soil Scientist to receive in-person instruction.
Type: Instructor-led
Format: Classroom instruction on the computer
NRCS Point of Contact: Cory Cole, NRCS State Soil Scientist, cory.cole@usda.gov
Training Materials:
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AK Curricula - Basic Soils presentation (6.42 MB)