Nominations for Excellence in Conservation Planning Awards Now Open!

Deadline for nominations extended to September 19, 2025! 
(Outstanding Team or Partnership Award Only)

Award Categories 

1. NRCS Planner of the Year – CLOSED – NO NEW APPLICATIONS 
2. RCD Planner of the Year – CLOSED – NO NEW APPLICATIONS 
3. Outstanding Team or Partnership – OPEN Through September 19, 2025 

We are proud to announce the 2025 Excellence in Conservation Planning Awards to distinguish California NRCS and RCD employees and contractors who have exemplified outstanding service to landowners with conservation planning assistance. All California NRCS and RCD employees and contractors who perform conservation planning assistance are eligible.

Conservation planning is the foundation for NRCS technical and financial assistance to our state's farmers, ranchers and non-industrial timber landowners and operators. Working with landowners one-on-one or with technical teams to identify landowner objectives, inventory natural resources, develop and select alternatives, make decisions, and implement the plan is important work.

In addition, the working relationship and trust that is built between the conservation planner and the client is crucial and allows conservation practices to be selected, designed, and implemented to get conservation on the ground. Resource issues are often complex in California requiring collaboration with various partners and agencies.

Award Categories

1. NRCS Planner of the Year - CLOSED (Sept. 5, 2025)

2. RCD Planner of the Year - CLOSED (Sept. 5, 2025)

3. Outstanding Team or Partnership - Open through September 19, 2025

We hope you will consider sending in a nomination. Nomination packets should be submitted to Mindy.Nicoletti@usda.gov, State Conservation Planning Award Chair and RaeAnn.Dubay@usda.gov, acting State Public Affairs Director, no later than Sept. 19, 2025 COB for the Outstanding Team or Partnership Award only. See attachments below for award guidelines and details.