The NRCS/USACE Partnership Agreement,
signed July 7, 2005, promotes a long-term working relationship to improve the
management of water and related natural resources under the missions and
authorities of NRCS and USACE. The Agencies have established partnership goals
to express mutual commitment to comprehensive water and related natural
resources management and conservation in support of Executive Order 13352,
Facilitation of Cooperative Conservation. The NRCS and USACE have pledged to
work together in the following areas: 1) watershed planning; 2) wetlands
creation, restoration and enhancement; 3) natural disaster recovery; and 4)
wetlands conservation and regulatory compliance (The “Swampbuster” Provisions of
the Food Security Act and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act).
This Action Plan was developed
jointly by USACE and NRCS and it identifies national priorities for implementing
the Partnership Agreement. The Action Plan serves as a basis for development of
more detailed project management plans when warranted. It identifies actions
for the next 1-3 years. The Action Plan also recognizes and supports collaborative efforts in
the field and should ultimately improve the ability of USACE and NRCS to solve
water and relate natural resource problems.
The Action Plan was circulated at the
national and field level for review. These reviews yielded a great deal of
thoughtful input. Success stories of how the agencies are currently working
together were shared, as well as suggestions for new joint activities and
projects. The review revealed that in some cases the partnership is limited by
a lack of knowledge of the other agency’s missions, capabilities, and programs.
Concerns from the field review included the USACE Field Staff identifying a lack
of staff time/overhead funding to allow interagency collaboration where there is
not an active Corps project, and a concern regarding implementation of the
Section 404 Permit Program by Corps Districts.
The Action Plan is
intended to be dynamic and flexible. New items will be added as they are
identified (and vetted through leadership as appropriate). It is anticipated
that new actions will be established as needs are identified by personnel at any
organizational level. Needs will be reviewed by the Partnership Core Team, and
when appropriate, added to the Partnership Action Plan.
The Action Plan serves
as a framework for Agency Leaders to annually review and concur with partnership
accomplishments and activities.
|
ACTION |
SHORT/LONG TERM |
TIME LINE |
RESOURCES |
CURRENT STATUS /ACCOMPLISHMENTS |
I. ADVANCING
MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF WETLAND CONSERVATION COMPLIANCE AND REGULATORY
ACTIVITIES.
|
|
1.1
WETLAND DELINEATION.
Deliver the NRCS wetlands delineation course that was developed in a
cooperative effort working with USACE. |
Short Term |
9/30/2009 |
Funding Source: NRCS-NEDC $10,000 |
Training needs
identified. NEDC is in the process of preparing the course for
delivery. (6-19-08) Don Haake.
Potential NEDC funding
for this course may be available to deliver a pilot course in August
2008. (Jerry Williams NEDC, 3-28-08) |
|
1.2 USACE
WETLAND DELINEATION MANUAL UPDATE.
Continue NRCS, EPA, and FWS
participation with the USACE led effort to develop Regionalized
Supplements to the USACE 1987 Wetland Delineation Manual. |
Long Term |
10/1/2010 |
|
NRCS, EPA, and FWS are
partnering with the USACE to develop regionalized versions of the 1987
USACE Delineation Manual and they are scheduled to be completed in 2010.
NRCS is the Chair of
the National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils responsible for
technical leadership in the formulation, evaluation, and application of
hydric soils definition, criteria, indicators, and glossary.
|
|
1.3
NATIONAL LIST OF VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES UPDATE:
Continue USACE, NRCS, FWS,
and EPA joint efforts to update and Regionalize the 1988 National
Wetland Vascular Plant List. |
Long Term |
10/1/2010 |
|
USACE, EPA, FWS, &
NRCS signed a MOA in 2006 to transfer responsibility for updating and
maintaining the National List of Vascular Plant Species that Occur in
Wetlands from FWS to USACE.
NRCS is a member of
the National Plant Panel that will assist with establishing the Regional
Panels.
|
|
1.3
NATIONAL LIST OF VASCULAR PLANT SPECIES UPDATE:
Continue USACE, NRCS,
FWS, and EPA joint efforts to update and Regionalize the 1988 National
Wetland Vascular Plant List. |
Long Term |
10/1/2010 |
|
The USACE has
leadership for updating and maintaining the National Plant List and
convening the National Plant Panel. The USACE is responsible for
providing adequate funding for updating and maintaining the National
list.
The time line for
updating the National list is 2 years, beginning in 2008. |
|
1.4 404
PERMITTING PROCESS. Participate
in discussions at the National level to examine measures to improve
understanding of the regulations, regulatory guidance (interpretation),
and the consistent application of the permitting process associated with
watershed activities that impact local watershed sponsors. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
National level
communication/input for Nationwide permits.
An initial meeting for
NRCS and USACE National staff with 404 permitting responsibilities was
held on May 13, 2008. Agency concerns were discussed on USACE District
and NRCS State working relationships.
USACE District Lead
Contact information was provided to NRCS for distribution as needed.
NRCS suggested sending national bulletin to states to update on
USACE/NRCS Partnership and provide the Lead District by States
Information.
Regular annual and/or
biannual meetings will be scheduled to allow agencies to stay abreast of
current regulatory/conservation compliance issues. Impromptu
teleconference can be held as needed to resolve immediate concerns.
|
II.
ADVANCING OUR UNDERSTANDING OF WETLAND CREATION, RESTORATION, AND
ENHANCEMENT |
|
2.1 WETLAND RESTORATION, AND
ENHANCEMENT TRAINING:
Deliver the NRCS Wetland Restoration and Enhancement Training Course.
The original concept during course development was to have 1/3 each
NRCS, USACE, & FWS in each training session. Enrollment slots continue
to be maintained for each agency. |
Short Term |
9/30/2009 |
Funding
Sources: NRCS, USACE, and FWS. Amount needed per course: $10,000
|
Common training needs
identified and course available for delivery.
No NEDC Funding
Available for 2008. (11/26/07- Norman Melvin) FWS has provided 100%
funding for 1 course to be delivered in New York the week of May 12,
2008.
The enrollment for the
NY Wetland Restoration & Enhancement course has 30 enrolled. NRCS = 10,
FWS = 8, USACE = 5, NY State and others = 7, Total = 30. (3-31-08 Norman
Melvin).
|
|
2.2
USACE/EPA NATIONAL WETLAND DATABASE.
Brief NRCS National Leadership and National Wetlands Specialist on the
USACE/EPA National Wetland Database in an effort to pursue the expertise
of NRCS and explore the potential integration of NRCS wetland data into
the USACE/EPA National Wetlands Database. Second meeting needed to
explore potential uses/collaboration efforts. |
Short Term |
9/30/2009 |
|
Initial interagency
teleconference was held on April 15, 2008 to discuss National Wetland
Database.
USACE National
Database known as ORM II. NRCS National database known as Easements
Business Tool. Both National databases are used to provide a standard
way to track wetland information including sub actions,
property/easement status, and progress reporting items such as acres of
wetlands.
NRCS will roll out to
states in fall of 2008; USACE already using, ORM II is latest version.
(NRCS-Ken Murray ; USACE Dave Olson Contacts).
Additional discussions
are needed to explore potential uses and/or collaborative database uses.
|
III.
ENHANCING COORDINATION OF NATURAL DISASTER RECOVERY |
|
NATURAL
DISASTER RECOVERY.
Coordinate implementation of the six action items developed by NRCS and
USACE in July 2006. (1) NRCS clarification of policy to reflect if
levees qualify for USACE assistance they are not eligible for NRCS
assistance; (2) NRCS input needed into ESF3 Infrastructure Support
regarding channel clearing; (3) USACE/NRCS follow up with FEMA on Dept.
Level contacts; (4) NRCS/USACE dialogue on PL84-99 and EWP authorities;
(5) USACE identify lead District for coordination with each state; (6)
NRCS/USACE finalize prescript mission assignment to address dead animal
disposal. If it is determined that further coordination is needed a plan
should be developed to ensure that the actions are implemented and that
accomplishments are recorded. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
2006 Senior meeting to
discuss Post-Katrina response and identify areas for additional
coordination.
2008 Re-established
Point of Contact and confirmed priority actions/coordination needed. HQ
POC's from both agencies agree that 6 action items from 2006 meeting are
still valid. They will work together to enhance actions to be presented
to Sr. Leaders including additional actions as needed based on WRDA
2007.
2008 USACE has
indentified lead Districts for coordination with each state.
|
|
3.2
INTERAGENCY FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
Engage NRCS in the Interagency Flood Risk Management Committee sponsored
by USACE to help examine impacts and potential solutions throughout
watersheds including participating in 2008 National Levee Summit
meeting. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
2008-NRCS and USACE
both have an interest in collaborating together on flood risk
management. Discussion was around providing one voice to the public
when working with them on Dam Safety issues. Levee Safety is similar to
Dam Safety effort.
2008- NRCS
participated in the February 25th Summit in St. Louis. Mark Locke
provided a trip report. Next steps are needed.
|
|
3.2
INTERAGENCY FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
Engage NRCS in the Interagency Flood Risk Management Committee sponsored
by USACE to help examine impacts and potential solutions of throughout
watersheds including participating in 2008 National Levee Summit
meeting. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
A Sr. Leader Meeting
is planned for June 24, 2008 for Federal Agencies including NRCS with an
interest in flood risk management. This meeting is sponsored by the
USACE and FEMA Intergovernmental Flood Risk Committee. |
IV.
ADVANCING COLLABORATION IN WATERSHED PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION |
|
4.1
WATERSHED TECHNOLOGY EXCHANGE.
Promote and participate
in watershed technology exchange for ongoing NRCS/USACE collaboration
and dialogue regarding discipline specific technologies, tools and
models. Topics will be derived from input solicited from the field.
|
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
2006 Technology
exchange regarding sub-surface drainage tools (DRAINMOD, AnnAGNPS,
GSSHA)
|
|
4.2
STREAM RESTORATION AND DESIGN.
Engage in National discussions
regarding coordinated efforts in stream restoration and design.
|
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
USACE expressed
interest distributing new NRCS handbook on stream restoration and design
to regulatory offices to encourage their employees to use it. (1-24-08
David Olson).
Electronic version of
NRCS handbook provided to USACE by CED (1-30-08 Jerry Bernard).
USACE has distributed
NRCS handbook to all Regulatory Offices. |
|
4.3
WATERSHED TRAINING.
Conduct inventory of watershed training courses offered by NRCS, USACE
and other Federal Agencies. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
Follow up being
conducted by NRCS and USACE Liaisons to collect existing training course
information and make available on the NRCS/USACE website.
USACE has provided
list of Prospect Courses. |
|
4.4
DESIGN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT.
Develop a proposal for technical and financial support for USACE to test
Roller Compacted Concrete for NRCS Dam Rehabilitation. |
Short Term |
9/30/2008 |
Funding
Source: USACE $5,000 |
Currently ERDC, USACE,
is working on writing RCC testing proposal for NRCS to review. |
|
4.5
COLLABORATIVE USE OF AUTHORITIES AND FUNDING.
Develop an issue paper for National Leadership review that identifies
the barriers that inhibit the collaborative use of NRCS and USACE
authorities and funding for mutual benefit. |
Short Term |
9/30/2009 |
|
Liaisons working with
internal staff to better define the action item. The USACE has the lead
on this effort.
USACE has identified
Rock Island District as a potential candidate for developing an issue
paper.
NRCS will participate
on an equal level providing input into the development of the issue
paper.
Emiquon Project has
been identified as an example of Collaborative use of authorities for
NRCS and USACE. |
|
4.6
PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF USACE FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT TOOL FOR
AGRICULTURAL DAMAGES.
Promote the incorporation
of agricultural damages into the USACE Food Damage Assessment Tool and
provide funds to assist in the development of the crop damage component
following USACE standard procedures, including a literature search, and
the use of NRCS agricultural economics expertise. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
Funding Source:
NRCS: $3,500 for Technical Service Support
NRCS and USACE:
$5,000 each for completion of Design Proposal. |
Second NRCS/USACE
teleconference was held on April 9, 2008. Mike Deering, USACE,
presented information on HEC RAS and FDA Tools.
NRCS reviewed proposed
information and cost on HEC RAS and FDA and provided response to USACE
on funding for both tools as well as input on changes to FDA Tool.
NRCS HEC FDA contacts:
Dale Pekar, David Bouland, NRCS HEC RAS contacts: Jon Fripp and Claudia
Hoeft. USACE HEC Contacts: Mike Deering and Jeff Harris.
NRCS has provided
funding for re-establishing technical support with HEC on FDA Tool for
one year.
NRCS and USACE HEC
provided $5,000 each to complete the design proposal to incorporate Ag
Component to FDA. (6-20-08). |
4.7
QUANTIFYING ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS IN WATERSHED PROJECTS.
Appoint a small NRCS/USACE
interagency team to discuss potential cooperation in quantifying
ecological benefits.
|
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
Changed action to long
term based on last partnership teleconference. |
|
4.8
USACE REAL ESTATE AND NRCS EASEMENTS.
Engage National Staffs in discussions related to USACE Real Estate and
NRCS Easements to promote awareness of each agency's policies and
guidelines and consider areas of collaboration for project and program
implementation. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
The USACE will
continue their involvement with this federal interagency group; the next
meeting will be in June. (4-3-08) |
|
4.9
USACE HEC RAS (River Assessment System):
Re-establish NRCS technical support for HEC RAS at NRCS state level. |
Long Term |
On going |
Funding Source:
NRCS: $15,000 |
Second NRCS/USACE
teleconference was held on April 9, 2008. Mike Deering, USACE,
presented information on HEC RAS and FDA Tools.
NRCS has provided
$15,000 to USACE HEC in FY 2008 to re-establish technical support for
NRCS employees using HEC RAS. This is for one year of service.
(6-20-08)
|
|
4.10
Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) P&G:
USACE and NRCS should collaborate in revisions to the P&G to further the
missions of both agencies. |
Short Term |
11/9/2009 |
|
Draft Principles and
Standards by Nov. 2008
Draft Procedures by
Sept. 2009
Complete Document by
Nov 9, 2009 to meet Congressional deadline.
|
|
4.11
National Inventory of Dams:
Coordinate National Inventory of Dams efforts of NRCS and USACE as
appropriate. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
Suggested by Noller
Herbert, Director, NRCS Conservation Engineering Division. (2-19-08).
NRCS/USACE conducting
follow up with National Contacts to pursue initial meeting to further
discuss this action item. (3-12-08). |
|
4.11
National Inventory of Dams:
Coordinate National Inventory of Dams efforts of NRCS and USACE as
appropriate. |
Long Term |
Ongoing |
|
Eric Halpin is the
USACE NID Contact and his actively working with Mark Locke, NRCS
concerning coordination efforts of the NID. (6-12-08)
|
V.
IMPROVING FEDERAL COMMUNICATION AND COORDINATION BETWEEN AGENCIES |
|
5.1 NRCS/USACE
NATIONAL CONTACT LIST.
Establish a NRCS/USACE National
Subject Matter Contacts list that includes National Headquarters
Contacts for both agencies, USACE Communities of Practices Points of
Contacts, organizational charts and other information that would be
beneficial to the improvement of communication and coordination at all
levels of each organization. |
Short Term |
9/30/2008 |
|
Clearing house
concepts for questions accepted.
USACE to provide
additional contact information as requested to NRCS. (01-09-08).
USACE provided partial
information on USACE HQ staff. Additional staffing contact information
is still needed from USACE. |
|
5.2.
SUCCESS STORIES.
Share NRCS and USACE success stories of existing collaborative efforts
currently in place. |
Short Term |
9/30/2008 |
|
Established
Goods /Services 2 Way MOU
Action Plan developed
to support Partnership Agreement.
Collected field input
to serve as basis for initial success stories.
Success Stories posted
on the website. |
|
5.3
PARTNERSHIP WEBSITE.
Publicize the Partnership & document activities through electronic
newsletters, websites, etc. including examples of NRCS/USACE
collaboration from District/State Communications. USACE/NRCS Partnership
Website. |
Short Term |
9/30/2008 |
|
Partnership Website
Link has been established.
Developed Partnership
Brochure
Delivered Partnership
Presentations at 07 NCER Conference, 08 USACE Planner’s Conference. |
|
5.4
NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION.
Support the 2009 National Ecosystem
Restoration Conference by sponsorship, program planning, and/or
employee participation. |
Short Term |
4/30/2009 |
USACE –
PENDING NRCS - $20,000 |
Both agencies working
to secure funding to support conference.
NRCS reported on
3-11-08 that they had secured funding to support a sponsorship for the
2009 NCER conference. |
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