Information Quality | Natural Resources Conservation Service

Information Quality | Natural Resources Conservation Service Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Main navigation Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Full Menu Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Information Quality Breadcrumb Home Information Quality About Information Quality In compliance with the requirement of the USDA Information Quality Guidelines ,  this page provides information pertaining to requests for correction of information disseminated by NRCS. The USDA Information Quality Guidelines correction mechanisms are not intended to imply any rights of individuals to request amendment of their own records beyond those permitted by the Privacy Act of 1974 or other organization specific laws. Where to Submit a Formal Request for Correction All requests for correction of NRCS information must be submitted by letter to: Quality of Information Officer USDA, NRCS, Public Affairs Division 14th and Independence Ave., SW, Room 6121-S Washington, DC 20250 Information Requirements This guidance for the content of requests for correction of information is not intended to constitute a set of legally binding requirements. However, NRCS may be unable to process, in a timely fashion or at all, requests that omit one or more of the requested elements. Requestors bear the "burden of proof" with respect to the necessity for correction as well as with respect to the type of correction they seek. NRCS will base its decision on the merits of the information provided by the requestor. Requests for correction of information should include the following elements: Statement that the Request for Correction of Information is Submitted Under USDA's Information Quality Guidelines Requestor Contact Information The name, mailing address, telephone number, fax number (if any), email address (if any), and organizational affiliation (if any) of the person requesting the correction. Description of Information to Correct The name of the NRCS publication, report, or data product; the date of issuance or other identifying information such as the URL of the web page; and a detailed description that clearly identifies the specific information contained in that publication, report, or data product for which a correction is being sought. Explanation of Noncompliance with OMB and/or USDA Information Quality Guidelines An explanation that describes how the information fails to meet either the OMB or USDA Information Quality Guidelines. Explanation of the Effect of the Alleged Error An explanation that describes the requestor's use of the information in question and how the requestor is affected by the alleged error. Recommendation and Justification for How the Information Should Be Corrected The requestor should state specifically how the information should be corrected and explain why the corrections should be made. A request for correction that is specific and provides evidence to support the need for correction is likely to be more persuasive than a request that is general, unfocused, or that simply indicates disagreement with the information in question. Requestors seeking a correction should follow the procedure described at: http://www.ocio.usda.gov/policy-directives-records-forms/guidelines-quality-information/correction-information Public Disclosure Of Requests For Correction Of Information Disseminated By NRCS And Requests For Reconsideration Of AMS Decisions Based on the review it has conducted, the NRCS believes that it does not currently produce or sponsor the distribution of influential scientific information (including highly influential scientific assessments) within the definitions promulgated by OMB. As a result, at this time the NRCS has no agenda of forthcoming influential scientific disseminations to post on its website in accordance with OMB's Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review. Requests For Correction Received By NRCS No Request for Correction Have Been Received From October 2002 through December 2010. Requests For Reconsideration of NRCS Decisions No Request for Reconsideration Have Been Received From October 2002 through December 2010. Privacy Act Statement USDA is authorized to obtain certain information under Section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law No. 106-554, codified at 44 U.S.C. 3516, note). Information is needed by USDA to process the request for correction and allow USDA to reply accordingly. This information is needed by USDA to respond to the requestor and initiate follow-up contact with the requestor if required. Requestors should not send USDA their Social Security Number. Requestors are advised that they do not have to furnish the information but failure to do so may prevent their request from being processed. The information requestors furnish is almost never used for any purpose other than to process and respond to their request. However, USDA may disclose information to a congressional office in response to an inquiry made on behalf of the requestor, to the Department of Justice, a court, other tribunal when the information is relevant and necessary to litigation, or to a contractor or another Federal agency to help accomplish a function related to this process. Peer Review Based on the review it has conducted, the NRCS believes that it does not currently produce or sponsor the distribution of influential scientific information (including highly influential scientific assessments) within the definitions promulgated by OMB. As a result, at this time the NRCS has no agenda of forthcoming influential scientific disseminations to post on its website in accordance with OMB's Information Quality Bulletin for Peer Review. 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