All NRCS field employees with conservation planning in their job descriptions will be certified by March 31, 1998. The reception by conservation planners has been very favorable. Long-term planners enjoy getting back to working with clients on a wide variety of resources and land uses. Newer employees are able to expand their focus beyond the single resource emphasis of previous programs. The Michigan Conservation Partnership benefits from the consistent quality of program delivery.
Clients benefit from planning assistance coordinated by a single, skilled planner.
The public benefits from informed decisions by landowners. NRCS Chief Paul Johnson participated in the MOU signing ceremony. Arbor Day Farm's Lied Conference Center in Nebraska City will become a key facility for NRCS training. Field training locations near the Lied Conference Center will be created for training in the planning, design, and layout of conservation practices and systems. NRCS and the Foundation will work with farmers, towns, and other landowners in the area to create a model conservation community.