Source: http://directives.sc.egov.usda.gov/ViewRollUp.aspx?hid=27215&sf=1
Timestamp: 2015-05-27 19:43:54
Document Index: 288074163

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 539', 'art 540', 'art 541', 'art 542', 'art 613', 'art 540']

M_190_NPMM - National Plant Materials Manual
Part 539 - Introduction
539.0 Mission
539.1 Purpose
539.2 Policy
539.3 Purpose of the Manual
539.4 Changes to the Manual
539.5 Supplements to the Manual
Subpart B - Authorities for the Plant Materials Program
539.10 General
539.11 Description of Authorities
Subpart C - Exhibits
539.20 NRCS Goals and Objectives
539.21 NRCS PMP Goals and Objectives
539.22 Locations and Service Areas of Plant Materials Centers
539.23 Plant Materials Centers
Part 540 – Operation and Management
Subpart A - Plant Materials Operations
540.0 Roles and Responsibilities
540.1 Plant Materials Long Range Planning
540.2 Operation and Administration of the Plant Materials Centers
540.3 Operation and Administration of the National plant Materials Center
Subpart B - Product Development
540.10 General
540.11 National Projects
540.12 Studies
540.13 Technology Development and Transfer
540.14 Field-based Technology Studies
540.15 Information-based Technology
540.16 Final Preparation of Field-based and Information-based Technology Products
540.17 Transferring and Marketing Technology Products
Subpart C – Plant Selection
540.30 General
540.31 Coordination of Plant Selection and Release
540.32 Assembly and Accessioning
540.33 Evaluation and Summary
540.34 Release Procedures
540.35 Protecting PMC Releases
540.36 Management of Plant Releases
540.37 Import and Export of Plant Germplasm
Subpart D – Exhibits
540.50 Example of State Plant Materials Long Range Plan
540.51 Example of a PMC Long Range Plan
540.52 Recommended Training for Plant Materials (PM) Staff
540.53 Working with Native Americans-American Indians and Alaska Natives
540.54 Reports and Information Required from PMCs Each Year
540.55 Safety and Health legislation and Regulations Pertinent to PMC Operations
540.56 Outline for Safety Inspections at PMCs
540.57 Reserved
540.58 Prescribed Burn Plan for a Plant Materials Center
540.59 Example of a PMC Business Plan
540.60 Example of a PMC Workload Analysis
540.61 Guidelines for Program Evaluations or Other Review of a Plant Materials Program
540.62 Checklist for Development of Technology Products
540.63 Typical Process for Product Development
540.64 Sample Project Statement for the Plant Materials Program
540.65 List of National Projects
540.66 Details of Assigning Numbers for Studies and Plantings
540.67 Example of a Study Plan for the Plant Materials Program
540.68 Resources for Preparing Literature Reviews
540.69 Type of Technology Products
540.70 Form NRCS-ECS-9, Planting Plan for Field, Special and Increase Plantings
540.71 Form NRCS-ECS-14, Plant Materials Program Field Planting or Study Plan Assistance Notes
540.72 Form NRCS-ECS , Establishment of Field, Special and Increase Plantings
540.73 Reserved
540.74 Reserved
540.75 Example of a Technical Notes
540.76 Example of a Plant Fact Sheet
540.77 Example of a Plant Guide
540.78 Checklist for Plant Selection Studies
540.79 ESCOP Policy Statement for Developing and Releasing Improved Plants
540.80 Form NRCS-ECS-580, Seed and Plant Collection Information
540.81 Reserved
540.82 Reserved
540.83 Worksheet for Documenting an Environmental Evaluation of NRCS Plant Releases
540.84 Example of Information Found in a Documentation of Selection
540.85 Summary of Plant Release Types and Criteria for Release
540.86 AOSCA Guidelines for Release Types and Development Tracks
540.87 Conservation Plant Release Review Worksheet
540.88 General Outline for an Official Plant Release Notice for All Release Types
540.89 Example of an Official Plant Release Notice for a Cultivar Release
540.90 Example of an Official Plant Release Notice for a Tested Release
540.91 Example of an Official Plant Release Notice for a Selected Release
540.92 Example of an Official Plant Release Notice for a Source-Identified Release
540.93 Example of an Official Plant Release Notice for a Germplasm Release
540.94 Example of a Release Brochure 540.95 Application for Seed Storage at the National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation
540.96 Seed Storage Policy of the National Center or Genetic Resources Preservation
540.97 Form NRCS-ECS-001, Request for Plant Materials Allocation and Distribution
540.98 Form NRCS-ECS-596, Distribution and Delivery (D&D) Record (Sample)
540.99 Worksheet to Discontinue PMC Production of a Plant Materials Release
Part 541 – Information Management
Subpart A – Plant Materials Reports
541.0 General
541.1 Plant Materials Operations and Management System (POMS)
541.2 Plant Materials Performance Index
541.3 NRCS Reporting through the Performance Results System
541.4 Plant Materials Reports
Subpart B - Exhibits
541.10 POMS Database Architecture
541.11 Plant Materials Performance Index
541.12 Example of a Progress Report of Activities
Part 542 –Plant Science Reference Section
542.0 Acronyms Found in the NPMM 542.1 Glossary of Terms For Use in Plant Materials
542.2 Plant Nomenclature
542.3 Guidelines for Preparing Botanical Specimens
542.4 Photographing Plant Materials [M_190_NPMM_TOC - Fourth Edition - July 2010]
539.0 Mission The mission of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Plant Materials Program (PMP) is to develop, test, and transfer plant science technology to meet customer and natural resource needs. NRCS PMP activities are consistent with the objectives of the current United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and NRCS Strategic Plans (Section 539.20), namely to provide timely and effective vegetative solutions for identified resource needs. 539.1 Purpose A. The purpose of the NRCS PMP is to: (1) Assemble, test, and release plant materials for conservation use. (2) Determine techniques for successful use and management of conservation plants. (3) Facilitate the commercial increase of conservation plants. (4) Provide for the timely development and transfer of effective applied plant science technology to solve conservation problems. (5) Promote the use of plant science technology to meet the goals and objectives of the USDA and NRCS Strategic Plans (Sections 539.20 and 539.21).
B. To accomplish this purpose, NRCS maintains and operates a PMP utilizing a network of Plant Materials Centers (PMC) (see Section 539.22) and Plant Materials Specialists to coordinate its on-going conservation operations activities. PMP strategic goals and objectives are described in Section 539.21. 539.2 Policy The Plant Materials Program:
(1) Works to meet the goals and objectives of the USDA and NRCS Strategic Plans and to comply with the authorities described in Section 539.11.
(2) Works to meet the objectives of other Federal, State, and local programs and initiatives. (3) Cooperates with other partners, with the major emphasis being to provide timely and effective state-of-the-art plant science technology.
(4) Performs activities and provides services consistent with USDA and NRCS Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity, and Civil Rights policies. 539.3 Purpose of the Manual The National Plant Materials Manual (NPMM) establishes policies and procedures for plant materials activities within NRCS. This manual is meant to complement all established USDA and NRCS policies and guidelines. 539.4 Changes to the Manual A. Periodic review of the NPMM may be undertaken by the National Program Leader (NPL)-Plant Materials with revisions to policy and procedures made as needed. B. All deviations from policy or procedure found in the NPMM must be reviewed and approved by the NPL in writing prior to implementation. Deviations typically affect only local operations or the local PMC for which the deviation is approved. Approved deviations to policy or procedure will be filed in the appropriate section(s) of the NPMM. C. Proposed amendments to policy or procedure found in the NPMM must be submitted to the NPL for consideration. Amendments typically pertain to national operations. The NPL will determine the appropriate procedure for review and final disposition of the proposed amendment. D. The following items should be submitted to the NPL to evaluate requests for deviations or changes to the NPMM.
(1) Date of request. (2) Requestor’s name, address, email address, and phone number. (3) Is this a deviation or amendment? (4) Does this request affect local, State, regional, or national level(s)? (5) Reference the parts and page numbers in the NPMM dealing with the request for deviation or amendment. (6) Describe proposed changes to the existing text in the NPMM or proposed new text to be added to the NPMM. (7) Justification for why the deviation or an amendment is needed. (8) Letter must include areas for concurrence by the appropriate State Conservationist and approval by the NPL. All requests should be forwarded to the NPL through the State Conservationist. 539.5 Supplements to the Manual A. Supplements may be required to provide additional details to accommodate specific national, regional, State, or local plant materials needs, policies, or regulations. Supplements are not meant to change the policies and procedures found in the NPMM. Supplements must be filed in accordance with the NRCS Directives System. Copies of all supplements to the NPMM will be provided to the NPL. B. Examples of supplements include Long Range Plans (LRP) for State PM activities, PMC LRP, PMC Business Plan, PMC Workload Analysis, and details of State regulations pertaining to plant release selection, certification, or marketing. [M_190_NPMM_539_A - Fourth Edition - July 2010]
539.10 General The authority to operate a PMP is provided for in Federal law. A brief description of the authorities relevant to the PMP is found in Section 539.11. Full text for each of these authorities can be found on the Internet or requested from the NPL. 539.11 Description of Authorities Authority for the NRCS PMP is provided by: (1) Soil Conservation Act of 1935 The Soil Conservation Act of 1935 (Public Law (P.L.) 74‑46, 49 Statute 163; 16 USC 590 [a-f]) declares that it is the policy of Congress to provide permanently for the control and prevention of soil erosion and, thereby, preserve natural resources. This act provides for basic authority for the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) (now NRCS) PMP.
(2) Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 The Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977 (P.L.95-192; 16 USC 40) declares that it is the policy of Congress to ensure that USDA possesses information, technical expertise, and a delivery system for providing assistance to land users with respect to conservation and use of soils; plants; woodlands; watershed protection and flood prevention; the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; animal husbandry; fish and wildlife management; recreation; community development; and related resource uses.
(3) Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 The Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 USC 6962) authorizes the Secretary to establish and maintain within the Department an agency called the Natural Resources Conservation Service. This Act changed SCS to NRCS.
(4) NRCS Policy on the Operation of Plant Materials Centers (2009)
This policy, issued January 9, 2009, is contained in 7 CFR 613 and the Federal Register, Vol. 72 No. 234 (September 3, 2008) and clarifies the role, activity, and function of NRCS PMCs to support NRCS conservation activities. This CFR updates information on NRCS conservation activities and PMCs as described in P.L. 74-46. This CFR is presented in Section 539.23 because of its importance to the PMP.
[M_190_NPMM_539_B - Fourth Edition - July 2010]
Click here for a copy of NRCS Goals and Objectives 539.21 NRCS PMP Goals and Objectives
Click here for a copy of NRCS PMP Goals and Objectives
Click here for a copy of the Locations and Service Areas of Plant Materials Centers
539.23 Code of Federal Regulations – Part 613 - Plant Materials Centers
Click here for a copy of the Code of Federal Regulations
[M_190_NPMM_539_C - Fourth Edition - July 2010]
Part 540 - Operation and Management
540.0 Roles and Responsibilities A. The following roles and responsibilities provide support for the Plant Materials Program (PMP). The majority of these roles are currently established and functioning as described. The roles described may or may not be valid depending on the structure which exists at the national, regional, or State level. Titles of positions and committees are generally the most accepted ones or the titles currently in use. Titles may be different but the responsibilities and functions of the position or committee are comparable. B. Staff Positions - National Responsibilities (1) Chief, NRCS - The Chief, with line and staff assistance, provides overall strategic planning and national direction for the agency, including plant science activities.
(2) Deputy Chief for Science and Technology - The Deputy Chief for Science and Technology provides overall strategic planning and national direction for national science and technology activities, including plant science activities.
(3) Director, Ecological Sciences Division - The Director of the Ecological Sciences Division provides management and leadership for the Division, including plant science activities.
(4) National Program Leader - Plant Materials - The National Program Leader – Plant Materials (NPL-PM) is a staff member of the Ecological Sciences Division. The NPL provides overall leadership for program integration and coordination of technology development and transfer in the PMP and other programs. Responsibilities include:
(i) Communicating with and providing information to agency administrators, national program leaders, legislative personnel, and other national level partners regarding program accomplishments and program needs.
(ii) Providing leadership and opportunities for discipline training.
(iii) Providing leadership in performance evaluation and accountability within the PMP.
(iv) Recommending budget allocations for Plant Material Centers (PMC).
(v) Communicating national PMP information, priorities, needs, and concerns to appropriate region and State levels.
(vi) Participating in national and regional strategic planning efforts.
(vii) Providing leadership and direction for information coordination.
(viii) Encouraging, guiding, assessing, and assuring diversity and equity in program operations and delivery.
(5) National Plant Materials Information Coordinator - The Plant Materials (PM) Information Coordinator provides overall coordination for information management to the PMP. Responsibilities include:
(i) Serving as coordinator and facilitator in efforts to provide technology transfer of PM data to field offices.
(ii) Developing and maintaining a data management system for PM.
(iii) Serving as data steward for PM databases.
(iv) Serving as administrator of PM information on the Internet.
(v) Developing and maintaining an information system for PM.
(6) National Plant Materials Center Manager - The National Plant Materials Center (NPMC) Manager is responsible for operation of the NPMC and its technical programs. Responsibilities include:
(i) Managing and administering the NPMC and the activities of a national scope as directed by the NPL.
(ii) Coordinating PM data management and Web site development and population;
(iii) Coordinating the collection and preservation of all PM publications and national PM information.
(iv) Collecting and preserving information on PM releases.
(v) Assisting with PMP promotional activities;
(vi) Providing release and germplasm processing assistance to the PMP;
(vii) Coordinating the export and import of plants with the Agricultural and Plant Health Inspections Service (APHIS).
(viii) Those activities defined for the PMC Manager as described in Section 540.0(D)(5). (7) National Technology Support Center (NTSC) Plant Materials Specialist – The NTSC PM Specialist serves as the lead contact and technical specialist for all PM-related technology nationally or in a region. Responsibilities include: (i) Providing direct technical assistance and policy guidance to State Conservationists, their staffs, and the NTSC staff.
(ii) Serving as a liaison with the NPL and advising the NPL on key issues within their region.
(iii) Provide a technical review and scoring of new releases before the release gets approved, and a review of significant technical documents before they are finalized.
(iv) Initiating and coordinating PM work and technology transfer across State and regional boundaries.
(v) Initiating and coordinating joint projects and work with other Federal and State agencies, groups, and organizations.
(8) NTSC Technology Coordinator - The Technology Coordinator (TC) is on the NTCS staff and will facilitate technology development for NRCS nationally and in each region. Responsibilities include:
(i) Being a primary contact person and liaison for NRCS Technical Support Centers, the NPL-PM, other agencies, and partners.
(ii) Serving as liaison with national program managers and technology committees.
(iii) Facilitating inter- and intra-region and national technology development.
(iv) Assisting with the identification of customer needs on State and regional levels, and the coordination of product development and transfer.
(v) Serving as a member of the Regional Technology Workgroup.
C. Staff Positions - Regional Responsibilities
(1) Regional Conservationist - The Regional Conservationist (RC), assisted by the State Conservationists, provides overall administrative leadership, support, integration, and coordination of plant science activities within and between regions, national program leaders, and national and State partners. Responsibilities include:
(i) Providing leadership in the implementation of a regional organizational structure, which will allow key plant science resource needs and priorities to be met.
(ii) Ensuring PMP integration at State, regional, and national levels.
(iii) Providing leadership in the evaluation and accountability of all program activities and accomplishments.
D. Staff Positions - State and Local Responsibilities (1) State Conservationist - The State Conservationist (STC), assisted by the staff, provides overall administrative leadership, support, integration, and coordination of the plant science activities within and between States and with other local, State, and regional partners. Responsibilities include:
(i) Providing leadership in the development and implementation of a State organizational structure which will allow key plant science resource needs and priorities to be met.
(ii) Ensuring PMP integration at local, State, and regional levels.
(iii) Providing leadership in the evaluation and accountability of all program activities and accomplishments, and directing resources and staff as necessary to address priority needs with recommendations from the State program manager and State technical staff.
(iv) Overseeing the administration and operation of the PMC or Centers located in their State.
(v) Ensuring that the PM needs of all States within the PMC service area are met;
(vi) STCs both with and without PMCs will actively coordinate, organize, and participate in annual PMC advisory committee meetings.
(vii) Appointing the State Technology Contact.
(viii) Encourage field offices to be involved with PM activities through germplasm collection, test plantings, and demonstration plantings.
(ix) Delegate to PMC Managers the authority to manage discretionary spending within the PMC budget.
(x) Provide a PM Specialist position (funded by CO-01 as part of the State resources staff) to support PM technology transfer activities within the PMC service area.
(2) State Resource Conservationist - As directed by the STC, the State Resource Conservationist (SRC), or equivalent position within the State, provides leadership of the State technical support staff. Responsibilities include:
(i) Ensuring coordination, technology development and transfer, support, integration, and coordination of plant science activities with other ecological sciences staff within the State.
(ii) SRCs both with and without PMCs will actively coordinate, organize, and participate in annual PMC technical committee meetings.
(iii) Include the PM Specialist and PMC Manager in State Ecological Sciences/Resources staff meetings (for States with these positions).
(3) State Technology Contact - The State Technology Contact coordinates technology development within the State. Responsibilities include:
(i) Being the primary contact person and liaison for NTSC, other agencies, and partners.
(ii) Coordinating the identification of customer needs on State and regional levels, and the coordination of product development and transfer.
(iii) Serving as liaison with the Regional Technology Coordinator and member of the Regional Technology Committee.
(4) Plant Materials Specialist - The PM Specialist is a member of the State technical support staff in each State served. The PM Specialist may also be referred to as a “Plant Resource Specialist” or “Plant Materials Program Specialist.” A PM Specialist may serve multiple States and provide support for one to three PMCs. Responsibilities include:
(i) Providing leadership in the coordination of PM activities with the NPL, STC, PMC Advisory Committee, PMC Manager, NTSC PM Specialist, State Technology Contact, NTSCs, State Technology staff, NRCS field offices, conservation districts, and other local, State, and regional offices and partners; (ii) Providing integration of critical PM information into other technical disciplines (e.g., agronomy, biology, cultural resources, forestry, and grazing) and conservation programs.
(iii) Integrating key PM and plant technologies into the Field Office Technical Guide for conservation planning and application activities.
(iv) Providing leadership in innovative plant technology to the field to meet emerging conservation issues.
(v) Providing leadership in promoting awareness of PM technology and outreach in PM activities to conservation partners, cooperators, and the public.
(vi) Maintaining working partnerships and coordination with agricultural experiment stations, the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Plant Introduction Centers, Crop Improvement Associations, seed and plant growers and dealers, non-government organizations, etc..
(vi) Developing the State Long Range Plan (LRP) for PM in States served, and integration of PMP objectives into the State business plan (Section 540.50).
(viii) Provide coordination and oversight in the development of the PMC LRP and other PMC operational documents.
(5) Plant Materials Center Manager - The PMC Manager is a member of the State technical support staff in each State served. Responsibilities include:
(i) Managing and administration of the PMC including budget, procurement, personnel; management of the PMC facility and equipment; and development and management of reimbursable agreements.
(ii) Providing leadership in completing plant science technology needs assessment and development of the PMC LRP, PMC Business Plan, Workload Analysis, Study Plans, and other operational documents.
(iii) Providing leadership and coordination in the execution of the annual PMC Business Plan, including development of cooperative research projects with other agencies and partners.
(iv) Reporting of activities and accomplishments in appropriate databases and systems.
(v) Developing and transferring technology products for identified customers, such as State technical support staff, NRCS field offices, Tribal partners, other government agencies, land users, and universities.
(vi) Providing direct assistance and training to NRCS field offices, conservation districts, and partners on PM activities.
(vii) Ensuring that NRCS conservation plant germplasm is maintained and available to meet conservation needs.
(viii) Utilizing the PMC for rapid response to emerging and critical vegetative needs.
(6) Area Conservationist - The Area Conservationist (AC), or equivalent position within the State, is responsible for providing overall administrative leadership, support, integration, and coordination of the plant science activities within and between areas, the State office, and with other local and State partners.
(7) District Conservationist - The District Conservationist (DC), or equivalent position within the State, is responsible for assisting Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in carrying out plant science-related programs and activities. Field offices assist with PM activities which may include:
(i) Assessing local resource and conservation problems and needs in conjunction with the SWCD.
(ii) Promoting plant science technology and improved PM.
(iii) Initial seed and plant collecting for improved plant selection.
(iv) Assisting with installation and evaluation of field plantings, conservation field trials, and demonstration plantings.
(8) Conservation Districts - Regional, State, area, and district conservationists are to keep conservation districts and other identified partners informed and actively involved with ongoing and proposed plant science-related programs, projects, and activities.
(9) Regional Technical Teams - These NRCS entities will provide technical guidance and support at State or regional levels as appropriate according to the developed organizational structure.
(1) National Plant Materials Advisory Committee (i) The National PM Advisory Committee provides guidance to the National PMP. The principal duties of the National PM Advisory Committee are to:
· Review and provide input for strategic planning within the PMP.
· Discuss and act on issues which may have major impacts on the PMP.
· Identify concerns of national significance from the areas they represent.
· Recommend, review, and/or approve for consideration by the Chief, or other top level NRCS administrators, agreements or initiatives needed by PMP to achieve NRCS objectives.
· Increase the awareness level and support of the PMP at all levels of NRCS.
(ii) Members of the committee may include:
· STCs appointed by the Deputy Chief for Science and Technology and Regional Conservationists.
· The Deputy Chief for Science and Technology or his/her representative;
· The NPL-PM.
· The National PM Information Coordinator and NTSC PM Specialist.
· Representatives from the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) or other national organizations.
· Representatives from other appropriate Federal agencies or NRCS offices as determined by the committee.
· Representatives from private industry.
(iii) The committee will choose a chairperson or co-chairperson. Meetings will normally be rotated around the country to expose the committee to new resource concerns. Meeting frequency is 2-4 times per year or as determined by the committee. (2) National Plant Materials Technical Committee (i) The National PM Technical Committee provides input to the National PM Advisory process. The National PM Technical Committee is composed of representatives from all regions of the country. Responsibilities include:
· Providing overall technical leadership in the identification, integration, and prioritization of plant technology needs on a national scale.
· Identifying concerns and developing recommendations, which are submitted to the National PM Advisory Committee for review and approval.
· Discussing and acting on issues which may have major impacts on the PMP. (ii) Members may include:
· The NPL.
· Appropriate PMC Managers and technical staff, PM Specialists, and NTSC PM Specialists.
· Regional Technology Coordinators.
· The National PM Information Coordinator and NPMC Manager.
· Appropriate field and area personnel.
· Advisors to the committee, which may include appropriate partners.
(iii) Meeting frequency is 1-3 times per year as determined by the NPL.
(3) Regional Plant Materials Advisory Committee (i) The purpose of the committee is to provide leadership in the coordination, communication, support, and integration of plant science needs and/or developed technology within and between regions, the National PM Advisory Committee, and other regional and national partners. The committee:
· Provides leadership in the integration of all PMP activities into one process for technology development.
· Reviews, approves, and arranges for the carrying out of projects and activities, and develops a regional LRP for PM.
· Takes leadership in addressing identified priority resource needs and concerns and ensures the needed action is presented within the Regional Strategic Plan (annual or multi-year plan of work).
(ii) Members may include:
· STCs in the region.
· Regional Conservationist.
· NTSC PM Specialist.
· Advisors to the committee, who may include the NPL-PM and other members as determined appropriate by the committee to serve as advisors.
(iii) Meetings will normally be chaired by the STC in the host State and rotate among States in the region. Meeting frequency will be annually or as determined by the committee. (4) State Conservationist’s Plant Materials Advisory Committee
(i) The purpose of the committee is to provide leadership in the coordination, communication, support, and integration of applied plant science technology within and between States within the service area, the Regional and National PM Advisory Committees, and other partners. The STC PM Advisory Committee:
· Provides leadership in the integration of all program activities into one process for technology development.
· Ensures that identified priority resource needs and actions are included in the State Strategic Plans.
· Reviews and approves the PMC LRP.
· Reviews and approves PMC studies and activities to address the needs in the State and PMC LRP.
(ii) Members include:
· STCs in the PMC service area.
· Advisors to the committee who may include the PM Specialist, PMC staff, NTSC PM Specialist, NPL-PM