Conservation Planning - Three-Phase, Nine-Step Process

The planning process used by NRCS is a three-phase, nine-step process. Although the nine steps are shown in sequential order, the process is very dynamic. The process could start with any of the first three steps or even step nine. Cycling back to previous steps is often necessary. As an example, steps one and two may not be finalized until step four is completed.  Some planning activities may overlap planning steps, and some activities may not necessarily occur in a particular planning step each time attesting to the dynamic nature of conservation planning. The National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH), Amendment 4, establishes conservation planning policy for NRCS in the Pacific Islands - West.

Phase I - Collection and Analysis (Understanding the Problems and Opportunities)

1. Step 1 - Identify Problems and Opportunities
2. Step 2 - Determine Objectives
3. Step 3 - Inventory Resources
4. Step 4 - Analyze Resource Data

Phase II - Decision Support (Understanding the Solutions)

5. Step 5 - Formulate Alternatives
6. Step 6 - Evaluate Alternatives
7. Step 7 - Make Decisions

Phase III - Application and Evaluation (Understanding the Results)

8. Step 8 - Implement the Plan
9. Step 9 - Evaluate the Plan

Conservation Planning Support Documents, Tools, Resources and Training Information

• Conservation Planning Resources and Training Information
• Conservation Planning Support Guidance
• Conservation Planning Tools

National Link

• Planning Training

Pacific Islands - West Conservation Planning Contact

John (Bart) H. Lawrence
Assistant Director Operations, Pacific Islands - West
Phone: 671.472.7470
Email: john.lawrence@pb.usda.gov

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