Step 1: Online Core Training
Incoming CRP Readiness Initiative participants begin by completing an online Core Training course. The self-guided, web-based course provides a comprehensive overview of the Conservation Reserve Program and CRP conservation plan development. Learning modules focus on topics like the history of CRP, the contracting process, CRP conservation plan development (including tools and resources), CRP plan implementation, and CRP plan follow-up management. Each module features interactive activities and learning objectives to enhance the training experience. Core Training is currently available free of charge to all participants. Estimated completion time is 16 hours, although some students may finish sooner.
Due to the regional differences of CRP, the online Core Training has been developed based on the practices and procedures common to the following states: AL, CO, GA, IA, IL, MD, MN, MS, MT, ND, NY, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, VA. Interested professionals in other states may take the training, but may not have access to the same level of detail in those states.
Online Core Training Description and Registration Page
Step 2: Mentorship Program
Note: As of March 31, 2013 the mentorship component is no longer available. Participants may still complete the online Core Training through the end of June and all supplemental courses according to their individual course schedules. Plans submitted for TSP certification will be evaluated by the national NRCS CRP staff. For assistance, please contact Karen Bassler, CRPRI Project Manager.
The second phase of the CRP Readiness Initiative provides Core Training participants with an experienced mentor from their state to assist with the development of a CRP plan upon completion of the Core Training. Submitting a completed CRP plan to NRCS is one of the requirements for being certified on TechReg as a CRP planner. In some states, participants may submit plans under contract with NRCS, and in others, participants will submit “mock” plans based on properties they are familiar with. Mentors will also be available to answer any questions and provide guidance to participants in the months following Core Training. Mentors are available to program participants in the following states only: AL, CO, GA, IA, IL, MD, MN, MS, MT, ND, NY, OH, PA, SC, SD, TN, UT, WA, WI, VA. If you are based in another state and have taken the Core Training, and are interested in working with a mentor from one of the above states, please contact us and we will try and set you up with a mentor. While the program cannot guarantee CRP contracts with NRCS, ongoing support will be provided as participants explore the opportunities in their states.
Step 3: Supplemental Courses
The Core Training provides a comprehensive introduction to CRP and CRP conservation planning, but some program participants may be interested in additional training in certain topic areas. Competency in these areas can be enhanced through supplemental short courses focused on key prediction models and planning tools. Online short course topics include RUSLE2, the Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) and Web Tools and are currently open for registration. Additional short courses below will be offered in in-person and hybrid online/in-person formats in 2013. All short courses are available free of charge to Core Training participants and for a fee to all non-Core participants. Click on the course links below for more information. All courses are eligible for CEUs. Please indicate which categories you would like to apply for in your course pre-surveys.
Note: To receive supplemental training at no cost, participants must complete the Core Training prior to the listed registration dates. Online Core Training is still available through June 30th.
In-Person Courses
Plant Identification
Available in MT, PA, UT, VA, WA
Participants will develop practical knowledge of plant terminology and morphology, learn the diagnostic characterstics of plant groups typically found on CRP lands, practice using a dichotomous key for plant identification, and identify plant specimens in classroom and field settings.
Logan, Utah
Date: May 28
Registration deadline: May 19
Raphine, Virginia
Date: May 30
Registration deadline: May 21
Great Falls, Montana
Date: June 19
Registration deadline: June 10
Dauphin, Pennsylvania
Date: June 21
Registration deadline: June 13
Washington
Date and location TBD, check registration page for details
CRP Plan – Start to Finish
Available in CO, MD, MT, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, VA
CRP Plan: Start to Finish is a one-day course designed to walk participants through the CRP conservation planning process step by step. Participants in this course will learn how to: develop NRCS-required maps, use online tools to evaluate soils in order to choose the best conservation practices, assess installation and maintenance specifications, and develop a timeline so landowners can meet all CRP program requirements.
Queenstown, Maryland
Date: May 16
Registration deadline: May 7
Colorado Springs, CO
Date: May 21
Registration deadline: May 12
Raphine, Virginia
Date: May 29
Registration deadline: May 20
Marysville, Ohio
Date: June 12
Registration deadline: June 2
Great Falls, Montana
Date: June 20
Registration deadline: June 11
Dauphin, Pennsylvania
Date: June 20
Registration deadline: June 11
Geneva, New York
Date: June 25
Registration deadline: June 14
Blackville, South Carolina
Date: July 9
Registration deadline: June 30
Cleveland,Tennessee
Date: July 23
Registration deadline: July 12
Hybrid Online/In-Person Courses
Mid-Contract Management: Creating and Maintaining Exceptional Habitat
Available in CO, IL, OH, SD, UT, WA, WI
The Mid-Contract Management course provides participants with a background in mid-contract management purpose, benefits and limitations within the CRP conservation planning process. Students will learn strategies in working with landowners to develop a mid-contract management plan and conduct a site visit to evaluate the effectiveness of mid-contract management practices on the land.
Colorado Springs, CO
Online component: Complete between May 1 and May 21
In-peson component: May 22
Registration deadline: April 22
Logan, Utah
Online component: Complete between May 7 and May 28
In-person component: May 29
Registration deadline: April 29
Marysville, Ohio
Online component: Complete between May 22 and June 12
In-person component: June 13
Registration deadline: May 13
Springfield, Illinois
Online component: Complete between May 27 and June 17
In-person component: June 18
Registration deadline: May 17
Brookings, South Dakota
Online component: Complete between May 27 and June 17
In-person component: June 18
Registration deadline: May 17
Madison, Wisconsin
Online component: Complete between June 3 and June 24
In-person component: June 25
Registration deadline: May 27
Washington
Date and location TBD, check registration page for details
NEPA and the CPA-52 Environmental Evaluation
Available in: AL, IL, MD, NY, SC, TN, WI
The CPA-52 course focuses on NRCS’ process to evaluate environmental quality and other ecosystem health issues that are at the core of every conservation plan. The CPA-52 serves as a baseline environmental evaluation and is part of the required NEPA assessment.
Queenstown, Maryland
Online component: Complete between April 26 and May 16
In-person component: May 17
Registration deadline: April 19
Blackville, South Carolina
Online component: Complete between June 18 and July 9
In-person component: July 10
Registration deadline: June 9
Springfield, Illinois
Online component: Complete between May 21 and June 11
In-person component: June 12
Registration deadline: May 10
Madison, Wisconsin
Online component: Complete between June 4 and June 25
In-person component: June 26
Registration deadline: May 26
Geneva, New York
Online component: Complete between June 4 and June 25
In-person component: June 26
Registration deadline: May 26
Cleveland, Tennessee
Online component: Complete between July 2 and July 23
In-person component: July 24
Registration deadline: June 23
Alabama
Date and location TBD, check registration page for details
Developing Wildlife Habitat
Available in AL, SD
The Developing Wildlife Habitat course covers landscape and habitat concepts. The students will learn to “read the landscape” by identifying landscape features within the context of Wildlife Habitat Guides (WHG) and Ecological Site Descriptions (ESDs). The student will learn to apply a “state and transition” process to identify existing site features and choose the conservation practices that will transition the site to the desired habitat. Landowner input will be used to guide students toward completing a CRP Wildlife Habitat Plan within the context of a virtual field day to prepare the student for the corresponding in-field component.
Brookings, South Dakota
Online component: Complete between May 27 and June 16
In-person component: June 17
Registration deadline: May 17
Alabama
Dates and locations TBD, check registration page for details
Online Courses
Online Core Training
Available in all states through June 30
The self-guided, web-based course provides a comprehensive overview of the Conservation Reserve Program and CRP conservation plan development. Learning modules focus on topics like the history of CRP, the contracting process, CRP conservation plan development (including tools and resources), CRP plan implementation, and CRP plan follow-up management. Each module features interactive activities and learning objectives to enhance the training experience.
Conservation Planning Web Tools
Available in all states through July 31
The Online Web Tools course provides a hands-on exploration of the Web Soil Survey and electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG), two tools used by conservation professionals in a variety of conservation programs. This is an online course, designed to be completed on the student’s own schedule.
Understanding the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2)
Available in all states through July 31
The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE2) course will teach students basic soil water erosion concepts as well as how to use the RUSLE2 model. This is an online course, designed to be completed on the student’s own schedule.
Understanding the Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS)
Available in all states through July 31
The Wind Erosion Prediction System (WEPS) course covers the WEPS computer model, wind erosion process and its effects on agricultural production and the environment. This basic course takes student from software installation to basic use of WEPS to compare a variety of conservation practices to reduce wind erosion. This is an online course, designed to be completed on the student’s own schedule
Download Full Supplemental List
Step 4: TechReg CRP Certification
TechReg is the NRCS’s registry of Technical Service Providers who have been certified to work on one or more of the agency’s conservation programs. Individual TSPs or organizations may register, and then provide evidence that they meet the certification criteria for those programs they are interested in working on.
Choosing to become registered on TechReg is at the discretion of each participant. Since many organizations and state agencies already have memorandums of understanding (MOUs) or contribution agreements to do CRP work, individual certification may or may not be required. Becoming registered on TechReg does provide some tangible benefits, however, including a listing on the NRCS TechReg website and representation on a list of certified contractors maintained by each participating NRCS state office.
Participation in the CRP Readiness Core Training and submission of a completed CRP plan will satisfy the Knowledge, Planning, and Training requirements under the CRP Conservation Planner TechReg category. CRPRI participants who choose to work with a mentor to complete a CRP plan may submit that plan as part of the certification requirements. Conservation professionals new to TechReg will also need to complete the basic TSP requirements as outlined by NRCS. Please visit the NRCS website for detailed instructions.
