TITLE 180 - CONSERVATION PLANNING AND APPLICATION

PART 409 – Conservation Planning Policy

Revised June 2008

WI 180-GM Part 409.9 General.

The 1985 and subsequent Farm Bills require the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to develop a procedure to certify the technical adequacy of all planners who deliver technical assistance to participants in USDA programs that NRCS has been assigned technical responsibility.  This document establishes the Wisconsin NRCS supplemental policy for training and certification of conservation professionals.

TechReg (http://techreg.usda.gov), a web based NRCS national certification system has been established for private sector Technical Service Providers (TSPs) to self certify their credentials in specific TSP categories. This Wisconsin amendment does not address the use of the TechReg self certification process.

WI 180-GM Part 409 establishes the following Wisconsin NRCS certification criteria:

• Part 409.9 - Certified Conservation Planner
• Part 409.10 - Certified Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planner
• Part 409.11 - Certified Pest Management Plan Quality Assurance Specialist
• Part 409.12 - Certified Prescribed Grazing Planner
• Part 409.13 - Certified Wetland ID and/or Wetland Mitigation/Restoration Planner
• Part 409.14 - Task Specific Certifications

WI 180-GM Part 409.15 establishes the appeal process for applicants who are denied certification under WI Supplement Part 409.

WI 180-GM Part 409.16 references the decertification policy for Technical Service Providers located in CFR Part 652.31.

All NRCS employees in Wisconsin who have conservation planning, or responsibility to conduct quality assurance of conservation plans, in their position description shall earn certification under Part 409.9.

The requirement to achieve Wisconsin certification as a conservation planner will be included in the appropriate NRCS employee's Performance Work Plan.  New employees entering into positions covered by this requirement will achieve Certified Conservation Planner status within three years of their entry on duty date unless a variance is approved by their immediate supervisor and the NRCS State Conservationist or designee.

Certified Conservation Planners who have earned certification from another state shall provide documentation of their prior certification and a summary of the training they completed to gain certification to the NRCS State Conservationist, or designee.  The training record will be compared to Wisconsin NRCS certification requirements. As a minimum, a planner certified by another state must demonstrate knowledge of Wisconsin NRCS conservation practice standards (e-FOTG IV) and Resource Management System Quality Criteria (e-FOTG III).  The planner will either be granted equivalent Wisconsin NRCS certification, or a training program instituted leading to Wisconsin certification under WI 180-GM Part 409.9- 409.14.

Wisconsin NRCS Conservation Planning Certification granted based on prior NRCS certification in another state will be for a three-year period. To achieve Wisconsin NRCS recertification after the initial three-year period the individual must reapply according to the procedure outlined in WI 180-GM Part 409.9(h).

The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall establish and maintain an official certification record for all participants in the Wisconsin Conservation Planning Certification Program.

Conservation professionals employed by partner agencies in Wisconsin who provide technical assistance to USDA program participants where certification is required may earn Wisconsin NRCS certification.  Private sector planners who complete the necessary training and demonstrate acceptable performance may earn Wisconsin NRCS "recognition" for a specific certification type or self certify their expertise utilizing the TechReg website.  Non-certified planners must have their work reviewed and approved by an individual with Wisconsin NRCS certification or recognition in the appropriate category when providing technical assistance to USDA program participants.  All conservation professionals are encouraged to utilize the certification process as a method of professional development.

Wisconsin NRCS Certification training will be offered to employees of cooperating agencies through current Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) and Supplemental Memorandums of Understanding (MOU). Individual agencies or partners will be responsible for delivery of training related to their own specific policies and programs.

Private sector employees may attend NRCS sponsored training events where space is available based on the discretion of the Wisconsin NRCS State Training Officer.  A fee may be charged by NRCS to recoup actual costs of training private sector employees.

Other organizations may be authorized by Wisconsin NRCS to provide specific categories of certification training.

WI 180-GM Part 409.9 Minimum Criteria to Achieve an NRCS Certified Conservation Planner Designation

(c)  Wisconsin NRCS will require individuals, who provide conservation planning technical assistance to participants in USDA programs that NRCS has been assigned technical responsibility, be certified under WI 180-GM Part 409.9 (c)(1) Wisconsin Abbreviated Conservation Planning Certification, (2) Wisconsin Formal Conservation Planning Certification, or the national NRCS certification through the TechReg web site (http://techreg.usda.gov).

(1) Wisconsin NRCS Abbreviated Conservation Planning Certification Performance Documentation and Training Requirements

To qualify, conservation planners must document five or more years of experience conducting resource assessments and developing conservation alternatives for cropland, forestland, headquarters, pastureland, and wildlife land utilizing the planning process defined in Part 600.2 of the NRCS National Planning Procedures Handbook (Amendment 4, March 2003 or current version).  Applicants who meet these criteria may qualify using the abbreviated certification procedure.  The applicant shall submit their application to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist for evaluation.

Any applicant with a minimum of five years experience as defined in WI 180-GM Part 409(c)(1) may apply for acceptance into the Wisconsin Abbreviated Conservation Planning Certification process.  The applicant may document their conservation planning experience by providing a narrative of planning experience by land use, an example of a RMS plan written by them, or documentation of an in-field assessment of their resource assessment and conservation planning skills by an Area Resource Conservationist or the State Resource Conservationist.

A narrative application must address conservation planning experience on cropland, forestland, headquarters, pastureland, and wildlife land.  The applicant shall include examples of actual resource assessments completed, conservation alternatives offered to clients, and the documentation of client decisions in a conservation plan.  Position descriptions detailing conservation planning duties, performance appraisals documenting successful planning activities or narratives from prior job applications could be used to fulfill this requirement.

The applicant's documentation will be evaluated by the State Resource Conservationist or designee.  The State Resource Conservationist shall provide written notification to the applicant of acceptance into the "Abbreviated" Certification Process or shall request in writing additional documentation of resource assessment experience by specific land use.  If an application for the Abbreviated Conservation Planning Certification Process is not accepted after review of the additional documentation submitted, the applicant shall receive written documentation of the reasons for disapproval and notification of appeal rights (WI 180-GM Part 409.15).

All applicants accepted into the Wisconsin Abbreviated Conservation Planning Certification process must complete Modules 1-8 RMS Conservation Planning and the prerequisites for Modules 1-8 or approved equivalent training.  In addition, applicants must document Demonstrated Performance for Engineering Practices WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(3) and Demonstrated Performance for Non-Engineering Practices WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(4).

Applicants accepted under the "abbreviated" process are waived from the formal training requirements (with the exception of Modules 1-8 and the prerequisites for Modules 1-8 or approved equivalent training) of WI 180-GM Part 409.9 (c)(2).

Conditional Acceptance - Candidates who can demonstrate five years of resource assessment and development of conservation alternatives for cropland and a minimum of one additional land use may be granted "Conditional Acceptance" into the Abbreviated Certification Process. Conditional acceptance recognizes the applicant's resource assessment and conservation planning skills for cropland and some of the other required land uses.  Planners with this level of experience will be required to complete additional training related to resource assessment and conservation planning alternative development for the land uses specified as conditional in their acceptance letter.

Candidates who receive conditional acceptance into the Abbreviated Certification Process shall complete the RMS Field Assessment Training or conduct an in-field resource evaluation with a certified conservation planner or other resource professional for each land use that they failed to receive certification.  To complete the Conservation Planning Certification Process, a conditionally accepted applicant shall provide an example of an actual resource assessment and conservation planning alternatives developed for each land use where certification has not been approved.  The resource assessment and conservation planning alternatives developed by the applicant shall be reviewed by a NRCS Certified Conservation Planner.  The reviewer shall provide the NRCS State Resource Conservationist a written recommendation for approval of the applicant or identify specific additional training needed to achieve certification as a conservation planner.

Applicants who do not qualify for the "abbreviated" certification process will be utilize the Formal Conservation Planning Certification Process WI 180-GM Part 409(c)(2).

All waivers to the Wisconsin Formal Conservation Planning Certification Process, WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(2), must be approved by the State Conservationist or designee.

(2) Wisconsin NRCS Formal Conservation Planning Certification Process Training Requirements 

Applicants who do not qualify for the Wisconsin NRCS Abbreviated Conservation Planning Certification process as defined in WI 180-GM Part 409.9 (c)(1) must utilize the Wisconsin Formal Conservation Planning Certification Process, WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(2).  To complete the Formal Conservation Planning Certification Process, applicants must complete one of the Required Training Curriculums (WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(2) a), b), or c)) and document Demonstrated Performance for Engineering Practices (WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(3)) and Demonstrated Performance for Non-Engineering Practices (WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(4)).  In addition, applicants must complete a Resource Management System (RMS) level conservation plan (Module 9 RMS Conservation Planning Training) evaluating, as a minimum, cropland and two additional land uses (WI GM-180 Part 409.9 (d)).  The RMS plan will be developed with the assistance of a NRCS Certified Conservation Planner and may include an interview with the conservation planning decision maker prior to final approval of the RMS conservation plan.

Required Training Curriculums

a)  Conservation Planning Boot Camp sponsored by the NRCS National Employee Development Center.

b)  Attendance of other training recognized by Wisconsin NRCS or NRCS TechReg as an acceptable source of conservation planning training.

c)  Formal Wisconsin Conservation Planning Certification Required Training Courses provided by the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension.

     General

• Core Conservation 1*
• Core Conservation 2*
• Core Conservation 3*
• Conservation Planning 1
• Conservation Planning 2
• Conservation Planning 3
• Conservation Planning 4
• RUSLE2 User Training
• Cultural Resources Field Training
• Managing Nutrients on Wisconsin Soils - UW Soils
• Training for Nutrient Management Planners - UW Soils
• CCA/TSP Introduction to Conservation Planning Training (required for private sector applicants)

*Core Conservation Courses may be waived for individuals who can document two years of experience working in a NRCS field office or County Land Conservation Department office.

Alternative coursework submitted for certification credit will be evaluated by the NRCS State Conservationist or designee to determine equivalency to training prescribed above.  Equivalency will be based on an evaluation of whether the alternative training covered the technical and policy learning objectives identified for the original NRCS training course.

(3) Demonstrated Performance for Engineering Practices

Applicants must demonstrate performance in the planning, basic design, and implementation skills for a minimum of three out of five of these groups of engineering practices.  (Note: the specified minimum number of practices must be selected within each group.)

Engineering Practices

1. Grassed Waterway (412) or Diversion (362)
2. Access Road (560), Animal Trails and Walkways (575), or Stream Crossing (578)
3. Wetland Restoration (657) - minimum of two of the following:  scrape, ditch plug, tile break, embankment.
4. Grade Stabilization Structure (410) or Sediment Basin (350)
5. Streambank Protection (580) or Shoreline Stabilization (580)

Demonstrated performance for the engineering practices is achieved by:

A.  Possession of current Wisconsin NRCS Engineering Job Approval/DATCP Agricultural Engineering Practitioner Certification for Planning (I&E) for the required engineering practices, or a valid Wisconsin Engineering License with declared expertise, for the design and construction of the required engineering practices (attach current engineering job approval/certification or engineering license) or,

B.  Private sector employees may demonstrate performance by providing documentation of the skills as defined below and have the possession of their skills affirmed by a person with a valid Wisconsin engineering license.

Demonstrated performance is defined as knowledge of the NRCS practice standard, experience appropriately siting the practice in the field, knowledge of practice design to the extent necessary to determine feasibility, ability to explain operation and management of the proposed practices, and the ability to generate an initial practice cost estimate.  In addition, the applicant must demonstrate knowledge of practice construction techniques in order to explain to a client the quality of materials that must be used and the inspection requirements necessary to certify the practice under the NRCS practice standard.

(4) Demonstrated Performance Non-Engineering Practices

For each of the NRCS practice standards listed below, applicants must demonstrate knowledge of the practice standard, practice siting, practice design and layout to the extent necessary to determine feasibility and provide an initial cost estimate, and practice implementation techniques to the extent necessary to explain to the client how the practice will be laid out and inspected to certify installation.

A NRCS Certified Conservation Planner must document the competency of an applicant who cannot demonstrate prior experience independently implementing each practice.  Evaluation of demonstrated performance will be based on observation of the applicant's planning skills and ability to explain or implement the practice standards. 

Candidates who can demonstrate prior experience with implementation of the non-engineering practices may have their supervisor certify achievement of this requirement.

NON-ENGINEERING PRACTICES

1. Conservation Cover (327)
2. Cover and Green Manure Crop (340)
3. Select from one of the following:  Contour Farming (330) or Contour Strip Cropping (585) 
4. Critical Area Planting (342)
5. Select from one of the following:  Filter Strip (393), Riparian Forest Buffer (391)
6. Nutrient Management (590)
7. Residue Management, No Till/Strip Till (329)
8. Residue Management, Mulch Till (345)
9. Tree/Shrub Establishment (612)
10. Prescribed Grazing (528)
11. Select from one of the following:  Wildlife Wetland Habitat Management (644) or Wildlife Upland Habitat Management (645)

(d)  Demonstrated Conservation Planning Performance for the Formal Certification Process

The Wisconsin NRCS Formal Conservation Planner Certification Process, WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(2) requires candidates to write a minimum of one RMS level plan that includes a complete resource assessment for cropland and a minimum of two additional land uses (Module 9 RMS Conservation Planning Training).  This plan will be reviewed by a NRCS Certified Conservation Planner prior to delivery to the conservation planning decision maker.  The reviewer, as a minimum, will evaluate the resource assessment process used to ensure compliance with NRCS GM 180 Part 409, and the National Planning Procedures Handbook (Amendment 4, March 2003 or current version) Part 600.23.  In addition, the reviewer will evaluate the comprehensiveness of the resource assessment based on Wisconsin NRCS WI-CPA-52, Environmental Assessment Worksheet, and evaluate the appropriateness of conservation practice alternatives offered based on the Wisconsin NRCS practice technical standards (WI NRCS e-FOTG IV) and the associated Conservation Practice Physical Effects Worksheets (WI NRCS e-FOTG V). 

Finally, the reviewer may interview the conservation planning decision maker prior to delivery of the final conservation plan in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the conservation planner's involvement with the decision maker.  The reviewer shall document in writing any planning deficiencies identified during review of the conservation plan or the client interview.

Upon completion of the evaluation process, the reviewer shall submit written documentation to the State Resource Conservationist recommending certification of the applicant or identifying additional training needs.  The State Resource Conservationist shall provide written notification to the applicant of approval or denial of Conservation Planning Certification.  Applicants who are denied Formal Conservation Planning Certification shall receive written notification of the appeal process (WI 180-GM Part 409.15).

(e) Provisional Conservation Planning Certification

Conservation planners who have met all of the requirements of the Wisconsin Formal Conservation Planning Certification process with the exception of a "limited number" of required training classes (WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(2)(c) may be granted "Provisional Conservation Planning Certification" for a period of up to 18 months. Provisional Conservation Planning Certification may be granted at the discretion of the State Conservationist or designee and the concurrence of the applicant's supervisor. The applicant will be required to complete the remaining training within the 18 month Provisional Conservation Planning Certification period. Extensions beyond the 18 month period will not be allowed.

Each Provisional Conservation Planning Certification will be granted based on a review of the applicant's conservation planning experience and demonstrated performance. As a minimum all applicants for Provisional Conservation Planning Certification must have completed Conservation Planning Modules 1-9 and the prerequisites to modules 1-9 or approved equivalent training.

(f)  Continuing Education and Minimum Planning Activity Requirements

Wisconsin NRCS Certified Conservation Planners must successfully complete a minimum of 18 hours of continuing education per calendar year beginning the calendar year after certification is achieved.  The coursework shall pertain to environmental science, agribusiness, agronomy, or conservation program policy and procedures.  A minimum of 9 hours per year must be technical in nature and be related to subjects covered by the coursework and practice standards outlined in WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(2)(3) or (4).  NRCS employees will document continuing education in their Individual Development Plan (IDP) and a Wisconsin NRCS Continuing Education Unit Record (or equivalent).  The planner shall review the CEU Record/IDP with their supervisor annually during the final performance review for each fiscal year.  CEU Records reviewed and approved by supervisors shall be submitted to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist by the end of the calendar year.  Wisconsin NRCS certified planners not employed by the agency shall submit documentation of continuing education, after approval by their supervisor (as appropriate), to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist by the end of each calendar year.  Documentation of continuing education for all Wisconsin NRCS Certified Conservation Planners will be reviewed by the State Resource Conservationist or designee and the approved hours entered into the certification database. 

 To retain Wisconsin NRCS Conservation Planning Certification, a planner must complete a minimum of one RMS level plan per three-year certification period or participate in an informal quality assurance as defined in WI 180 GM 409.9 (g).  The RMS level plan must evaluate cropland and a minimum of two additional land uses. 

(g)  Quality Assurance

The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall establish a database to ensure that informal or formal quality assurance is conducted for all Wisconsin NRCS certified conservation planners a minimum of once during each three-year certification period. 

(1)  Informal Quality Assurance - carried out by an Area Resource Conservationist, the State Resource Conservationist, or designee in the field office using a combination of Area Office protocols and the quality assurance guide sheets recognized by the Wisconsin NRCS State Quality Assurance Plan.  The review shall include an in-field evaluation of the planning activity and a review of the physical effects of the conservation planning alternatives offered on the cropland and surrounding land uses utilizing the practice-specific Conservation Physical Effects Worksheet (eFOTG Section V) and the current WI-CPA-52, Environmental Assessment Worksheet. 

(2)  Formal Quality Assurance - conduct a review of a RMS level plan addressing cropland and two additional land uses utilizing guide sheets referenced by the Wisconsin NRCS State Quality Assurance Plan.  The formal quality assurance process does not require a field visit but may include one if needed to fully evaluate the plan site conditions.

The Wisconsin NRCS State Resource Conservationist may request a quality review of the conservation planning of any NRCS Certified Conservation Planner if there is a reason to suspect that their planning does not meet current NRCS conservation planning policy, conservation practice standards, or USDA program policies.

Within six months of receiving  notification of selection for quality review the certified individual shall submit one of the following to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist or designee:  documentation that a conservation plan, prepared or reviewed and approved by them, has been quality reviewed as a part of ongoing NRCS area office quality assurance process within the current three-year certification period, or submit a RMS level plan addressing cropland and an additional two land uses with all supporting documentation for review by the NRCS State Resource Conservationist or designee. 

The reviewer shall evaluate the quality of the plan based on the Wisconsin NRCS Quality Assurance Guidesheets referenced in the State Quality Assurance Plan and the demonstrated proficiency requirements in WI 180-GM Part 409.9(d).  The reviewer shall forward the results of the quality review along with their recommendation for approval or denial of recertification to the Wisconsin NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall review the recommendation and documentation provided by the reviewer and approve or deny the applicant's request for recertification.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist may request additional documentation from the applicant or reviewer before finalizing the decision. 

Wisconsin NRCS Certified Conservation Planners who fail a quality review shall lose their certification (WI 180-GM Part 409.16).  The planner, and planner's supervisor where appropriate, shall be informed in writing of the decision to revoke certification.  The letter shall document the findings that led to the revocation of planning certification and provide information on appeal rights (WI 180-GM Part 409.15).  A formal training plan to regain certification will be developed for the planner by a NRCS certified conservation planner and approved by the NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The planner shall regain certification upon successful completion of the training plan.

Quality assurance activities for certified conservation planners shall include a review of demonstrated performance of engineering practices documented during area level spot checks and shall include consultation with the staff delegating the NRCS Job Approval/DATCP certification or the Wisconsin Engineering license holder who affirmed initial certification for engineering practices.

Engineering job approval/certification used to obtain planning certification may be withdrawn at any time based on a lack of continued demonstrated performance documented by the staff delegating the job approval. Loss of engineering job approval required by WI 180-GM Part 409.9(c)(3) will result in decertification. Decertification may be appealed according to WI 180-GM Part 409.15.

(h)   Wisconsin NRCS Conservation Planner Recertification

Wisconsin NRCS Conservation Planning Certification is granted for a three-year period.  Individuals who have earned Wisconsin NRCS Conservation Planning Certification will be required to apply for recertification within six months of receiving renewal notification.  The applicant for recertification shall submit evidence that an informal or formal quality assurance process (WI GM-180 Part 409.9(g)) has been conducted on a conservation plan developed or reviewed and approved by them during the current three-year certification period.  If quality assurance has not yet been conducted, the applicant shall submit a RMS plan for a formal review or schedule an informal quality assurance review with the area office.  Upon successful completion of the quality assurance process, the applicant shall submit the quality assurance report, an updated NRCS Engineering Job Approval/DATCP Agricultural Engineering Practitioner Certification for "Planning" (I&E) for three of the five required practice groups (WI GM-180 Part 409.9(c)(3).  Prior to recertification the applicant's status as a Wisconsin Certified Conservation Planner will be confirmed, including verifying conformance with WI GM-180 Part 409.9(f) Continuing Education.

Recertification applicants determined not to have maintained their Wisconsin NRCS Conservation Planning Certification during the prior three-year certification period shall reapply for certification under WI GM-180 Part 409.9(c)(1) Wisconsin Abbreviated Conservation Planning Certification Performance and Documentation Requirements.

TechReg Certified Conservation Planners shall recertify using the process in effect at time as specified on the TechReg website (http://techreg.usda.gov).

180-GM Part 409.10 Minimum Standards for Providers of Conservation Technical Assistance for Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans.

(g)  Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planner Certification Requirements 

Public sector planners who develop or certify Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) in Wisconsin for participants in USDA programs that NRCS has been assigned technical responsibility must demonstrated proficiency in the use of CNMP inventory and evaluation tools.  Private sector planners who provide CNMP planning technical assistance may earn Wisconsin CNMP recognition by attending Wisconsin NRCS recognized training and demonstrating appropriate use of the Wisconsin NRCS CNMP planning process.  Wisconsin NRCS does not certify private sector individuals but recognizes qualified individuals who can certify CNMP for cost sharing purposes.  Private sector planners may also utilize the NRCS national CNMP certification process available through the TechReg web site (http://techreg.usda.gov).

The NRCS State Resource Conservationist or designee is responsible for overall coordination of the application process, training, and maintenance of the Wisconsin list of certified CNMP engineering and agronomic component providers.  The NRCS State Conservation Engineer shall provide technical oversight of the certification and quality assurance activities for the CNMP Engineering Component Certified Specialists.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall provide technical oversight of the certification and quality assurance activities for the CNMP Agronomic Component Certified Specialists.

(1)  To earn Wisconsin NRCS CNMP Certification, all candidates must demonstrate successful completion of the following training courses:

Understanding Regulations That Affect CNMP	UWEX
References for CNMPs	UWEX

(2)  CNMP Engineering Component Certified Specialist - All candidates applying for Wisconsin NRCS certification for the engineering components of a CNMP must demonstrate:

a)   Completion of the following training courses:

Ag Waste Management Systems A Primer1	NRCS NEDC
Ag Waste Management Systems Level II2	NRCS NEDC

¹Ag Waste Management Systems A Primer may be waived for candidates who can demonstrate a minimum of three years experience siting, designing, and conducting quality assurance during construction of animal waste storage systems.

²Ag Waste Management Systems Level II may be waived for candidates who can demonstrate five years experience siting, designing, providing quality assurance during construction, and certification of waste management practices and who score an 80% or higher on the course pre-test.

b)   Possession of one of the following:

i)    Valid registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin and declared expertise using NRCS practice standards to design, conduct construction inspection and certification for the practices listed below or,

ii)   NRCS Engineering Job Approval/DATCP Agricultural Engineering Practitioner Certification for design and construction of the practices listed below:

Waste Storage Facility (313)
Sediment Basin (350)
Manure Transfer (634)
Wastewater Treatment Strip (635)
Heavy Use Area Protection (561)

(3)  CNMP Agronomic Component Certified Specialist - All candidates applying for Wisconsin NRCS certification for the agronomic components of CNMP must have:

a)   NRCS certification as a conservation planner or, base the Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan on a resource assessment and conservation plan approved by a NRCS Certified Conservation Planner.

b)   Completed the following training courses:

Training for Nutrient Management Planners1	UW Soils Dept.
SNAP+/PI User Training	UWEX
Site Assessment for CNMP Planners	UWEX

¹CNMP planners who can demonstrate a minimum of 3 years experience developing nutrient management plans utilizing animal waste as a nutrient source according to the Wisconsin NRCS 590 Nutrient Management Standard may be waived from this training requirement.

c)   Provide examples for review of demonstrated proficiency utilizing the Wisconsin 590 Nutrient Management Practice Standard including the development of a phosphorus management strategy to minimize the delivery of phosphorus to surface waters (Phosphorous Index [PI] or Soil Test Limit).

A reviewer designated as a WI CNMP Agronomic component Certified Specialist and possessing professional certification in agronomy (Certified Professional Agronomist, Certified Crop Advisor, or other NRCS-recognized certification) shall evaluate the examples and forward the results of the review along with their recommendation for approval or denial of certification to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall review the recommendation and documentation provided by the reviewer and approve or deny in writing the applicants request for certification.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist may request additional documentation from the applicant or reviewer before finalizing the decision. Applicants who are denied CNMP agronomic certification shall receive written appeal rights (WI 180-GM Part 409.15).

(i)   Continuing Education and Minimum Planning Activity Requirements

(1)  CNMP Engineering Component Certified Specialist - Attend a minimum of 12 hours of training annually beginning the calendar year after certification is achieved.  The training must be directly related to the technology utilized in engineering the components of a CNMP, updating knowledge of the engineering components or updating knowledge of the laws, regulations and practice standards associated with animal waste storage systems.  As a condition of maintenance of certification, applicants must provide proof of current registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin or documentation of current NRCS Engineering Job Approval/DATCP Agricultural Engineering Practitioner Certification for the practice standards identified in WI 180-GM Part 409.10 (g)(2)(b)(ii). This 12 hours may also apply toward the 18 hours of continuing education required per year to maintain a rating as a Certified Conservation Planner as required in WI 180-GM Part 409.9 (e).

(2)  CNMP Agronomic Component Certified Specialist - Attend a minimum 16 hours of training annually.  The training must be directly related to development of a CNMP or updating knowledge of the information covered in the required training specified in WI 180-GM 409.10 (g)(1) and (g)(3)(c).  This 16 hours may also apply toward the 18 hours of continuing education required per year to maintain a rating as a Certified Conservation Planner as required in WI 180-GM Part 409.9 (e). 

(3)  CNMP Engineering and Agronomic Component Certified Specialist Continuing Education Documentation - NRCS employees will document continuing education in their Individual Development Plan (IDP) and on the Wisconsin NRCS Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Record worksheet (or equivalent) and shall review the documentation with their supervisor annually during the final performance review for each fiscal year. CEU Records reviewed and approved by supervisors shall be submitted to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist (Agronomic CNMP Planners) or State Conservation Engineer (Engineering CNMP Planners) by the end of the calendar year.  Wisconsin NRCS certified CNMP specialists not employed by the agency shall submit documentation of continuing education, after approval by their supervisor (where appropriate), to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist by the end of each calendar year. Documentation of continuing education hours for all Wisconsin certified CNMP specialists will be reviewed by the NRCS State Resource Conservationist or designee and approved hours entered into the certification database.

The CNMP quality assurance review will be carried out by the State Resource Conservationist, State Conservation Engineer, or designees who possesses the appropriate CNMP component certification.  The quality review will be conducted according to the procedure outlined below in WI 180-GM Part 409.10 (j).

To retain Comprehensive Nutrient Management Certification, an individual must participate in the completion of a minimum of one CNMP per three-year certification period.  Participation is defined as conducting the CNMP on-site assessment, participating in the development of the CNMP component requirements and providing final engineering or agronomic certification of the CNMP, or providing detailed quality assurance of a CNMP developed by another. 

(j)   Quality Assurance

(1)  CNMP Engineering Component Certified Specialist.  The State Resource Conservationist shall establish a database to ensure that certificate holders shall have a minimum of one project quality assured per three-year certification period by an engineering staff member assigned by the NRCS State Conservation Engineer.  The quality review shall include a review of the planning documentation, design computations, construction plans, specifications, as-built drawings, or documentation developed during a practice design review and approval and may involve a field check of the completed project.  A quality assurance report will be submitted and approved by the NRCS State Conservation Engineer prior to entering a record of successful certification renewal into the database record.

Unsatisfactory quality assurance results of the sampled project will require a review of additional projects.  Numerous projects that indicate unsatisfactory performance in any area reviewed will be cause for removal of NRCS certification as a CNMP Engineering Component Provider.

Within six months of receiving notification of selection for quality review, the certified individual shall provide one of the following to the Wisconsin NRCS State Conservation Engineer as appropriate:  (1) documentation that a CNMP related engineering design prepared or reviewed and approved by them during the current three-year certification period has been quality reviewed as a part of the ongoing NRCS area office quality assurance process, or (2) a copy of a CNMP related engineering design developed or reviewed and approved during the current three-year certification period by them with all supporting documentation for review by the State Conservation Engineer or designee, or (3) a copy of a CNMP engineering inventory and evaluation completed by the applicant with supporting notes, calculations, and findings.

To complete the quality assurance process, the State Conservation Engineer or designee, shall evaluate the quality of the engineering plan based on the NRCS Quality Assurance Plan Guidesheets and the certification requirements in WI 180-GM Part 409.10 (g)(1)(2).  The reviewer shall forward the results of the quality review along with their recommendation for approval or denial of recertification to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall review the recommendation and documentation provided by the reviewer and approve or deny the applicants request for recertification.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist may request additional documentation from the applicant or reviewer before finalizing the decision.

(2)  CNMP Agronomic Components Certified Specialist.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist will establish a database to ensure that a minimum of one CNMP for all Certified CNMP Agronomic Specialists is reviewed a minimum of once every three years.  Guidesheets from the Wisconsin NRCS Quality Assurance Plan will establish the technical review process for CNMPs.

Within six months of receiving notification of selection for quality review, the certified individual shall submit one of the following to the Wisconsin NRCS State Resource Conservationist as appropriate:  (1) documentation that a CNMP prepared by them within the current three-year certification period has been quality reviewed as a part of the ongoing NRCS area office quality assurance process, or (2) a copy of a CNMP or detailed CNMP quality assurance report developed with the applicants participation with all supporting documentation for review by the State Resource Conservationist or designee.

To complete the quality assurance process, a reviewer possessing CNMP Agronomic Certification and certification as a professional agronomist (see WI GM-180 Part 409.11(h)(3))shall evaluate the quality of the plan based on the NRCS Quality Assurance Plan Guidesheets and the certification requirements in WI 180-GM Part 409.10 (g)(1)(3).  The reviewer shall forward the results of the quality review along with their recommendation for approval or denial of recertification to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall review the recommendation and documentation provided by the reviewer and approve or deny the applicants request for recertification.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist may request additional documentation from the applicant or reviewer before finalizing the decision. 

(3)   Wisconsin NRCS Certified CNMP Engineering or Agronomic Component Certified Specialists who fail a quality review shall lose their certification (WI 180-GM Part 409.16).  The specialist, and the specialists supervisor where appropriate, shall be informed in writing of the decision to revoke certification.  The letter shall document the findings that led to the revocation of certification and provide information on appeal rights (WI 180-GM Part 409.15).  A formal training plan to regain certification will be developed by a member of the NRCS/DATCP staff for CNMP Engineering Component Specialist or by another CNMP Agronomic Component Specialist for CNMP agronomic planning and approved by the NRCS State Resource Conservationist or State Conservation Engineer as appropriate.  The planner shall regain certification upon successful completion of the training plan.

(k) Wisconsin NRCS Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planner Recertification

Wisconsin Comprehensive Nutrient Management Planning (CNMP) Certification is granted for a three-year period. Individuals who have earned Wisconsin NRCS CNMP certification will be required to apply for recertification within six months of receiving renewal notification to submit documentation.  The application for recertification will include, as a minimum, evidence that a CNMP plan or detailed CNMP quality assurance report developed or reviewed and approved by them has been quality assured during the current three-year certification period (WI GM-180 Part 409.9 (g) or submit a CNMP developed by and certified by the certified component planner for quality assurance.

Applicants for CNMP Engineering Component Certified Specialist shall provide proof of current NRCS Engineering Job Approval/DATCP Agricultural Engineering Practitioner Certification or valid registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin as required in WI GM-180 Part 409.10 (g)(2)(b).

Prior to recertification, the applicant's status as a Wisconsin Certified CNMP Planner will be confirmed, including verifying conformance with WI GM-180 Part 409.10(i) Continuing Education.

Recertification applicants determined not to have maintained their Wisconsin NRCS CNMP Certification during the prior three-year certification period shall reapply for certification under WI GM-180 Part 409.10(g).

TechReg Certified CNMP Planners shall recertify using the process in effect at time as specified on the TechReg website (http://techreg.usda.gov).

WI 180-GM Part 409.11 Minimum Standards For Providers of Conservation Technical Assistance Associated with Pest Management Plan Quality Assurance.

Wisconsin NRCS will require individuals who provide quality assurance associated with pest management plans developed for participants in USDA programs that NRCS has been assigned technical responsibility, be certified under; Wisconsin NRCS WI 180-GM Part 409.11 (h).

h)   Wisconsin NRCS requirements for Quality Assurance Specialists of Pest Management Plans

(1)  Certification as a Conservation Planner under WI 180-GM Part 409.9 (c) or have a Wisconsin NRCS Certified Conservation Planner review the pest management related resource assessment.

(2)  Successful completion of the following training courses:

Introduction to IPM and Pest Management or	UWEX
Pest Management Track of the Nutrient and Pest Management Considerations in Conservation Planning	NRCS NEDS
Tools For Pest Management Planning	UWEX
Pest Scout Classroom Diagnostic Training (Minimum 8 hrs.)1	UW/FVTC
In-field Crop Scouting Diagnostic Training Session (Minimum 4 hrs)1	UWEX
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Training - Field and Vegetable Crops (exam not required)	UWEX/DATCP

¹Applicants who possess a professional certification in agronomy (CCA etc.) may be waived from the requirement based on demonstrated crop scouting experience. Certified agronomic professionals with limited scouting experience must complete training in specific scouting tracks (weeds, disease, insects) as identified in the waiver of this requirement during the certification process. The specific training must be completed within the initial three-year certification period to be eligible for renewal. This training may be counted toward the 8 hours of training required to maintain Pest Management Certification.

(3)  Possession of a professional certification in agronomy such as Certified Professional Agronomist (CPA), Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), or other NRCS-recognized certification. 

(4)   Provide an example of demonstrated performance in the development or quality assurance review of a pest management plan utilizing the current Wisconsin NRCS Practice Standard for Pest Management (595), which includes a WIN-PST based risk assessment for evaluation by a Wisconsin NRCS Certified Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialist.  Demonstrated proficiency is defined as development or effective review of a site-specific assessment of the environmental risks associated with the pesticides/herbicides currently applied to the site using the Windows Pesticide Screening Tool or other NRCS-recognized process.  The Quality Assurance Specialist must demonstrate the ability to utilize risk assessment tools and develop alternative pest management strategies to minimize the identified risks.

The reviewer shall forward the results of the evaluation along with their recommendation for approval or denial of certification to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist shall review the recommendation and documentation provided by the reviewer and approve or deny in writing the applicants request for certification.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist may request additional documentation from the applicant or reviewer before finalizing the decision. Applicants who are denied shall receive written appeal rights (WI 180-GM Part 409.15).

(i)   Continuing Education and Minimum Planning Activity Requirements

Wisconsin NRCS certified Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialists will be required to attend eight hours of training per calendar year including annual attendance of Regional UWEX Crop Scouting Field Days and Regional UWEX Crop Pest Management Meetings. Other training that is directly linked to Pest Management Plan development, implementation or resource assessment/impact mitigation practices and may be approved on a case by case basis.  This eight hours of training may be included in the 18 hours of training required per year to maintain a rating as a Certified Conservation Planner as required in WI 180-GM Part 409.9(f).  NRCS employees will document continuing education on a Wisconsin NRCS Continuing Education Unit Record worksheet and in their Individual Development Plan (IDP) and shall review the CEU Record/IDP with their supervisor annually during the final performance review for each fiscal year.  CEU Records reviewed and approved by supervisors shall be submitted to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist by the end of the calendar year. Wisconsin NRCS certified planners not employed by the agency shall submit documentation of continuing education, after approval by their supervisor (as appropriate), to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist by the end of each calendar year.  Documentation of continuing education for all Wisconsin NRCS Certified Pest Management Planners will be reviewed by the NRCS State Resource Conservationist and approved hours entered into the certification database. 

To retain Wisconsin NRCS Pest Management Quality Assurance Certification, a specialist must participate in the development or quality assurance review of a minimum of one pest management plan per three-year certification cycle.  The reviewer shall use the quality assurance procedures established below in WI 180-GM Part 409.11(j) to evaluate the pest management plan.

(j)   Quality Assurance

The NRCS State Resource Conservationist will establish a database to ensure that a minimum of one pest management plan or quality assurance report for all Wisconsin NRCS certified Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialists is reviewed a minimum of once every three years. 

Within six months of receiving notification of selection for quality review the certified individual shall submit one of the following to the Wisconsin NRCS State Resource Conservationist:  documentation that a pest management plan quality assurance report prepared by them during the current three-year certification period has been quality reviewed as a part of the ongoing NRCS area office quality assurance process, an example pest management plan which includes a site-specific pest management risk assessment identifying alternative pest management strategies, or submit an example of a pest management plan quality assurance report including the documentation they developed when reviewing a Pest Management Plan and risk assessment developed by someone else.

To complete the quality assurance process, a reviewer with Pest Management Quality Assurance Certification shall evaluate the quality assurance report or example assessment based on the NRCS Quality Assurance Guidesheets and the certification requirements in WI 180-GM Part 409.11(h).  The reviewer shall forward the results of the quality review along with their recommendation for approval or denial of recertification to the NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist or designee shall review the recommendation and documentation provided by the reviewer and approve or deny in writing the applicants request for recertification.  The NRCS State Resource Conservationist may request additional documentation from the applicant or reviewer before finalizing the decision.

Wisconsin NRCS Certified Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialists who fail a quality review shall lose their certification (WI 180-GM Part 409.16).  The planner, and planner's supervisor where appropriate, shall be informed in writing of the decision to revoke certification.  The letter shall document the findings that led to the revocation of Pest Management Quality Assurance certification and provide information on appeal rights (WI 180-GM Part 409.15).  A formal training plan to regain certification will be developed for the planner by a member of the cadre and approved by the NRCS State Resource Conservationist.  The planner shall regain certification upon successful completion of the training plan.

(k) Wisconsin NRCS Pest Management Planner Recertification

Wisconsin Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialist Certification is granted for a three-year period. Individuals who have earned Wisconsin NRCS Pest Management Quality Assurance certification will submit the required documentation for review within six months of receiving renewal notification.  The application for recertification will include, as a minimum, evidence that the planner has participated in a quality assurance activity according to the requirements in WI GM-180 Part 409.11(j) during the current three-year certification period or submit an example Pest Management Plan or an example of a plan quality assurance report for review.

Applicants for Wisconsin NRCS Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialist recertification shall provide proof of  professional certification of proficiency in agronomy as required in WI GM-180 part 409.11(h)(3).

Prior to recertification, the applicant's status as a Wisconsin Certified Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialist will be confirmed, including verifying conformance with WI GM-180 Part 409.11(i) Continuing Education and Minimum Planning Activity Requirements.

Recertification applicants determined not to have maintained their Wisconsin NRCS Pest Management Quality Assurance Specialist Certification during the prior three-year certification period shall reapply for certification under WI GM-180 Part 409.11(h).

WI 180-GM Part 409.12 Minimum Standards for Providers of Conservation Technical Assistance Associated with Conservation Planning that Includes Prescribed Grazing.

WI 180-GM Part 409.13 Minimum Standards For Providers of Conservation Technical Assistance Associated with Conservation Planning that Includes Wetland Identification/NFSAM Determination and/or Mitigation/Restoration.

(a) General

WI Supplement 409.14 Minimum Criteria to Achieve Task Specific NRCS Certification

WI 180-GM Part 409.15 Appeals processes for adverse actions related to Wisconsin Conservation Planning Certification activities.

(a) Wisconsin Conservation Planning Certification Appeal Process

WI 180-GM Part 409.16 Decertification of Technical Service Providers

The NRCS Technical Service Provider Policy and 7 CFR Part 652.31 define the causes and process for Wisconsin NRCS to decertify Technical Service Providers (TSP) certified nationally through the TechReg web site.  Decertification may occur as a result expiration of a TSP's certification, ethical or other violations of the TSP agreement or serious or compelling reasons that demonstrate the TSP's inability to fulfill the terms of the Certification agreement.  Deficiencies in the quality of work of a TSP identified through a complaint or on going quality assurance may also result in decertification of a TSP. 

TSPs certified utilizing the Wisconsin NRCS policy will be subject to the quality assurance and continuing education requirements required in the policy. TSPs certified under Wisconsin NRCS policy may utilize the Wisconsin appeal process to contest a negative action initiated as a result of the certification policy.

(180-GM, Amend. WI-4, June, 2008)

Exhibit 1

Wisconsin NRCS Training Curriculum

April 2003

General

Basic Soil Survey Field Mapping Techniques....................................................................... WI NRCS

Soil Quality-Assessments and Applications for Field Staff....................... NRCS NEDC Formal Course

Cultural Resources Awareness Training.................................................................... WI NRCS/SHPO

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Training............................................................ WI NRCS

Introduction to Sustainable Agriculture................................................................. WI NRCS/WISARE

Basic Conservation Planning Skills* ¹..................................................................... WI NRCS/DATCP

Introduction to Ecological Principles*................................................ NRCS NEDC Self Study Course

Introduction to Water Quality*.......................................................... NRCS NEDC Self Study Course

Cultural, Social and Economic Planning Principles*.............................................................. WI NRCS

Conservation Planning (Modules 1-5)*.............................................. NRCS NEDC Self Study Course

Conservation Planning (Modules 6-8) ²...................................................... WI NRCS Classroom/Field

Conservation Planning Module 9 (RMS Plan Review).......................................................... WI NRCS

* Indicates prerequisite course for Conservation Planning Modules 6-8.

¹Any candidate who can demonstrate three or more years of conservation planning experience may be exempted from the Basic Conservation Planning Skills course.

²Conservation Planning Modules 6-8 include a one-day classroom session on policy and a four-day field exercise conducting RMS resource assessments and generating conservation planning alternatives. 

Cropland

Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation 2 Training........................................... WI NRCS, UWEX, ARS

Nutrient Management Track of the Nutrient and Pest Management ................................ NRCS NEDC
Considerations in Conservation Planning Training or,

Managing Nutrients on Wisconsin Soils............................................................... UW Soils Department

Modeling Tools for Conservation Planners .................................................... WI NRCS/DNR/UWEX

CORE 4 Planning Principles................................................................................................ WI NRCS

Pastureland

Introduction to Grazing........................................................................................................ WI NRCS

Woodland

Introduction to Woodland Management...................................................................... WI NRCS/DNR

Wildlife Land

Introduction to Wildlife Management.......................................................................... WI NRCS/DNR

Establishment of Native Plants............................................................................................. WI NRCS

(180-GM, Amend. WI-4, June, 2008)