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ARS Home » Plains Area » Temple, Texas » Grassland Soil and Water Research Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #321546
Title: Assessing the effects of USDA conservation programs on ecosystem services provided by wetlands

Author
item SMITH, LOREN - Oklahoma State University
item EFFLAND, WILLIAM - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)
item Behrman, Kathrine
item JOHNSON, MARI-VAUGHN - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS, USDA)

Submitted to: National Wetlands Newsletter
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/10/2015
Publication Date: 9/15/2015
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/61969
Citation: Smith, L.M., Effland, W.R., Behrman, K.D., Johnson, M.V. 2015. Assessing the effects of USDA conservation programs on ecosystem services provided by wetlands. National Wetlands Newsletter. 37(5):10-13.

Interpretive Summary: The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) is led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The main goal of CEAP determine the benefits of conservation programs and practices on privately owned agricultural land in the United States. CEAP’s scientific method includes both field research and process based modeling. CEAP has four major impacts. First, this research contributes to generate a better understanding of wetlands in agricultural and natural settings. Second, the results are used to guide future conservation programs and practices to maximize environmental benefits while encouraging sustainable agriculture. Third, the results inform the general public and policymakers about the effects of current conservation practices and programs. Finally, these findings provide a decision support tool for government mandated reviews and agency-level policy- makers to decide how to spend future funding and direct conservation program and practice development toward ongoing conservation needs.

Technical Abstract: The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) is led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in an effort to quantify the environmental effects of conservation programs and practices on privately owned agricultural landscapes across the United States. CEAP’s approach includes application of both field research and modeling. CEAP has four significant impacts. First, the research contributes to the body of knowledge in agroecology and conservation. Second, the results are used to inform conservation program and practice improvements in order to maximize environmental benefits while promoting sustainable agriculture. Third, the results serve to inform the general public and policymakers about the impacts of current conservation practices and programs. Finally, these findings provide a decision support tool for congressionally mandated reviews and agency-level policy- makers to direct future funding and conservation program and practice development toward outstanding conservation needs—increasing conservation benefits in the most effective and economical ways.