The mission of the Conservation Division is to conserve Kentucky's natural resources by educating and assisting producers and local conservation. It works to protect, conserve and improve Kentucky's forest resources through forest management and protection programs. The Conservation Division collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies to ensure that landowners are able to install the best management practices that protect Kentucky's soil and water resources. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides technical and financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest owners to help them conserve and develop their land and water resources.
The NRCS works with its local partners before and after major storms to address economic problems related to natural resources and watersheds. USDA service centers are places where you can contact employees from the Agricultural Services Agency, the NRCS, or the Department of Rural Development to meet your business needs. Other important collaborative efforts to preserve and protect the state's natural areas include contributions from the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, the Heritage Land Conservation Fund, and the U. S.
Regional Conservation Partnerships Program (RCPP). This program is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on farmland. The Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust, The Nature Conservancy, the University of Western Kentucky, and many other government agencies and private organizations are involved in this effort. State technical committees advise the NRCS and other USDA agencies on the application of the natural resource conservation provisions of agricultural legislation.
Approximately one-third of the mountain is under some type of protected status, including national and state forests, state parks, wildlife management areas, and protected private properties of the KNLT, The Nature Conservancy, and Pine Mountain Settlement School. Thousands of students have participated in Jim Claypool's conservation art and writing competitions since their creation in 1974 and 1944 respectively. Be sure to ask your local NRCS district conservationist about the deadline for the classification period to ensure you submit your application on time. With so many organizations working together towards a common goal of preserving natural resources in Richmond, Kentucky, it is important for citizens to be aware of these efforts so they can do their part in protecting their environment.
There are a variety of ways that citizens can get involved in conservation efforts in Richmond. They can volunteer with local organizations such as The Nature Conservancy or the Kentucky Natural Lands Trust; they can participate in educational programs offered by local universities; they can join a local conservation district; or they can donate money or time to support conservation initiatives. Conservation efforts are essential for protecting our natural resources in Richmond, Kentucky. By understanding these efforts and getting involved in them, citizens can help ensure that our environment remains healthy for generations to come.
