The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires federal agencies to evaluate the potential effects of their activities and programs on the quality of the human environment. The "human environment" includes natural resources (such as soil, water, air, plants, and animals), plus cultural resources and social and economic considerations. Although NEPA is concerned about all types of effects (both positive and negative), it is especially intended to help decision makers identify significant adverse impacts and avoid, minimize, or mitigate these impacts.
For on-farm conservation planning, complete at least one EE Checklist (DE-CPA-52) for each new conservation plan (or plan revision) containing practices or activities that involve clearing, earthmoving, grading, shaping, filling, etc.
The following documents require Adobe Acrobat (AA) or Microsoft Word (MW) or Microsoft Excel (ME)
(MW)
National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Evaluation
Instructions (39 KB)
(MW)
National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Evaluation Checklist (119
KB)
(ME)
National Environmental Policy Act Environmental Evaluation Checklist (106
KB)
These sheets may be used to document resource concerns during conservation planning.
(MW)
National Environmental Policy Act Resource Inventory
Instructions (25 KB)
(MW)
National Environmental Policy Act Resource Inventory (214 KB)
A Cultural Resources Review Worksheet will be completed for every planned conservation practice listed as G or PG as part of the DE-CPA-52.
(MW)
Instructions for completing Cultural
Resources Review
Worksheet (28 KB)
(MW)
Undertakings Review Sheet, dated 3-13-07 (41 KB)
(MW)
CRP Cultural Resources Review, dated 1-22-07 (42 KB)
(AA)
Rating of Conservation Practices (83 KB)