327_Conservation Cover Design_ _Install_Guide.pdf

USDA-NRCS - North Dakota FOTG - Section IV - Conservation Practices

Conservation Cover – 327

DESIGN AND INSTALLATION GUIDE

Conservation Cover Plantings shall be planned and applied in accordance with the standard detailed in Section IV of the Field Office Technical Guide. This document provides conservation planners with additional parameters, recommendations, references, and requirements for developing site-specific plans for this practice.

1. Refer to Herbaceous Vegetation Establishment Guide (FOTG, Section I - Reference Subjects - Plant materials Subsection) for:

• Seeding dates (Part 1)

• Seedbed preparation (Part 2)

• Seeding equipment (Part 3)

• Drill calibration (Part 4)

• Seed requirements (Part 5)

• Seeding depth (Part 6)

• Cover and companion crops (Part 7)

• Management and protection during establishment (Part 8)

• Guidelines for stand evaluation (Part 9)

2. Selecting species and varieties Refer to specific program requirements or Practice 645, Upland Wildlife Habitat Management specifications for recommended species and varieties.

3. Guidelines for stand evaluation Refer to specific program requirements or Practice 645, Upland Wildlife Habitat Management specifications for recommended stand evaluation guidelines.

Design and Installation Guide - 327 March 2003

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, North Dakota

STATEMENT OF WORK

Conservation Cover (327) Issued: May 28, 2004

Contact: State Agronomist at 701-530-2078

DESIGN

Deliverables:

1. Design documents that demonstrate criteria in NRCS practice standard have been met and are compatible with planned and applied practices.

a. Practice purpose(s) as identified in the conservation plan.

b. List of required permits to be obtained by the client.

c. List all required and/or facilitating practices.

d. Practice standard criteria-related computations and analyses to develop plans and specifications including but not limited to:

i. Planting dates

ii. Site preparation

iii. Species selection and seeding rates

iv. Management of vegetation after establishment

v. Wildlife considerations

2. Written plans and specifications including sketches and drawings shall be provided to the client that adequately describes the requirements to install the practice and obtain necessary permits. Plans and specifications shall be developed in accordance with the conservation practice standard Conservation Cover (Code327).

3. Operation and maintenance plan.

4. Certification that the design meets practice standard criteria and comply with applicable laws and regulations.

5. Design modifications during application as required.

INSTALLATION

1. Pre-application conference with client.

2. Verification that client has obtained required permits.

3. Staking and layout according to plans and specifications including applicable layout notes.

4. Application guidance as needed.

5. Facilitate and implement required design modifications with client and original designer.

6. Advise client/NRCS on compliance issues with all federal, state, tribal, and local laws, regulations and NRCS policies during application.

7. Certification that the application process and materials meets design and permit requirements.

CHECK OUT

1. Records of application.

a. Extent of practice units applied

b. Actual materials used

2. Certification that the application meets NRCS standards and specifications and is in compliance with permits.

3. Record progress reporting according to NRCS policy.

REFERENCES

NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG), Section IV, Conservation Practice Standard Conservation Cover-327

• NRCS National Range and Pasture Handbook

• NRCS National Biology Manual

NRCS National Environmental Compliance Handbook NRCS Cultural Resources Handbook