Joint Guidance on Training and Proficiency for NRCS and SWCD Staff
The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) have decided to combine efforts on training and verifying proficiency of conservation staff on soil erosion issues. This webpage is your primary source of information about this partnership training program, including dates and details about upcoming training opportunities.
Note that while NRCS and DCR will be using the same training approach and materials, each maintain their own system for staff accreditation and continuing education. Staff should contact their appropriate agency contact with questions.
| Marian Moody USDA NRCS Agronomy Specialist (ACES) Marian.Moody@usda.gov 804/457-7006 | Carl Thiel-Goin DCR Conservation Planning and Training Coordinator carl.thiel-goin@dcr.virginia.gov 804/229-3385 |
There are THREE (3) key elements in the joint DCR-NRCS agricultural soil erosion training & proficiency program.
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A. Erosion Fundamentals & RUSLE2 Background
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B. In-field Erosion Risk Assessment and RUSLE2 Data Collection
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C. Getting Results with RUSLE2 Erosion Assessment Software
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These elements do not need to be completed in sequence, although it is recommended.
Element A: Erosion Fundamentals and RUSLE2 Background
How to Acquire Knowledge for Element A
Style: SELF-STUDY
- Watch these webinar recordings hosted by Chris Lawrence, State Cropland Agronomist with USDA-NRCS in Virginia. Webinars are organized in two playlists, totaling ten videos
- Total time: 3.5 hours
- Longest video: 31 minutes.
- Average video length: 20 minutes
- Download or bookmark the VA NRCS Erosion Resources Index found on the Virginia NRCS Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG). Spend at least 30 minutes familiarizing yourself with Index items 1-7, 27, and 29. Browse the titles and descriptions of these items in the Index. Dig deeper by downloading and opening documents. In some cases, digging deeper might be needed to answer certification test questions
How to Demonstrate Proficiency for Element A
TAKE A MULTIPLE-CHOICE TEST ON THE ABOVE MATERIAL.
Click this link to take your test online.
Click this link to download a hard-copy version of the test.
*Hard copy version provided if participants prefer to take their exam on paper; answers can be transcribed to the online version of the exam. If using the online exam system is not accessible or other accommodations are needed, reach out to Marian Moody at Marian.Moody@usda.gov.
Element B: In-Field Erosion Risk Assessment & RUSLE2 Data Collection
How to Acquire Knowledge for Element B
Style: FORMAL IN-PERSON TRAINING
- October 3rd
- Location: 49 Highgate Road, Surry VA 23883
- Surry Location Map, Directions, and Map available here.
- October 8th
- Location: 5478 Yanceyville Road, Louisa, VA 23093
- Louisa Location Map, Directions, and Map available here.
- October 9th
- Location: 2162 Merrimac Road, Blacksburg VA 24060
- Blacksburg Location Map, Directions, and Map available here.
Please click here to register and MARK YOUR CALENDER and plan to attend the location that works best for you.
Final details will be sent out to all who register a few days before the training event.
How to Demonstrate Proficiency & Earn Certification for Element B
Sign Attendance Roster at Formal In-Field Training. Details Pending.
Element C: Getting Results with RUSLE2 Erosion Assessment Software
How to Acquire Knowledge & Demonstrate Proficiency for Element C
Style: SELF-STUDY & COMPLETE PRACTICAL EXERCISE
Learn by doing: The best way to develop proficiency with RUSLE2 is for you to set up and run the software on your own computer. Therefore, we recommend that you work towards completing a “Basic RUSLE2 Plan Practical Exercise”.
Follow instructions: The table below summarizes how to complete your Basic RUSLE2 Plan Practical Exercise (for a more detailed version of the same information, click here to download technical note on this subject).
Use self-study resources: Learning by doing doesn’t mean jumping in unprepared. The table below provides links to multiple technical notes and associated videos to help you work through each step.
Get live expert help: See below for scheduled opportunities and contact info.
Submit for review (if desired): Follow procedures in table below if you wish to receive a certificate of completion.
| Recommended Steps (for more detailed version of this same information, click here to download technical note on this subject) | Where to get instructions or help |
|---|---|
| 1. Install & set up RUSLE2 on your computer. Use current version of RUSLE2 & database with recently updated soils | Tech note video |
| 2. Run RUSLE2 to create a basic “plan” printout | |
| a. Plan your project & organize input data Compare at least 2 managements across at least 3 slopes (at least 6 total scenarios) | Tech note video |
| b. Find or build crop management files that you need | Tech note video |
| c. Get results for your project using a single RUSLE2 “plan” calculation | Tech note video |
| d. Print your results & create a project report Use “VA Plan Printout w Details” print template, then add management details & interpretation of results | Tech note video |
| 3. Submit your RUSLE2 project for review (if desired) | Tech note video |
| a. Let us know your project is coming by filling out this on-line form. | |
| b. Submit your project as an email attachment. Send to chris.lawrence@usda.gov | |
| c. Monitor your email for response & help ensure your submission was received. | |
| d. File your certificate of completion in a safe place after you receive it. |
How to Get Additional Help
a. Upcoming Webinars will be added as available.
b. RUSLE2 @2PM Monday Office Hours
- 2 pm to 4 pm every Monday starting October 21, 2024
- Open help sessions on RUSLE2 and any associated aspects of erosion assessment.
- For VA NRCS & SWCD staff
- Hosted by VA NRCS on MS Teams–click here to download access instructions
c. Request Group or Individual Assistance
- Marian Moody
- 804-457-7006