You will rank Resource Concern Categories identified by NRCS by selecting A, B and C with A being your top priority and C your lowest priority.

When you begin the survey in Section 3, you may only select THREE in each section that applies to you. Here are the Resource Concern Categories you will consider when making your selections:

1. SOIL (conditions that impair soil function, reducing fertility, plant growth, water infiltration and biological activity)

Examples include:

Erosion (sheet, rill, wind)
Compaction
Organic matter depletion
Salinity/sodicity

2. WATER (both surface and groundwater concerns that limit land use and ecological sustainability)

Examples include:

Excessive runoff or ponding
Flooding
High water tables
Inefficient moisture
Irrigation water management
Depletion of water sources

3. AIR (air quality concerns that impact human health, ecosystems, visibility and atmospheric balance)

Examples include:

Emissions of particulate matter such as dust and smoke
Greenhouse gases
Ozone precursors (NOx, VOCs)
Reactive nitrogen (ammonia)
Odor nuisances

4. PLANTS (encompasses plant health and productivity concerns affecting soil stability, nutrient cycling, wildlife habitat and forage production)

Examples include:

Degraded plant condition
Poor nutrient management
Inadequate species composition or vigor
Invasive species
Suboptimal canopy cover

5. ANIMALS (concerns for both domesticated livestock and wildlife habitat)

Examples for domesticated livestock include:

Feed/forage limitations
Water access
Shelter
Distribution systems

Examples for wildlife habitat concerns needed to sustain viable populations in agriculture and ecosystems include:

Food
Cover
Space
Water

6. HUMANS (recognizes human resource considerations that influence conservation outcomes)

Examples include:

Producer financial capacity
Cultural values
Social acceptability
Labor availability
Historic properties
Human dimensions essential for sustainable implementation

7. ENERGY (focusing on inefficiencies in energy use [fuel, electricity])

Examples include:

Opportunities for reducing energy inputs through improved conservation practices
Renewable energy
Measures to lower input costs and dependence on fossil fuels