Environmental degradation on privately-owned working lands in the United States is a widespread and tenacious issue. The long-term conservation and community benefits of sustainable—if not regenerative —management practices on farm, ranch, and forestland are well understood. This includes preventing erosion to protect water quality, promoting soil health, averting land conversion, providing healthy food, and preserving or restoring critical habitat. The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) is the largest funder of conservation on private lands in the United States, which represents 70% of the country’s land area. NRCS has made incredible conservation gains since its founding in 1933.
