We have recently received clarification on planner requirements regarding the need for the 'Conservation Planning Business Tool' training for partners.
Essentially, partners who do not and will not have access to NRCS Business Tools (Conservation Desktop and CART) will not be required to complete this training as part of their NRCS Planner Certification.
"Conservation planning business tool training (e.g., Conservation Desktop (State or national course)). Partner or private sector conservation planner (including TSPs) candidates will not be required to complete Conservation Planning Business Tools training if they do not have access to the appropriate NRCS conservation planning application." (409-9, NPPH 180-409-GM, 1st Ed., Amend. 44, Sep. 2019)
In light of this new guidance, please indicate below whether or not you still need to attend this course. See more details on the course below.
Your response by Monday, May 25 is much appreciated!
Questions? Email us at
training@wactd.org.
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Conservation Planning Business Tool Training
Description
Hands-on Conservation Desktop and Conservation Assessment and Ranking Tool (CART) Training, specific to partner planners. Conservation Desktop and CART are NRCS platforms used by planners to assess land units, document planning decisions and progress (tabularly and spatially), and rank agreements. This training introduces partner planners to NRCS Business Tools and covers client file setup, adding inventory information and completing an assessment, scheduling and digitizing conservation practices, and creating conservation products (plans and maps).
Course Qualifications:
This course satisfies the Conservation Planning Business Tool Training requirement for NRCS Planner Certification. However, partners who do not and will not have access to NRCS Business Tools (Conservation Desktop and CART) will not be required to complete this training as part of their NRCS Planner Certification. Access is defined under Course Requirements.
• This course is NOT required if you will never be conducting any NRCS database entry (i.e., CART, Conservation Desktop) within the NRCS system for NRCS programs (i.e., RCPP, CRP, cooperative agreement, etc.).
• This course IS required for all those who will be conducting any NRCS database entry (i.e., CART, Conservation Desktop) within the NRCS system for NRCS programs (i.e., RCPP, CRP, cooperative agreement, etc.).
Course Requirements:
You must have a Level 2 eAuthentication account before attending the course. A LincPass (or secure login) and access to an NRCS computer for the course is desired (you must be able to access both of these items post class if you intend to use the tools presented). If you cannot bring an NRCS laptop computer to the course, you will need to find an individual to share with.
