Office Location: 650 Hawthorne Ave SE, Ste # 130 Salem, OR 97301-5894 Phone:  503-391-9927

What is a conservation plan?

A conservation plan is essentially two things. First, it is a written record of your management decisions and supporting information, and second, it contains the conservation practices that you choose to implement and maintain on your land. A conservation plan encompasses all of the natural resources on your land which can generally be categorized into soil, water, air, plant, animal, and human considerations. There are many benefits to a conservation plan but two main goals will be achieved through the implementation of a plan: the control of soil erosion and the maintenance of local surface and ground water quality. 

The following are a few of the benefits from a conservation plan: 

protection of soil and farm productivity

protection of water quality

improvement of soil fertility

management of soil moisture 

Why do I need a conservation plan?

As a landowner, you are a manager of the resources that come with the land you own.  Those resources include soil, water, air, plants, animals, and yes, even yourself.  Those resources can be either renewable or nonrenewable.  The proper management of your land is very important to the health and sustainability of the natural resources found there.  Anyone whose livelihood depends upon the soil, water, and air around them, knows the importance of conserving and protecting the very elements that sustain them. The conservation planning process produces a valuable tool that will help to guide you towards enhancing and increasing your management skills.  Perhaps most important of all is the fact that this conservation plan is voluntary and flexible.  You make the decisions and carry them out and finally, this is your plan for your land. 

How do I begin the conservation planning process?

The Marion SWCD has staff available to assist you in the planning process.  The first thing to do is call the district office and request an appointment.  You may also want to take a look at Voluntary Conservation on Your Land.  This is a printable packet that will help you gather information about your property.  A watershed technical specialist will work with you on the conservation planning process. This is a nine step process that produces a valuable tool for you, the landowner, in the end. 

Step 1: Identify Problems and Opportunities

Step 2: Determine Objectives

Step 3: Inventory Resources

Step 4: Analyze Resources

Step 5: Formulate Alternatives

Step 6: Evaluate Alternatives

Step 7: Make Decisions

Step 8: Implement the Plan

Step 9: Evaluate the Plan 

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