Question

Why there is a need of resource planning

Answer 1

Assessing the need for resource planning involves working with stakeholders to
determine whether a resource management plan is the appropriate way to address
their concerns.
Generally, requests for resource planning are made by stakeholders in a water-
shed, community, or other planning area to the SWCD, NRCS or other Conserva-
tion Partners. Determining whether resource planning is warranted is the first
activity NRCS and other partners will undertake with the stakeholders.
Resource planning is an area-wide planning process. Resource planning is not
needed if the resource problems are only site-specific and remedied by conserva-
tion practices applied to the site. For example, gully erosion on a farm field or
eroding banks of a livestock pond call for conservation treatment undertaken by
the individual landowner. In contrast, area-wide resource planning is usually
needed to resolve problems like flooding, stream sedimentation or water quality
degradation occurring throughout a watershed or other planning area. Concerns
such as these may be best addressed with the resource planning process when:
Multiple stakeholders are affected by the problems but they lack consensus
about what should be done.
The problems are interrelated and complex.
Solutions can only be implemented over a long period of time with the collabo-
ration of many parties and public assistance.
When one or more stakeholders identify resource concerns for which they want
assistance, consider the following points:
Determine if other stakeholders are experiencing similar resource problems. If
further investigation identifies, for example, multiple streambank erosion sites or
sediment problems from many construction sites, the resource concerns may be
best addressed on an area-wide basis.
Solicit open discussion with other stakeholders within the area to measure their
interest in a resource planning process. Resource planning is a locally-led pro-
cess that requires strong stakeholder interest. A single citizen concerned about
the problem is not sufficient for an effective areawide planning effort.
Review any past and current planning projects. In some cases past planning
efforts are still applicable. Old resource plans may simply need to be updated, or
new implementation strategies devised.
After its determined that resource planning is desired by the community and is
appropriate, identify stakeholders to serve on the Planning Committee. See
factsheet on Identifying Stakeholders for the Planning Committee.