Local Working Groups
In the last lesson, we explored the many partners who can play a role in locally led conservation. With so many voices at the table, coordination is essential. Local Working Groups were created for this purpose: to bring conservation district partners together and help align priorities at the local level.
A LWG is a district-level meeting between landowners, conservation partners, and other community members, with the purpose of discussing natural resources needs for that county. The recommendations of the LWG are shared with the NRCS State Technical Committee.
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This group should include any local conservation partners, such as:
- Conservation district supervisors and staff
- NRCS and other federal natural resource agencies
- State natural resource agencies
- Extension service
- Local agricultural organizations (e.g., corn, wheat, potatoes)
- Wildlife groups (e.g., Ducks Unlimited, Quail Forever)
- Environmental groups (e.g., Audubon, The Nature Conservancy)
- FSA county committees
- Tribal governments
- RC&D Councils
- Local/state elected officials
The LWG works together to create recommendations for NRCS and conservation districts to tailor programs to local needs. Responsibilities of the LWG include:
- Identifying priority resource concerns
- Recommending which practices should be available locally
- Suggesting where funds should be focused
- Advising on ranking criteria for programs like EQIP and CSP
- Identifying outreach and education needs
Local Working Groups should meet at least once a year. Conservation districts plan and lead these meetings, with NRCS providing technical guidance and program information. A typical agenda includes:
- Reviewing past accomplishments
- Presenting conservation needs assessments
- Discussing local resource issues
- Identifying priority areas and practices
- Developing recommendations for the State Technical Committee