Farmers and landowners across Iowa now have a new way to find conservation professionals working in their area.
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach has launched the Iowa Conservation Professionals Map, an online resource designed to connect landowners with professionals who can help with soil, water and habitat conservation.
The map allows users to enter an address or select a specific parcel of land to see which conservation professionals serve that area.
Those professionals can help landowners determine what conservation practices may be needed, design projects, assist with installation and help identify funding opportunities that may help cover the cost.
Catherine DeLong, water quality program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach, said having a conservation professional available to work directly with farmers can make a significant difference.
“Research from Iowa State University shows regular contact with a conservation professional is the single strongest factor in whether a farmer adopts new conservation practices,” DeLong said.
The map includes conservation professionals from a variety of public agencies, local governments and nonprofit organizations. Those listed include staff from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, counties, cities and other organizations.
Conservation agronomists with the Iowa Soybean Association and agricultural cooperatives focused on water quality are also included.
Rebekah Jones, manager of strategic communications and initiatives with the Iowa Soybean Association, said having all of those resources in one place can make it easier for farmers to find assistance.
The map is organized by service area, with professionals listed from the smallest coverage area to the largest. According to ISU Extension and Outreach, every acre in Iowa is covered by at least one conservation professional, while some areas have as many as 10.
The map does not include USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service staff or some forestry, wildlife and drinking water contacts. Those resources can still be found through ISU Extension and Outreach’s existing natural resources contacts directory.
The project was developed by ISU Extension and Outreach with technical assistance from Iowa State University’s Geographic Information Systems Support and Research Facility.
Ongoing funding for the project comes from ISU Extension and Outreach, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, Iowa Soybean Association, The Nature Conservancy and the Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance.
Farmers and landowners can access the Iowa Conservation Professionals Map at go.iastate.edu/FindMyCP to find conservation assistance available in their area.
For more information, contact Catherine DeLong at crdelong@iastate.edu.
Source: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach
