Natural Resources Conservation Service

Technical Representative	Administrative Representatives
Jonathan H. Smith Ph.D. Senior Scientist Soil Science and Resource Assessment Natural Resources Conservation Service (301) 215-0347 Jonathan.smith@usda.gov	Jonathan H. Smith Ph.D. Senior Scientist Soil Science and Resource Assessment Natural Resources Conservation Service (301) 215-0347 Jonathan.smith@usda.gov
	Tessa Garcia Grants Management Specialist USDA Farm Production and Conservation-Business Center tessa.garcia@usda.gov 651-602-7872

Key Research, Technical Assistance, and Education Needs

NRCS’s interests are focused on natural resources that form the foundation for healthy lands.

Soil Quality: The quality of intensively used soils is maintained or enhanced to enable sustained production of a safe, healthy, and abundant food supply.
Water Quality: The quality of surface and groundwater is improved and maintained to protect human health, support a healthy environment and encourage a productive landscape.
Water Management: Water is conserved and protected to ensure and abundant and a reliable supply for the nation.
Grassland, Rangeland and Forest Ecosystems: Grassland, Rangeland, and Forestlands are productive, diverse and resilient.
Fish and Wildlife Habitat: Working lands and waters provide habitat for diverse and healthy wildlife, aquatic species, and plant communities.
Wetlands: Provide quality habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife, protect water quality, and reduce flood damages.
Clean Air: Agriculture makes a positive contribution to local air quality and the nation’s effort to sequester carbon.
Energy: Agriculture activities conserve energy and agricultural lands are a source of environmentally sustainable bio fuels and renewable energy.
Working Farm and Ranch Lands: Connected landscapes sustain a viable agricultural and natural resource quality.