Conservation Planning

Conservation plans are developed by agriculture producers, in conjunction with the SWCDs, to manage the natural resources on their farms or ranches. Every farm and ranch has its own unique resource concerns, and without proper management, human activity can negatively impact soil, water, air, plants and animals. A plan combines the producer's business and personal goals with the science-based knowledge of the conservation planner to protect natural resources. And with assistance from SWCD Conservation Planners, producers select the best combination of conservation practices to meet their resource needs and management goals.

Benefits of Conservation Planning

  • Receive technical assistance at no cost.
  • Optimize the use of natural resources on your property and decrease soil erosion
  • Improve water use efficiency and minimize the environmental impact of farming
  • Become familiar with government regulations and receive guidance on how to prevent violations
  • Comply with lease requirements for other agencies
  • Qualify for county Grading, Grubbing & Stockpiling permit exemptions

Site visits are essential to conservation planning
The site visit is one of the first and most important parts of conservation planning.

Are you interested in starting a conservation plan?

Any agricultural producer in Hawai‘i - from nursery operators to ranchers to farmers large and small - is eligible to apply for a conservation plan through the SWCDs. Here's how:

  1. Request an application packet and attend a District meeting. Application materials and meeting information for each district can be found at their District website.
  2. Complete the application packet and send it back to the SWCD office. This information will help the planner better design your conservation plan. Contact the nearest SWCD office to your property for assistance.
  3. Set up a site visit. At the appropriate time, a SWCD Conservation Planner will contact you to set up a site visit. This visit is an opportuntity for you to discuss your concerns, the objectives of your operation and practices you want to include in your plan.
  4. Decide which practices are applicable to your operation. The planner will develop a conservation plan for your review. You can adjust the plan to meet the present and future needs of your operation.
  5. Sign your completed conservation plan. A plan is considered complete when it is approved by the District. You will be invited back to another District meeting to have your conservation plan signed by you and the SWCD Directors.

Your completed conservation plan will serve as a written record of your management decisions and the conservation practices you plan to implement in your operation. The plan itself will include tools like aerial photographs of your farm, crop and livestock data, a schedule for applying conservation practices, and instructions for establishing, maintaining and operating your conservation practices. You will also receive information about the soils on your farm and details about nearby streams, aquifers, ditches and other water resources. You may request to update your conservation plan at any time.

For more information about obtaining a conservation plan, visit our SWCDs' websites or contact an SWCD office.

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