Fiscal Year 2003: Performance Report U.S. Department of Agricultire Natural Resources Conservation Service

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management practices, to reduce the risk that sediment, phosphorus, and nitrogen will move from agricultural operations into the environment (Figure 5). Reducing the delivery of sediment and nutrients will result in improvements in resource health and environmental qual- ity over time. Of special concern in parts of the Nation is the animal agriculture sector. Animal agriculture has transformed from a land -based activity to a specialized capi- tal- intensive activity in which large num- bers of animals are raised in small, confined land areas. NRCS is directing increasing assistance to help operators of animal operations (Table 3.) In 2002, NRCS issued technical guidance for com- prehensive nutrient management plans (CNMP) that ensure that animal wastes are managed in ways that minimize the potential for environmental damage. The 2002 Farm Bill authorized increased tech- nical and financial assistance for animal agriculture. Because comprehensive nutri- ent management plans are complex and take several years to complete, the num- ber of plans completed will not immedi- ately increase. Over the next few years, however, an increasing number of animal operations will have measures in place to protect water and air quality. Protecting Wetlands and Wildlife Habitat The rural landscape provides critical habi- tat for much of the Nation's wildlife. The extent and quality of habitat have a sub- stantial impact on the distribution and abundance of wildlife. Many threatened and endangered species are listed, at least in part, because of habitat loss or alter- ation. Many of the conservation practices that we help farmers and ranchers apply as part of comprehensive plans to manage their operations productively also improve the habitat their lands provide for wildlife (Figure 6.) We also provide technical and financial assistance for addi- tional measures needed to protect specific ecosystems and landscapes— including wetlands, grasslands, floodplains, and cer- tain types of forests (Figure 7.) Figure 5. Agricultural land where practices that reduce potential for nutrient delivery were applied in fiscal years 2000 -2003, (million acres). ti FY 2000 FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2003 Source: NRCS Performance and Results Measurement System. Table 3. Key measures of progress in protecting air and water quality in FY 2003. Performance Goals Performance Indicators FY2003 FY2003 Protect water and air resources from agricultural non -point sources of impairment Fiscal Year 2003 Performance Report Target Actual Buffers applied annually, 0.437 0.477 (million acres) Agricultural land where 4.22 4.96 practices that reduce potential for nutrient delivery were applied, (million acres) Comprehensive nutrient 4,556 4,860 management plans developed, (number) Comprehensive nutrient 3,013 3,237 management plans applied, (number)