The Plan

The plan document is a key element or portion of the planning process; however, it is not an end in itself. The plan helps get conservation on the ground, thus the planning process does not stop when the client makes decisions, but continues with implementation and evaluation.

TSPs may become involved in any of the different types of conservation plans:

• Conservation Activity Plans (CAPs)

• Individual Conservation Plans

• Area-wide Conservation Plans or Area-wide Conservation Assessments

• Comprehensive Plans with a unit of government Conservation Activity Plans-CAPs are usually developed as a “component” plan that address a particular agricultural practice or land use, such as a Forest Management Conservation Activity Plan. A CAP may become part of a more comprehensive conservation plan.

Individual Conservation Plans - Conservation plans that are developed with individuals, or with groups where the group acts as an individual and has decision making authority for specific land units. They are voluntary, site-specific, comprehensive, and action oriented. Comprehensive means that a complete job of planning is done whether the planning unit is a field, a series of fields, or the entire unit.

Area wide Conservation Plans or Area wide Conservation Assessments – Area wide

Conservation Plans are voluntary, comprehensive plans for a watershed or other defined boundary. They may be developed with formal or informal groups.

Comprehensive Plans With a Unit of Government – These plans are developed with a unit of government that has jurisdiction over an area.