Open AccessThe Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework: Opportunities and challenges in the eastern United States
Author(s) -
Duncan Jonathan M.,
Respess Zachary,
Ryan William,
Austin Robert,
Royer Matthew,
Osmond Deanna,
Kleinman Peter
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
agricultural and environmental letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.681
H-Index - 12
ISSN - 2471-9625
DOI - 10.1002/ael2.20054
Subject(s) - toolbox , swot analysis , environmental planning , strengths and weaknesses , environmental resource management , agriculture , geography , best practice , political science , business , engineering , environmental science , archaeology , mechanical engineering , philosophy , epistemology , marketing , law
The Agriculture Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF) applies high‐spatial resolution soils and topographic data, now available for many areas of the United States, to precisely locate opportunities for the placement of conservation practices in agricultural watersheds. Application of the ACPF, developed in midwestern landscapes, to watersheds in the eastern United States represents both opportunity and challenge to conservation planning. Based on experience in applying ACPF to eight watersheds in the eastern United States, from Vermont to North Carolina, we assess the toolbox's application in the eastern United States through the lens of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis framework. We see a great future for the ACPF, but its adoption and utility require interaction with scientists and conservation planners familiar with the region to avoid misapplication and ensure appropriate adaptation and interpretation.