Notice2026-17863
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices
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Published
September 1, 2026
Issuing agencies
Agriculture DepartmentNatural Resources Conservation Service
Abstract
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is revising specific conservation practice standard (CPS) in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an opportunity to provide comments on the proposed changes to the specific CPSs.
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 168 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 168 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56102-56106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17863]
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Federal Register / Vol. 91, No. 168 / Tuesday, September 1, 2026 /
Notices
[[Page 56102]]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Natural Resources Conservation Service
[Docket No. NRCS-2026-0100]
Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation
Practices
AGENCY: Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
ACTION: Notice of availability, request for comments.
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SUMMARY: The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is revising
specific conservation practice standard (CPS) in the National Handbook
of Conservation Practices (NHCP). NRCS is also giving the public an
opportunity to provide comments on the proposed changes to the specific
CPSs.
DATES: We will consider comments that we receive by October 1, 2026.
ADDRESSES: We invite you to submit comments in response to this notice.
You may submit your comments through one of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> and search for Docket ID NRCS-2026-0100. Follow the
online instructions for submitting comments; or
<bullet> Mail or Hand Delivery: Mr. J'Que C. Jones, National
Agricultural Engineer, Conservation Engineering Division, NRCS, USDA,
1400 Independence Avenue, South Building, Room 4949, Washington, DC
20250. In your comment, please specify the Docket ID NRCS-2026-0100.
All comments received will be made publicly available on <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a>.
Copies of the proposed revised CPSs are available at <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">http://www.regulations.gov</a> by accessing Docket No. NRCS-2026-0100 and may also
be downloaded or printed from <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-practices">https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/conservation-practices</a>.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. J'Que C. Jones at (443) 926-6957,
or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#157f6460703b7f7a7b706655606671743b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4b213a3e2e652124252e380b3e382f2a652c243d">[email protected]</span></a>. Individuals who require alternative
means for communication should contact the USDA TARGET Center at (202)
720-2600 (voice and text telephone (TTY)) or dial 711 for
Telecommunications Relay Service (both voice and text telephone users
can initiate this call from any telephone).
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
NRCS plans to revise specific CPSs in the NHCP. This notice
provides an overview of the planned changes and gives the public an
opportunity to comment on the proposed revisions to these specific
CPSs.
NRCS State Conservationists who choose to adopt these CPSs in their
States will incorporate them into their respective electronic Field
Office Technical Guide. These CPSs may be used in conservation systems
that treat highly erodible land (HEL) or on land determined to be
wetland. Section 343 of the Federal Agriculture Improvement and Reform
Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-127) states that revisions made after
enactment of the law to NRCS State technical guides used to carry out
HEL and wetland provisions must be made available for public review and
comment.
Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices
The amount of proposed changes varies for each of the CPSs
addressed in this notice. To fully understand the proposed changes,
individuals are encouraged to compare these changes with the current
version for each CPS, which can be found at: <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/conservation-practice-standards">https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/conservation-practice-standards</a>.
NRCS is requesting comments on the following 48 CPSs:
<bullet> Access Road (Code 560);
<bullet> Agrichemical Handling Facility (Code 309);
<bullet> Air Filtration and Scrubbing (Code 371);
<bullet> Aquaculture Pond (Code 397);
<bullet> Bivalve Aquaculture Gear and Biofouling Control (Code
400);
<bullet> Brush Management (Code 314);
<bullet> Channel Bed Stabilization (Code 584);
<bullet> Contour Farming (Code 330);
<bullet> Critical Area Planting (Code 342);
<bullet> Cross Wind Ridges (Code 588);
<bullet> Dam (Code 402);
<bullet> Dam, Diversion (Code 348);
<bullet> Denitrifying Bioreactor (Code 605);
<bullet> Dry Hydrant (Code 432);
<bullet> Early Successional Habitat Development (Code 647);
<bullet> Fence (Code 382);
<bullet> Forage Harvest Management (Code 511);
<bullet> Grade Stabilization Structure (Code 410);
<bullet> Grassed Waterway (Code 412);
<bullet> Heavy Use Area Protection (Code 561);
<bullet> High Tunnel System (Code 325);
<bullet> Irrigation Reservoir (Code 436);
<bullet> Irrigation System, Microirrigation (Code 441);
<bullet> Nutrient Management (Code 590);
<bullet> On-Farm Recharge (Code 641);
<bullet> Pasture and Hay Planting (Code 512);
<bullet> Pest Management Conservation System (Code 595);
<bullet> Pond Sealing or Lining, Compacted Soil Treatment (Code
520);
<bullet> Pond Sealing or Lining, Concrete (Code 522);
<bullet> Precision Land Forming and Smoothing (Code 462);
<bullet> Restoration of Rare and Declining Natural Communities
(Code 643);
<bullet> Riparian Forest Buffer (Code 391);
<bullet> Roof Runoff Structure (Code 558);
<bullet> Salinity and Sodic Soil Management (Code 610);
<bullet> Sediment Basin (Code 350);
<bullet> Sinkhole Treatment (Code 527);
<bullet> Soil Carbon Amendment (Code 336);
<bullet> Sprinkler System (Code 442);
<bullet> Stormwater Runoff Control (Code 570);
<bullet> Streambank and Shoreline Protection (Code 580);
<bullet> Structures for Wildlife (Code 649);
<bullet> Surface Drain, Field Ditch (Code 607);
<bullet> Waste Facility Closure (Code 360);
<bullet> Waste Transfer (Code 634);
<bullet> Water Harvesting Catchment (Code 636);
<bullet> Wetland Enhancement (Code 659);
<bullet> Wildlife Habitat Planting (Code 420); and
<bullet> Windbreak-Shelterbelt Establishment and Renovation (Code
380).
The following paragraphs highlight some of the proposed changes to
each CPS:
[[Page 56103]]
Access Road (Code 560): Minor wording revisions were made
throughout the CPS to improve clarity. A legend was added to Figure 1.
Usage information was removed from Table 1. Additional considerations
were added to address air and water quality.
Agrichemical Handling Facility (Code 309): This CPS was fully
revised to clarify its complex requirements for preventing agrichemical
spills and contamination. Notable updates include permitting multi-
owner facilities to implement the practice, introducing buoyancy
control, revising liner material and liquid-tight structure
requirements, and allowing the use of manufactured sumps. The revisions
also provide more detailed facility descriptions to support broader
applicability across diverse operational needs.
Air Filtration and Scrubbing (Code 371): Clarifications and
simplifications were made to the ``Definition'', ``Purpose'',
``Criteria'', and ``Considerations'' sections. Additional detail was
provided in the ``Plans and Specifications'' and ``Operation and
Maintenance'' sections to further specify required elements and the
types of documents necessary to record practice standard
implementation. A generic reference to air pollution technology fact
sheets was replaced with citations to specific fact sheets.
Aquaculture Pond (Code 397): No major technical changes were made
to this CPS. References to Critical Area Planting (Code 342) and
Mulching (Code 484) were added. The ``Operation and Maintenance''
section was revised to better align with the Pond (Code 378) CPS.
Bivalve Aquaculture Gear and Biofouling Control (Code 400): The
``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section was updated to include
onshore gear storage, drying, and cleaning areas to align with the
``Criteria'' section for exchanging fouled gear. The ``Plans and
Specifications'' section now includes a requirement to clearly
distinguish baseline management from planned improvements. The
``Considerations'' section was expanded to address support for
recovering lost gear after disasters. The ``References'' section was
also updated.
Brush Management (Code 314): This CPS was updated to incorporate
active voice and modern guidance for managing woody and succulent plant
species. The revisions clarify the practice purposes, strengthen
ecological foundations, and emphasize alignment with ecological sites
and plant communities. The ``Conditions Where Practice Applies''
section was refined to clarify where mechanical, chemical, and
biological treatments apply, and requirements related to legal
compliance, integrated planning, and long-term monitoring were
reinforced. Wildlife considerations were enhanced to reduce potential
adverse impacts. The ``Additional Criteria'' subsections now more
effectively address ecological processes, adaptive management, and
preventing reinvasion. The ``Considerations'' section was expanded to
include guidance on mapping encroachment, coordination with grazing,
forest, and wildlife plans, and recognizing biodiversity and habitat
complexity. Updates to the ``Plans and Specifications'' and ``Operation
and Maintenance'' sections provide clearer expectations for treatment
methods, safety, herbicide use, monitoring, and retreatment.
Collectively, these revisions improve alignment with current ecological
science and NRCS guidance, enhance consistency across related practice
standards, and support more effective, predictable, and longer-lasting
treatment outcomes for landowners, partners, and conservation planners.
Channel Bed Stabilization (Code 584): The ``Purpose'' section was
updated to remove a statement unrelated to streambed stabilization.
Additional minor wording changes were made throughout to improve
clarity and readability.
Contour Farming (Code 330): Minor edits were made to the
``Considerations'' section. References to Contour Orchard and other
Perennial Crops (Code 331) and Row Arrangement (Code 557) were added to
clarify the ``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section. One purpose
was shortened to ``improve soil moisture retention.'' The ``General
Criteria'' subsection was reorganized to align with steps for
installation and contour marker installation was added. Additional
contour layout suggestions were included in the ``Considerations''
section. Requirements in the ``Plans and Specifications'' section were
clarified. The ``Operation and Maintenance'' section was reorganized to
align with installation operations and maintenance requirements to
ensure the practice meets its intended five-year lifespan.
Critical Area Planting (Code 342): The definition of this CPS was
updated to address concerns, including situations where normal planting
methods may not be feasible. For consistency, standardized wording for
plant material selection and use across all permanent planting
practices was added. Engineering-related criteria were removed and are
now referenced to Streambank and Shoreline Protection (Code 580). The
``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section was streamlined, and
additional flexibility was provided for conservation practice
installation and other construction sites to protect surface waters and
source water.
Cross Wind Ridges (Code 588): Revisions were made throughout to
improve clarity. The ``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section was
simplified to include all cropland susceptible to wind erosion.
Guidance in the ``Additional Criteria'' subsection was expanded to
support evaluating plant productivity and health using wind erosion
technology. The ``Plans and Specifications'' section was updated with
clearer requirements.
Dam (Code 402): The ``Cultural Resources'' subheading in the
``General Criteria'' subsection was removed because it was considered
redundant with the overall compliance statement in the first paragraph
of that subsection. In the ``Additional Considerations for Visual
Resource Design'' subsection, the second paragraph beginning with
``Shape the embankment to blend with the natural topography...'', was
removed because how-to procedures should not be included in a CPS.
Minor wording changes were made throughout to improve clarity and
readability.
Dam, Diversion (Code 348): The first sentence in the ``Conditions
Where Practice Applies'' section was removed because it did not
describe where the CPS applies. Minor wording changes were made
throughout to improve clarity and readability.
Denitrifying Bioreactor (Code 605): Minor edits were made
throughout to improve clarity, readability, and consistency. The
``Definition'' section was updated to include microbial
denitrification. Criteria under the ``Media Chamber'' subheading in the
``General Criteria'' subsection were updated to address media mounding,
soil-capped bioreactors, and allowable wood species.
Dry Hydrant (Code 432): Minor wording revisions were made
throughout to improve clarity and readability.
Early Successional Habitat Development (Code 647): Updates include
revisions to the title and lifespan to better align with planning
tools; removal of the term ``management'' to address planning and
contracting issues; consolidation of management and development
activities; and improved alignment with certification and reimbursement
processes. The revisions also shift the focus toward woody plant
removal for habitat purposes.
[[Page 56104]]
Fence (Code 382): Changes to this CPS primarily reflect the
integration of virtual fence technology; updates to improve clarity
through plain language and active voice; clarification of technical
guidance; incorporation of contemporary ecological considerations; and
updates to references. Virtual fence technology was incorporated
through added content and edits across multiple sections of the CPS.
The ``Purpose'' section was revised to state that the practice
facilitates, rather than controls, resource management. The
``Considerations'' section now identifies similar or related
conservation practice standards, explains how these complementary
practices differ, and describes how they may be applied together.
Additional ecological considerations, based on new science related to
wildlife interactions, were also added to the ``Considerations''
section.
Forage Harvest Management (Code 511): Revisions to this CPS focus
on restructuring content for clarity, applying active voice, and
improving alignment with NHCP policy. The ``Definition'' section was
updated to clarify that ``harvest'' does not always involve removal of
forage. The ``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section was broadened
to include all lands where forage is mechanically manipulated. The
``Purpose'' section was revised to consolidate soil compaction and
aggregate stability into a single resource concern and to remove
``optimize soil microbial life'' as an explicit purpose. The ``General
Criteria'' subsection was reorganized to emphasize decision-making
related to timing of forage cutting rather than harvest or storage
methods, and content related to storage was relocated to the
``Considerations'' section. The ``Additional Criteria'' subsections
were refined to reduce redundancy, including updated guidance related
to wildlife habitat, pest pressure, nutrient removal, and species
composition. The ``Considerations'', ``Plans and Specifications'',
``Operation and Maintenance'', and ``References'' sections were updated
to improve formatting, enhance clarity, and incorporate current
technical sources.
Grade Stabilization Structure (Code 410): The ``Purpose'' section
was revised to add ``prevent or reduce erosion and head cutting,''
ensuring the CPS explicitly addresses head cutting protection. The
``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section was updated to include
``prevent or to reduce head cutting'' for consistency with the purpose
statement. In the ``Small pond-sized Dams'' subheading under ``General
Criteria,'' the initial sentence stating, ``For dams with an effective
height of less than 15 feet and 10-year frequency, 24-hour storm runoff
volume less than 10 acre-feet, the designer may use the requirements of
NRCS CPS Water and Sediment Control Basin (Code 638)'', was removed.
Grassed Waterway (Code 412): No major technical changes are
proposed for this CPS. The ``Definition'' section was simplified for
clarity. In the ``Criteria'' section, requirements related to livestock
and vehicle crossings were expanded to safeguard proper design and
installation. A consideration formerly associated with these crossings
was removed from the ``Considerations'' section. Additionally,
vegetative considerations within the ``Considerations'' section were
reorganized and slightly revised to improve readability.
Heavy Use Area Protection (Code 561): Minor wording changes were
made to improve clarity in the ``Criteria'' section. Additions were
made to the ``Considerations'' section to address air quality
improvement. The ``References'' section was also updated.
High Tunnel System (Code 325): NRCS is revising this CPS to improve
clarity and ensure consistency with current technical guidance. The
``Definition'' section was updated to more clearly distinguish high
tunnel systems from other commercially available structures. Within the
``General Criteria'' subsection, the required height for raised
planting beds was increased to 18-inches to accommodate machinery-
formed natural soil beds and the use of frames to hold those beds in
place. The ``Criteria'' section was reorganized to present structural
requirements, siting considerations, and operational guidance in a more
logical sequence. Language addressing salt buildup beneath high tunnels
was added to both the ``Criteria'' and ``Considerations'' sections.
Minor clarifications were made in the ``Plans and Specifications''
section. The ``Operation and Maintenance'' section was revised to align
activities in a seasonal order and to make the connection to the
``Criteria'' section more transparent.
Irrigation Reservoir (Code 436): In the ``Conditions Where Practice
Applies'' section, the second and third paragraphs were removed because
they did not describe conditions under which this CPS applies. In the
``Foundation, Embankment, and Spillways'' subsection of the ``General
Criteria,'' the first sentence of the second paragraph--``Planting of
critical areas at the completion of construction will help protect the
structure and borrow areas and prevent erosion''--was removed to
simplify the guidance. In the ``Considerations'' section, the fifth
paragraph was relocated to the ``General Criteria'' subsection because
it functions as a criterion rather than a consideration. In the final
paragraph of the ``Considerations'' section, the last two sentences
were removed for simplicity. Minor wording changes were made throughout
to improve clarity and readability.
Irrigation System, Microirrigation (Code 441): Minor edits were
made throughout the CPS to improve clarity, readability, and
consistency. The ``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section was
updated to include heavy-wall dripperline and mini- or micro- sprinkler
system renovation. A new purpose--reducing energy use--was added to the
``Purpose'' section. Additionally, new subsections titled ``Gravity-fed
drip irrigation'' and ``Container irrigation'' were added to the
``General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes'' section.
Nutrient Management (Code 590): This CPS was revised to shift from
plan-centered guidance to a strategy-centered, risk-assessment
approach. Updated testing guidance strengthens the focus on nutrient
use efficiency, drinking water and air quality protection, and emerging
technologies, including precision agriculture and biological
amendments.
On-Farm Recharge (Code 641): This new CPS, developed from interim
CPS Code 817, establishes criteria for applying surface water to
cropland connected to unconfined aquifers to support groundwater
recharge during periods when crops are dormant. No changes were made
from the interim version.
Pasture and Hay Planting (Code 512): This CPS was modernized,
clarified, reorganized, and aligned with NRCS policy and updated
resource concerns. The ``Purpose'' section was restructured to align
with contemporary resource concerns and to clarify applicability
boundaries between this practice and related CPSs. The ``Criteria''
section was updated to strengthen guidance on seed quality, planting
rates, soil testing, species selection, planting depth, coated seed
use, livestock exclusion, and overall establishment protocols. The
``Considerations'' section was expanded to address wildlife needs,
pollinator habitat, nurse crops, native species, invasive species
avoidance, species diversity, and complementary conservation practices.
In the ``Plans and Specifications'' section, more explicit
documentation requirements
[[Page 56105]]
were added. The ``Operation and Maintenance'' section now includes
expectations for monitoring environmental conditions and adjusting
management as needed. The ``References'' section was updated to reflect
current regulatory and scientific sources.
Pest Management Conservation System (Code 595): In the ``Purpose''
section, two existing purposes were revised. New criteria were added to
the ``Criteria'' section for USDA organic operations, and cultural,
chemical, and biological suppression techniques were clarified.
Additional requirements were included in the ``Criteria'' section
related to ozone nonattainment areas. Language addressing VOCs, water
quality, and soil health was added to both the ``Additional Criteria''
subsection and the ``Considerations'' section. The ``References''
section was updated to include current sources.
Pond Sealing or Lining, Compacted Soil Treatment (Code 520): No
major technical revisions were made to this CPS. All updates were made
to clarify content, provide examples, improve readability, and maintain
consistency across paragraphs. Two purposes were added to the
``Purpose'' section, and new criteria were included in the ``Criteria''
section regarding compliance with applicable laws, safety, and existing
impoundment requirements. The minimum liner thickness for clean-water
storage impoundments was reduced in the ``Criteria'' section.
Pond Sealing or Lining, Concrete (Code 522): The only major
technical revision to this CPS was the addition of leak-detection
requirements for installations in high-permeability soils. Other
revisions throughout the CPS were made to clarify content, provide
examples, improve readability, and maintain paragraph structure. Two
purposes were added to the ``Purpose'' section, and additional criteria
were included in the ``Criteria'' section to address compliance with
applicable laws, safety, and existing impoundment requirements.
Precision Land Forming and Smoothing (Code 462): The ``Definition''
section was revised to replace the term ``field'' with ``land'' to
allow broader application of the practice. Language in the
``Considerations'' section was revised to include measures that avoid
and minimize impacts on wetlands and wildlife. References were added in
the ``Considerations'' section for Site Assessment and Soil Testing for
Contaminants Activity, Conservation Evaluation and Monitoring Activity
(CEMA 207), and Soil and Source Testing for Nutrient Management (CEMA
217) to address soil testing requirements when saline or toxic soils
are uncovered. The ``References'' section was updated accordingly.
Restoration of Rare and Declining Natural Communities (Code 643):
Revisions to this CPS emphasize restoring physical and chemical site
conditions, reducing overlap with planting and vegetation management
practices, and incorporating innovative restoration techniques. New
approaches referenced in the CPS include oyster and reef restoration,
substrate replacement, low-tech restoration methods, and chemical
restoration.
Riparian Forest Buffer (Code 391): Revisions to this CPS provide
clearer guidance and broader applicability by making establishment of
riparian forest buffers more achievable, predictable, and impactful.
Overlap with Drainage Water Management (Code 554) and Streambank and
Shoreline Protection (Code 580) when those activities can be planned by
other CPS as part of a comprehensive conservation plan was eliminated.
The purpose of reducing sediment transport and pathogen transport was
divided into two separate purposes to clarify additional criteria
needed to implement each purpose. The wildlife purpose was expanded to
improve the quality, quantity, or connectivity of terrestrial and
aquatic habitat for wildlife, fish, and other organisms.
Roof Runoff Structure (Code 558): This CPS was revised to increase
flexibility in selecting materials for constructing roof runoff systems
and to clarify criteria for discharging runoff into grassed waterways
or diversions. Additional minor edits were made throughout to improve
clarity and references were updated.
Salinity and Sodic Soil Management (Code 610): Minor edits were
made throughout the CPS to improve clarity and consistency. Additional
criteria were added to the ``Criteria'' section addressing crop species
selection based on salt tolerance, measures to reduce surface
evaporation, and protections to prevent salt movement to seep outlets.
Sediment Basin (Code 350): In the ``Conditions Where Practice
Applies'' section, the final bullet limiting this practice to low-
hazard dams was removed. The ``Cultural Resources'' subheading in the
``General Criteria'' subsection was removed because it was considered
redundant with the overall compliance statement in the first paragraph
of that subsection. Additional minor wording changes were made in the
``General Criteria'' subsection to improve clarity and readability.
Sinkhole Treatment (Code 527): This CPS was revised to improve
clarity and refine technical guidance. Major revisions include refining
the purpose of the CPS, limiting its application to in-situ native
soils, and allowing assistance for clearing woody debris that obstructs
normally draining sinkholes. The ``Criteria'' section was strengthened
by providing clearer safety guidance and hydrologic evaluation
requirements, and by removing the previous requirement for geology
reports. Additional updates address ecological and cultural resources,
modernize mapping guidance, require depth-to-bedrock information,
enhance the ``Operation and Maintenance'' section, and update the
''References'' section.
Soil Carbon Amendment (Code 336): This CPS was updated by re-
ordering criteria, relocating text to appropriate sections, adding
brief examples, and refining language to better convey the practice's
intent. Revisions include clarification on when risk assessments are
required; establishment of a new minimum carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of
20:1 (excluding biochar); defined timelines for soil and amendment
testing; biochar storage requirements; restrictions on application to
frozen ground; removal of the exclusion on applying soil carbon
amendments produced from crop or woody residues; and expanded
operational flexibility for applying amendments on slopes and in high-
phosphorus risk areas.
Sprinkler System (Code 442): Minor edits were made throughout the
CPS to improve clarity, readability, and consistency. The ``Conditions
Where Practice Applies'' section was updated to clarify the typical
flow rate of sprinklers covered by this CPS. A new ``Safety''
subsection was added under ``General Criteria Applicable to All
Purposes''. Additionally, a new subsection titled ``Variable Rate
Irrigation'' was added to the ``Additional Criteria for Efficient and
Uniform Application of Water on Irrigated Lands'' section.
Stormwater Runoff Control (Code 570): No major technical changes
were made to this CPS. In the ``Additional Criteria for Reduction of
Water Quantity'' subsection, repeated text was removed because it
already appears in the ``General Criteria'' subsection.
Streambank and Shoreline Protection (Code 580): The ``General
Criteria Applicable to All Purposes'' subsection was revised to remove
potential causes of resource concern and to add criteria addressing
geotechnical stability, ice forces, and scour. The ``Criteria'' section
was updated to include requirements for geotechnical and hydraulic
assessments.
[[Page 56106]]
Streambank classification criteria were clarified, and new criteria
were added to address geotechnical stability, floodplain access, and a
wide range of flow conditions. The ``Considerations'' section was
expanded to add considerations emphasizing treatment variability and
floodplain access. The ``Operation and Maintenance'' section was
updated to include criteria addressing overbank flows and vegetation
traffic. The ``References'' section was updated to include current and
relevant technical resources.
Structures for Wildlife (Code 649): Revisions to this CPS improve
clarity in the definition, purpose, and applicability. Additions to the
``Criteria'' section enhance structure use by target species and expand
the range of acceptable structural options. New provisions allow for
modification of existing human-made structures that negatively impact
wildlife.
Surface Drain, Field Ditch (Code 607): Revisions to this CPS remove
redundant language, adopt active voice for improved clarity, and
eliminate wording that could reclassify actively farmed or maintained
drainage areas.
Waste Facility Closure (Code 360): This CPS was revised to improve
clarity and to better align its requirements with those of the Nutrient
Management (Code 590) CPS.
Waste Transfer (Code 634): This CPS was revised to add flexibility
in pressure pipeline design by allowing the use of industry pipeline
design standards. Additional edits throughout the standard improve
clarity. The ``References'' section was updated to include the most
current resources, including Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
floodproofing guidance.
Water Harvesting Catchment (Code 636): The ``Definition'' section
was revised to emphasize the collection of precipitation runoff. The
``Purpose'' section was updated to focus on water collection rather
than distribution. The ``Conditions Where Practice Applies'' section
was rewritten to include guzzlers. The ``Criteria'' section was updated
to incorporate safety and structural requirements consistent with Roofs
and Covers (Code 367), add measures to prevent debris entry, and
address tank stability. The ``Considerations'' section was expanded to
include mosquito and pest issues.
Wetland Enhancement (Code 659): Revisions to this CPS streamline
its scope to focus only on abiotic activities, such as earthmoving,
that improve hydrologic wetland functions. The updates also reduce
overlap with other CPS by ensuring that structural and vegetative
practices are planned together, as appropriate, within a comprehensive
conservation approach.
Wildlife Habitat Planting (Code 420): Revisions to this CPS provide
clearer guidance to directly support farmers. Formatting updates align
the CPS with recent revisions made to other biology discipline CPS. The
changes reduce overlap between vegetative planting practices and
vegetation management practices when management should be addressed by
another practice standard within a comprehensive conservation plan.
Technical criteria were improved to ensure CPSs intent and requirements
are met. The ``References'' section was updated to include the most
current resources.
Windbreak-Shelterbelt Establishment and Renovation (Code 380): The
title of this CPS was shortened because the definition already
clarifies that the practice is used to establish, enhance, or restore
windbreaks, and is also known as shelterbelt. The carbon storage
purpose was moved to the ``Considerations'' section because it
represents a secondary benefit. The energy use purpose was also moved
to the ``Considerations'' section, as practice standard purposes must
be achievable within the practice lifespan, and trees and shrubs
generally require more than the fifteen-year practice lifespan to reach
heights that shade structures and reduce energy use. Noise reduction
and visual screen considerations were removed because they do not
address a resource concern. Updated guidance reflecting current
technology was added to support conservation planners in practice
design and implementation.
Scott Edwards,
Associate Chief, Natural Resources Conservation Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-17863 Filed 8-31-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-16-P
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