Alaska Bulletin AK180-8-1

Date:        October 30, 2007

Subject:   CPS - Fact Sheet and PowerPoint Presentation Concerning the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Geographic Information systems (GIS) Points Layer

Expiration Date:    September 30, 2008

National Bulletin 180-8-1 released October 15, 2007 brought to NRCS staff general attention, the availability of a jointly developed (NRCS+FSA) Fact Sheet and Power Point presentation concerning a GIS point layer of wetland determinations and symbology identifiers.

The Fact Sheet is intended to broadly inform staff of the population of a wetland layer of the FSA CLU’s (Common Land Unit) with certain symbology (red octagons, inverted yellow triangles and green circles), which corresponds to categories of delineated/determined wetland features. This layer is included in information provided to agricultural landowners about their holdings which have sites of determined wetlands. A legend along the map margin indicates that the areas denoted have restricted use, limited restrictions or are exempt from conservation compliance. They do not inform the landowner of the specifics of the actual mapped label or extent of the feature. Landowners still are required to consult with NRCS regarding the specifics.

We have reviewed this Bulletin with FSA and discussed the current condition of the availability of wetland maps in Alaska. FSA Alaska does not have the wetland CLU layer prepared at this time. So, landowners will not receive the mapping item identified in the National Bulletin. Therefore, it is not expected that landowners will approach you with questions regarding any of these particular concerns. There is no action required from field offices at this time.

We have discussed with FSA what potential there would be to transfer NRCS existing wetland determination information onto a wetland CLU layer. If staff time and priorities allow, we would expect to utilize a cooperative effort to geo-reference existing and to-be-performed wetland determinations. Such a collaborative effort could have many benefits.

Once again, at this time no action is necessary by field offices. This update is for information purposes only. If you have any questions regarding this National Bulletin or other wetland issues please contact Bill Wood, State Biologist at 907 761-7761 (bill.wood@ak.usda.gov).

/s/

EUGENE SCHOCK
State Resource Conservationist

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