MAINE BULLETIN NO. ME 180-8-12 

                                                                                    April 16, 2008

SUBJECT:  CPA – FSA/NRCS Food Security Act Training

Purpose:  Notify NRCS employees of upcoming training on joint FSA/NRCS Food Security Act.

Expiration Date:  September, 2008

Action Due:  April 21, 2008

Update training for the National Food Security Act will be held on April 22, May 15, and May 22 at Lewiston Field Office, Presque Isle Field Office and Bangor State Office.

The same topics will be discussed at all three locations.  This year’s training will focus on four specific areas:

1)  Updated wetland determination process for forested areas.

2)  Recent changes to the National Food Security Act Manual (NFSAM).

3)  Discussion of the NFSAM’s new requirement for job approval authority to complete wetland determinations.  We would like to get input/feedback from the field based on a draft process put together (see attached document – “Process for job approval authority – wetlands”).  In this document, we have put estimates of hours to complete each task.  After we receive your suggestions, we will develop a State policy on job approval authority and process for wetland determinations.

4)  Wetland Mapping topics related to wetland determinations, FSA’s GIS wetland layer, servicing, the AD1026 and AD569 and other issues brought up from both FSA and NRCS.

This training will be held jointly with FSA (similar to last year).  This training is mandatory for staff that conduct Food Security Act Status Review or complete HEL/Wetland Conservation determinations.  Training will be held together with the Farm Service Agency to promote consistency and coordination of administering the Food Security Act.  Discussion to promote this consistency and coordination is encouraged.

Registration is now available in Aglearn under course number NRCS-ME-08-0004.  The course can also be found in Aglearn by going to Catalog, Calendar of Offerings.  The Maine Food Security Act courses are “Other” in the calendar dates for April 22, May 15 and May 22.  Please register in Aglearn by April 21 (see attached word document for directions).

Each session is planned from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

If you have questions, please contact Jim Johnson at 207-990-9508 or email jim.johnson@me.usda.gov.

/s/  Joyce A. Swartzendruber

JOYCE A. SWARTZENDRUBER
State Conservationist

DIST:  F,S

The following document requires Adobe Acrobat (.pdf)

Attachment 1 - Instructions to AgLearn (.pdf)

Attachment 2 - Process for job approval authority for wetland determinations

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