2017 NRCS 00240 A 3

From: Bramblett Jimmy - NRCS Washington DC
To: Cohen Kari - ARCS Washington DC- Erickson Terrell - ARCS yvashinvton DC; Guerrero Rafael - ARCS Fort
Worth TX - Herbert Noller • ARCS Washington DC' McKinney Shaun • NRCS Portland OR; Moebius-Clune
Bianca - NRCS - Washington DC Porter Jeffrey - NRCS Greensboro NC Tillman Denise - NRCS Washington
DC
Cc: Tillman lames - MRCS Washington DC • Sadeghzadeh Kaveh - NRCS Washington DC Deavers. Leslie - ARCS
Washington De Wickey. Kevin - ARCS Washington, DC • Barry Gavle - ARCS Washington DC • Chessman
Dennis • ARCS Lexington.KY • Boozer Astor - NRCS Washington. De Jordan Leonard - NRCS Washington DC•
Smith David - ARCS Washington DC Kramer Tony - ARCS Washington DC Reed Lesia - ARCS Beltsville
MD: Christensen Thomas - MRCS Washington DC
Subject: 130- AGN - Agency General - Branding
Date: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 11:41:29 AM
Good Afternoon,
This email is a follow-up to our staff meeting last week. During our visit we discussed the transition
team moving into the Department, and priorities of our new administration. It has become clear
one of the previous administration's priority is not consistent with that of the incoming
administration. Namely, that priority is climate change. Please visit with your staff and make them
aware of this shift in perspective within the Executive Branch.
Within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we address resource concerns related to
soil, water, air, plants, and animals. We have approved resource concerns and causes associated
with Air Quality as follows:
1. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Particulate Matter- PM - and PM Precursors
• Direct emissions of particulate matter - dust and smoke-, as well as the formation
of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere from other agricultural emissions -
ammonia, NOx, and VOCs - cause multiple environmental impacts, such as: 14 The
unintended movement of particulate matter - typically dust or smoke - results in
safety or nuisance visibility restriction, 2) The unintended movement of particulate
matter and/or chemical droplets results in unwanted deposits on surfaces, 3)
Increased atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter can impact human and
animal health and degrade regional visibility.
2. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Greenhouse Gases — GHGs
• Emissions increase atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.
3. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Ozone Precursors Emissions of ozone precursors - NOx
and VOCs
• resulting in formation of ground- level ozone that cause negative impacts to plants
and animals.
4. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Objectionable odors
• Emissions of odorous compounds - VOCs, ammonia and odorous sulfur compounds -
cause nuisance conditions
At this juncture, please be encouraged to use terminology associated with these approved resource
concerns to describe the work you/we do to serve our nation's agricultural producers and woodland
owners. Having said that, we will be revisiting Air Quality — Emissions of Greenhouse Gases to
determine the relevance of its continued use. Prudence when discussing this particular resource
concern-cause is advised until further notice.
Page 1 of 2
I will copy other agency leaders on this message for the purpose of alerting them to our current
communications within the Deputy Chief for S&T family. Many thanks to each of your for exercising
diplomacy when communicating this information internally and externally, and for your leadership
during this transient period.
THAN
Jimmy Bramblett
Deputy Chief - Science and Technology
Natural Resources Conservation Service
United States Department of Agriculture
202-720-4783 ji nmy.bramelet-ic-owdc.usda.eov
www.nrcs.gov
Page 2 of 2
From: Hamner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD
Sent: 16 Feb 2017 16:15:18 +0000
To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC
Cc: Simmons, Machelle - NRCS, Beltsville, MD
Subject: APG Soil Health Quarter 1 summary
Attachments: Agency Priority Goal Quarterly Progress Report Template lstQuarter FY17.docx
Jimmy
Could you please review this and make sure there is no problems with any wording. This is the 1st
Quarter Soil Health APG report, that is provided to the Department. Quarterly reporting requirements
usually are due on the first of the month after the end of the quarter (February 1, for the first quarter). I
will seek leadership approval prior to sending to the Department. I utilized the report that Bianca
provided previously and put in the format we send to the Department.
Thanks in advance.
Tim Hafner
Team Lead for Performance
Strategic and Performance Planning Division
Strategic Planning and Accountability
Office (301) 504-1616

Cell (859) 327-5073
Page 1 of 4
- Agency Priority Goal Quarterly Progress Report -
Priority Goal: Soil Health 16-17
Goal Leader: Anne Mills, Deputy Undersecretary for NRE
Goal Lieutenant(s): Acting Chief Leonard Jordan
Reporting Period (i.e. 2017 — QV:
Goal Statement:
The NRCS Soil Health Division (SHD) provided activities and events reaching over 11,000 participants such as
conservation partners, farmers and ranchers, researchers, and industry stakeholders and others, including
Progress approximately 2,000 NRCS employees.
Update/Accomplishments Activities and events:
This Period:
• 35 direct assistance activities
• 39 training events
• 21 outreach activities, including distribution of materials and publications and committee/workgroup sessions
• reviewed technical papers
• conducted strategic planning to expand and act on the preliminary literature reviews on soil health assessments
• reviewed papers on the state of the science around grazing land soil health (results from National grazing and
grassland workshop, July 2016)
• participated in state soil health videos
• outreach events at soil health trial demonstration sites
• other soil health projects
The SHD participated in USDA Climate Hub and greenhouse gas (GHG) Building Block activities. The SHD provided
education on climate smart agriculture and forestry by working with numerous groups including:
• No-Till on the Plains
• State Soil Health Advisory groups
• Cover Crop Councils (NRCS helped establish the Midwest, and the new Northeast and Southeast councils)
• Soil Health Institute committees
• Climate Hubs
Established the Soil Health and Sustainability three-day course as a requirement for NRCS national conservation planner
certification.
As part of its overall soil health effort, NRCS' "Unlock the Secrets in the Soil" awareness and education campaign
continues to provide foundational educational material and messaging to farmers and consumer alike. Quarter 1
Page 2 of 4
Accomplishments include:
• provided educational materials and assistance to farmers and consumers
• aired soil health public service ads through generous donations of TV stations, reaching over 200 million viewers
this quarter in phase one of the Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign
• distributed ads to local TV stations throughout the country and to major national networks in phase two of the
PSA campaign featuring Dr. Laura Danly, astronomer and academic, Curator, Griffith Observatory, California
(more than 4,500 ad plays)
• distributed soil health print ads in 16 major metro markets including platform dioramas and 20 bus boards in
the Washington D.C. area transit system
• Posted "Soil Health Lesson in a Minute" video that gathered nearly 500,000 Facebook views.
Campaign highlights:
• total donated airtime exceeded $6 million with more than 40,000 ad plays on 293 stations in 131 cities
generating overt billion viewer impressions during phase one
• USDA's current Top 20 Facebook video views are NRCS soil health videos.
• over 1 million total video views
Strategies Updates &
Additions (where
applicable):
• To meet the national certification goals, the SHD will make a portion of the revamped 'Soil Health and
Sustainability' course available via webinar this fiscal year. The course will provide training on the integration of
soil health management into conservation planning at a consistent level. Locations for in-field training across the
Next Steps: country will be identified.
• SHD is compiling and designing standardized advanced level trainings that contain the latest updates in the
science of soil health.
• A website to provide public access to all materials.
• Currently the agency is updating its resource concerns. The goal is to develop a comprehensive list of soil health
concerns that need to be addressed as part of the conservation planning process.
• NRCS will continue to lead the soil health assessment standardization effort. Newly standardized assessments
and associated management planning will be cost-shared.
• State training, participation in field days and workshops, instructors for advanced soil health training will be
provided.
Indicator(s) Reporting Target Actual Explanation of Reasons for Edit Progress/achievements/lessons learned
Page 3 of 4
Period (i.e Value Value Actual (if edits made to towards Achieving Indicator
Q1 2017) (Met/Unmet/Deferr indicator/target)
ed + Narrative
supporting the
result)
Grants awarded 0 3 0
Soil Carbon retained 200,000
Tons
Number of Soil Health 0 15 0
Management system
demonstration sites
implemented
Literature review 0 3 0
Stakeholders Reached 11,000 14,000 11,000 The calculation does
not include viewer
impressions and
other forms of social
media
Page 4 of 4
Sent: 16 Feb 2017 12:33:42 +0000
To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC;Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS -
Washington, DC
Cc: Simmons, Machelle - NRCS, Beltsville, MD
Subject: Correct terminology
Deputy Chief Bramblett,
I am finalizing the reporting for the 1st quarter for the Department. I would like to know correct terms I
should use instead of Climate Changes and anything to do with Carbon. One of the measures both in
the USDA SOAR (Goal 2.1) and in the Soil Health APG is Carbon sequestered (formally modeled through
APEX, now modeled in conjunction to Adam Chambers). I want to ensure to incorporate correct
terminology that the agency has approved to use.
Tim Hafner
Tim Hafner
Office (301) 504-1616

Cell (859) 327-5073
Page 1 of 1
Sent: 16 Feb 2017 13:56:18 +0000
To: Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS - Washington, DC
Cc: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC;Simmons, Machelle - NRCS, Beltsville,
MD
Subject: FW: 130- AGN - Agency General - Branding
Bianca
Could you provide me some edits/ suggestion for those items highlighted (blue and yellow) below.
Tim Hefner
From: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD

Sent: Thursday, February 16, 2017 8:44 AM
To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC glimmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>
Subject: RE: 130- AGN - Agency General - Branding
Jimmy
This is part of the Soil Health APG
2. The SHD participated in USDA Climate Hub and greenhouse gas (GHG) Building Block
activities. The SLID provided education on climate smart agriculture and forestry by working
with numerous groups including:
• Cover Crop Councils (NRCS helped establish the Midwest, and the new Northeast and
Southeast councils)
• Climate Hubs
Soil Carbon retained 200,000 Tons
Page 1 of 4
This Indicator is officially what we report, I guess I can inquire to the Office of Budget and Policy Analysis
(OBPA) and if we need to inquire with OMB who approved the Soil Health APG and its indicator.
From: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC
To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <tim.hafner@wdc.usda.goy>
Cc: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC <Dan.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>
Subject: RE: 130- AGN - Agency General - Branding (b)(5)
(b)(5)
on memo being developed by Dan Lawson on that one.

I will copy Dan here so he can fill you in on the latest
THANKS!]!]
Jimmy Bramblett
Deputy Chief —Science and Technology
14th and Independence Avenue
Washington, DC 20250
Jimmy.bramblett@wdc.usda.gov

To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC climmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>
Thanks Jimmy,
One additional question, how about the name climate hubs.

To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <tim.hafner@wdc.usda.goy>
Subject: FW: 130 - AGN - Agency General - Branding
Tim,
Below is guidance I sent regarding the phrase "climate change". When discussing carbon sequestration,
I recommend we use verbiage related to building organic matter in the soil to improve soil health
Let me know if you need more....
THANKS!!
Page 2 of 4
Jimmy Bramblett
Deputy Chief— Science and Technology
Jimmy.bramblett@wd@usda.gov

Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2017 12:41 PM
To: Cohen, Karl - NRCS, Washington, DC <kartcohen@wde.usda.gov>; Erickson, Terrell - NRCS,
Washington, DC <Terrell. Ericksonl@vedc.usda.gov>, Guerrero, Rafael - NRCS, Fort Worth, TX
<RafaelGuerrero@ftw.usda.gov>, Herbert, Noller - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Noller.Herbert@wdc.usda.gov>; McKinney, Shaun - NRCS, Portland, OR
Chaun.Mckinney@por.usda.gov>v Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS - Washington, DC <Bianca.Moeblus-
Clune@wdc.usda.gov>; Porter, Jeffrey - NRCS, Greensboro, NC @eff rey.porter@gnb.usda.gov>;
Tillman, Denise - NRCS, Washington DC <Denise.Tillman@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Tillman, James - NRCS, Washington, DC <James.Tillman@wdc.usda.gov>• Sadeghzadeh, Kaveh -
NRCS, Washington, DC <Kaye h.Sadeghza d e h@wdc.usda.gov>• Deavers, Leslie - NRCS, Washington, DC
(Leslie.Deavers@wdc.usda.gov )<Leslie.Deavers@wdc.usda.govm Wickey, Kevin - NRCS, Washington,
DC <Kevin.Wickey@wdc.usda.gov>• Barry, Gayle - NRCS,Washington, DC <payle.barry@wdc.usda.vov>.
Chessman, Dennis - NRCS, Lexington, KY <Dennis.Chessman@ky.usda.gov@ Boozer, Astor - NRCS,
Washington, DC (Astor.Boozer@wdc.usda.gov) <Astor.Boozer@wdc.usda.gov@ Jordan, Leonard -
NRCS, Washington, DC <Leona rd.Jorda n@wdc.usda.gov>• Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC
<David.Smith@wdc.usda.govm Kramer, Tony - NRCS, Washington, DC <Tony.Kramer@wdc.usda.govm
Reed, Lesia - NRCS, Beltsville, MD elesia.reed@wdc.usda.govm Christensen, Thomas - NRCS,
Washington, DC (Thomas.Christensen@wdc.usda.gov )<Thomas.Christensen@wdc.usda.gov>
Good Afternoon,
team moving into the Department, and priorities of our new administration. It has become clear one of
the previous administration's priority is not consistent with that of the incoming administration.
Namely, that priority is climate change. Please visit with your staff and make them aware of this shift in
perspective within the Executive Branch.
Within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we address resource concerns related to soil,
water, air, plants, and animals. We have approved resource concerns and causes associated with Air
Quality as follows:
1. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Particulate Matter - PM - and PM Precursors
• Direct emissions of particulate matter - dust and smoke -as well as the formation of
fine particulate matter in the atmosphere from other agricultural emissions - ammonia,
NOx, and VOCs - cause multiple environmental impacts, such as: 1) The unintended
movement of particulate matter - typically dust or smoke - results in safety or nuisance
visibility restriction, 2) The unintended movement of particulate matter and/or chemical
droplets results in unwanted deposits on surfaces, 3) Increased atmospheric
Page 3 of 4
concentrations of particulate matter can impact human and animal health and degrade
regional visibility.
2 AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Greenhouse Gases — GHGs
3 AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Ozone Precursors Emissions of ozone precursors - NOx and
VOCs
• resulting in formation of ground- level ozone that cause negative impacts to plants and
animals.
4 AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Objectionable odors
owners. Having said that, we will be revisiting Air Quality— Emissions of Greenhouse Gases to
communications within the Deputy Chief for S&T family. Many thanks to each of your for exercising
THANKS!!!
Jimmy Bramblett
202-720-4783 jimmy.bramblett@wdc.usda.gov
www.nrcs.gov
Page 4 of 4
From: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC
Sent: 7 Apr 2017 14:17:40 +0000
To: Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC
Subject: FW: Climate Change in the News
Dave, not sure your thoughts on this, but what do you think of
(oXed
\Just a thought
Dan
Dan D. Lawson
National Leader, USDA Climate Hubs
dan.lawson@wdc.usda.gov
202-720-5322
https //www.climatehubs.oce.usda.gov/
From: Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE

Sent: Friday, April 07, 2017 9:53 AM
Subject: Climate Change in the News
Hi,
A few things for the week. Thanks for the submissions.
Workshops and Webinars (Yellow items recently added):
Tuesday, April 11, at 2:00 p.m. EDT, Webinar — Soil Health for Non-
Operator Land Owners. Jennifer Filipiak, Associate Midwest Director,
American Farmland Trust will discuss educating non-operator land owners
on the benefits improving soil health have to increase the value of their
land, and that it takes a solid working relationship between the landowner
and farmer (often requiring changes in leasing structures) to obtain
changes in soil health.: littp //www conservatianwebinars net/webinars/sail health far non operator
land-owners
:April 12, 10 am CDT, Webinar: Getting to Know the Trillions of Friends

Underfoot: Focus on Soil Life. NRCS West Regional Soil Health Team
Leader Jennifer Moore-Kucera will look at the vast array of living organisms
in your farm soils and explain how a thriving soil biology can help improve
crop production. - lt ji. . ]I-t]lllUr]IICF.cOr]I rolicles 6599-ssebnidi-oortme-to-kaoss-the-
trdlions-of-firontis-unticifout-locas-on-sod-lifowslInsk 911 INdaNnY dpuf
Page 1 of 13
April 12, 3:30pm EDT. Webinar: Drought in the Northeast and Implications
for Ecosystems. Speaker: Keith Nislow, USDA-Forest Service and UMass
Amherst. For more information, visit: hIps: neese edu \r‘ ebimiN drouat-
northenst-and-implleallons-ccoSVSWITIS
April 17-20, 2017: Joint Meeting of the Western Snow Conference &
Weather Modification Association, Boise, Idaho: Registration and call for
papers is open. The conference venue offers the opportunity to interact
with other professionals while enjoying one of the most vibrant cities in the
Intermountain West. http://www.westernsnowconference.org/ . This first
ever combined conference with the Weather Modification Association will
kick off with a Monday afternoon short course entitled "Tracing the Effects
of Cloud Seeding through the Hydrologic Cycle". Tuesday will begin with a
joint plenary session, followed by concurrent sessions of oral and poster
presentations. On Thursday, a technical tour will include a visit to the Dry
Creek Experimental Watershed, a NRCS SNOTEL site, and a collaborative
weather station for youth education.
"1-- April 19 and 20, 2017, 8th Regional Island Sustainability Conference at the
University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability. The theme of the
conference is Cultivating Communities for Sustainable Action. 1) Submit a
presentation proposal. Please see the attached file for more details. All
proposals are due no later than 5:00 PM, Friday, February 10, 2017.
Authors of accepted abstracts will be notified by Friday, February 27,
2017. Abstracts must be submitted online
at http://tinvud.com/2017abstracts. 2) Conference
registration: Registration for the conference is now open
at https://commerce.cashnet.com/uog. More details regarding the
conference will be on our website www.uog.edu/cis2017 soon.
Thursday, April 20, 4:00-5:00 PM EST, Webinar: Climate Change and Health
in Indian Country-Resilience and the Health Consequences of Climate
Change. Preparations are being made for the environmental impacts of
climate change, but what about the health impacts? In this one hour
webinar we will hear from subject matter experts and indigenous scholars
to explore what the broad health impacts can be, discuss the ideas of
health and resilience in Tribal communities, and learn about resources for
Page 2 of 13
approaching climate change planning. Teleconference access: 1-877-668-
4493, Phone Access Code: 736 404 573, Register Here
>April 25, 2pm EDT, Webinar: Watershed Planning from an NWQI

Perspective: Participants will learn about the watershed assessment used
for the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) and how it fits into an
overall watershed planning process.:
hltp //www conservalionwebinars net/webinarshvatershed-planning-f rom-an-nwqi-perspective
Apr 26, 11:00 am EDT, Webinar: Climate Change Considerations When

Developing Updated Seed Zones. Please join the USDA Forest Service
Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetics Resources team for its second
discussion about what it will takes to create seed zone guidelines* to serve
as tools for improved collaborations and partnership in the region. Aurelia
Baca, Climate Specialist with the Southeast Regional Climate Hub (SERCH),
will deliver a lecture on the climate science factors that must be considered
when developing updated seed zones for the southeastern United States.
After the lecture, participants will share their own expertise and have
further opportunities to get involved in the effort.
http //maw forettrywebmors net/utedmors/chreate change considerations when dew-tepee updated teed pones
> May 2-4,: 15th Annual Climate Prediction Applications Science Workshop
(CPASW). Anchorage, AK. Workshop theme is "Understanding Extreme
Events and Decision-Maker Needs in the Context of Climate Variability and
Change." The abstract deadline is January 13th, 2017.
https://accap.uaf.edu/cpasw
> May 3, 2017 1:00 pm EDT, Webinar: Water Quality Credits from Stream
Restoration Projects. Participants will learn basics of Water Quality Trading
and how stream restoration, improved crop management, and
conservation practices can lead to water quality credits that can serve as an
additional source of income for landowners.:
http://www.conservationwebinars.net/webinars/water-quality-credits-
from-stream-restoration-projects
May 4, 2017 2:00 pm EDT, Webinar: Agricultural Decision Tools from the
Cornell Climate Smart Farming Program and the Network for Environment
and Weather Applications. Participants will learn how to navigate the
Page 3 of 13
Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) and Cornell
Climate Smart Farming (CSF) Program websites and use their agricultural
decision-making tools based on weather and climate:
http //wino? climateavebinars nrit/avebinars/agneultaral derision tools from the {-email climate smart farming
program and the netvi.ork for environment and weather application()
1. May 17, 2:00pm EDT, Webinar: Weather Variability and its Impact on
Forest Health. This webinar will discuss the impact weather and climate
have on forest health and productivity. We will discuss short- and long-term
impacts of droughts, floods, winds, and ice on insect and fungal populations
and damage in southern forests. http //wawa forestryavehinars net/avehinars/weathrir variability
and-its-IMpacts-011-forest-health
May 9-11, 2017: National Adaptation Forum, St Paul, MN. Those who
attend the Forum will benefit from exposure to all aspects of the field,
professional development, and information sharing through an innovative
and comprehensive program featuring plenary sessions, symposia, working
groups, training sessions, exhibit booths, poster sessions, and networking
events. httplicampaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1103636083744&ca=d36
caacb-e9b3-4709-9ccd-6e995016342d
P
- June 12-16, Lleida (Spain), Meeting: 1st WORLD CONFERENCE ON SOIL AND
WATER CONSERVATION UNDER GLOBAL CHANGE: A joint Conference of
the "International Soil Conservation Organization" (19th ISCO Conference),
the "World Association for Soil and Water Conservation" (4th Conference
on Soil and Water Conservation of WASWAC ), the "European Society for
Soil Conservation" (8th ESSC Congress), the "International Union of Soil
Science (IUSS Commissions 3.2, 3.6), the "Soil and Water Conservation
Society" (SWCS), the "International Erosion Control Association"(IECA) and
the "World Association for Sedimentation and Erosion Research" (WASER):
http://www.consowalleida2017.com/
June 13-15, 2017: Universities Council on Water Resources/National

Institutes for Water Resources (ucowRinnwR) conference Water in a
Changing EnvironmentColorada State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.
There will bea session on drought monitoring! early warning at the
UCOWR conference next year. Presentations can be published in the
UCOWR peer-reviewed journal. Abstract due on January 20th, 2017.
http ://u cow no rdco nf e re n ces/2017-u cow r-confe rence
Page 4 of 13
>June 25-28-2017: Tysons, VA: American Water Resources Association
Summer Specialty Conference: Climate Change Solutions: Collaborative
Science, Policy and Planning for Sustainable Water Management. The
conference will provide a unique opportunity for water resources
professionals working in research, management, policy and education to
gather, discuss and collaborate as they shape the future of sustainable
water management. http://www.awra.org/meetings/Tysons2017/ and
http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?m=1011215259037&ca=
8bc2b566-a266-4123-9c41420415471265
>30-August 2, 2017, Madison, WI. Soil and Water Conservation Society

Annual Conference. Symposia and Oral Presentation Submission Deadline:
January 17, 2017. Poster Submission Deadline: March 10, 2017:
http://www.swcs.org/en/conferences/2017 annual conference/
> Nov 8-9, Manhattan, KS: Governor's Conference on the Future of Water in
Kansas. Hilton Garden Inn. www.kwo.org
COMET FARM Training Schedule for April:

hitn Lomoi mid ,(Iti (oniLiii pill'
1 Farmers can profit economically and politically by addressing

climate change: -Agriculture organizations and lawmakers are developing
the 2018 farm bill, which will guide U.S. agriculture policy for several years,
likely through 2022. Forward-thinking farmers can use this legislation to
develop programs to pay for climate-friendly environmental services
without radically changing the way we farm. Relatively small innovations
can deliver payments for environmental services, which initially would be
supported by American taxpayers but later could be funded by carbon
markets.": https://theconversation.com/farmers-can-profit-economically-
and-politically-by-addressing-climate-change-73585
Page 5 of 13
fty
`4*
,
2. CO2 could spike to level not seen since the dinosaurs: "Now, humanity's
consumption of fossilfuels is pushing the planet toward the CO2 levels of
the period when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. And that's the rosier scenario
for 200 years from now, a new study has found. By 2300, there would be
little precedent for the transformation of the Earth. That's because
humanity's billowing of CO2 into the atmosphere, chiefly through the
consumption of fossil fuels, may be on track in a few centuries to hit a level
not seen in 420 million years, according to the findings published yesterday
in Nature Communications.": See attached E&E article, Foster article, and
httus.//www washino lonpost.corninews/eneroy-environment/wp/2017/04/05/carbon-d ioxide-levels-could-reach-
their-highest-point-In-50-million-years-H/4 he-end-of-the-
centurvPutm term=.ca5c168d540ba&wpisrc=n1 ,reen&wpnini=1
IOWA News: Lawmakers mull water quality bills: "It remains to be seen
whether a water quality funding measure will be passed, especially with
projected state revenue shortfalls and shrinking budgets. Regardless, ISA
officials say work will continue in watersheds to meet the goal of the Iowa
Nutrient Reduction Strategy — a science-based initiative to reduce
phosphorus and nitrogen loads in Iowa waterways by 45 percent":
Page 6 of 13
httrileivAcchi cpsoybeans cerrinews/articlesflawarkers-m.11-water-qualdy-
bins!' c dee dridlOb2xdLIT tAZ2 Fr v2 9t& uL picriL d 00ecd9257dades118015c4346bdcbd34
1 b245d287204bd,f8`8b7097522 ifse7Kesic -6535531e-2515+71 1-8102-5065f3Se4 If 1
108 million people in the world face severe food insecurity — situation
worsening: "Despite international efforts to address food insecurity, around
108 million people in the world were severely food insecure in 2016, a
dramatic increase compared with 80 million in 2015, according to a new
global report on food crises released in Brussels today.":
ittp s ncni .5-1S99 'code
5 Maya Collapsed Under Heat from Climate Change, Study Says: "But after
roughly 500 years, the civilization of various city states gradually tore apart,
through wars and atrocities. By the beginning of the lath century A.D., the
Maya were left scattered across a ruined landscape. The wars and conflicts
grew over the course of half a millennia, due to rising temperatures from
climate change, according to a new study by a trio of archaeologists from
Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.":
http //wwwlaboratoryequiprnent.corn/news/2017/04/maya-collapsed-under-heat-climate-Change-sludy-says
Down the DRAIN: California gets a jump on Delta tunnels: "Officially

named the "Diversion Restoring Almonds Intake," or DRAIN, the diversion
intake conveys water into the central Delta to improve water quality and
combat damage to water supplies and Delta ecosystems done by salt-water
intrusion during the recent drought.": https //calif orniawaterblag com/201//04/01/down-the-
drain-calilornia-gets-a-jum p-on-delta-tunnels/
Page 7 of 13
Greenland's Coastal Ice Passed a Climate Tipping Point 20 Years Ago,
Study Says: "Ice caps and glaciers along the coast of Greenland passed a
tipping point in 1997, when a layer of snow that once absorbed summer
meltwater became fully saturated. Since then, the coastal ice fields—
separate from the main Greenland Ice Sheet—have been melting three
times faster than they had been, according to a new study published Friday
in the journal Nature Communications.": See attached Noel article and
htt ps.//insideclimatenews.org/news/31032017/-climate-chan,c -scionce-grcenland-global-war minmcc-
melt +utm source=Insidc-Climate+News&utm campaign=8d124b80f6-
Wrokly-Newsletter&utm_merlium-rmailFAutm_term-0_29c922ffh; FM12458016 27209877
8. While Trump promotes coal, Chile and others are turning to cheap sun
power: "It wasn't because of a government subsidy for alternative energy.
In Chile and a growing list of nations, the price of solar energy has fallen so
much that it is increasingly beating out conventional sources of power.
Industry experts and government regulators hail this moment as a turning
point in the history of human electricity-making.":
htt p //www s hintori post com/sluvorld/2017/03/31/while-trump-promoles-coal-ather-countrie -turnino-to-
chea p-sun-powerPutm term= c1558be94ba 1
Page 8 of 13
9. A building boom and climate change create an even hotter, drier Phoenix:
"The sprawling metropolis morphed in a matter of decades from a scorching
desert outpost into one of the largest cities in the nation. Today, Phoenix is
a horizon of asphalt, air conditioning, and historic indifference to the pitfalls
of putting 1.5 million people in a place that gets just 8 inches of rain a year
and where the temperature routinely exceeds 100 degrees.":
littp //33tvw latime3 com/nation/la-na-phoemx-chmtte-adtpt-20170327-3tory html
la Soil microbes hold key to climate puzzle: "The discovery that climate
change impacts on biocrusts could feed back to future climate is a critical
factor that hasn't been considered in the past," says Austin Rutherford, a
biologist at the University of Arizona who led the study. "This information is
an important step in understanding climate, and may be helpful in
developing future climate models.": hap uclimatenewsnetwork net/soil-microbes-key-climate-
puzzle/?utm source=Chmatc+News+Network&utm campaign=f240839402-
FMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_03_28t9utm_modium-rm7193utm_torm-0_1198978936 940836402 38798465
The biggest threat to Trump's Mar-a-Lago? Climate change: "Mar-a-Lago,

a 90-year-old National Historic Landmark now valued at $21 million, covers
nearly 18 acres. At its lowest point near the saltwater lake, where so-called
king tides already bring flooding, it's just 4 feet above the water.":
http://9943v.bustonglobe cam/metra/201//01/13/9498-seas-threatemiewel-trumpmeal-estate-
einphe6bsleB73TesDoLcVx1BK9LP/story.htmltevent-event25
12 Guest post: Adapting to climate change through 'managed retreat':

"Typically, we manage risks from extreme weather and eroding shorelines
Page 9 of 13
by building flood defenses, reinforcing infrastructure and establishing
building codes. However, a changing climate is increasing the likelihood that
our existing systems will be overwhelmed at some point. Novel approaches
to adapting to climate risks may prove necessary, preferable, or both. One
such approach is managed retreat — in other words, deliberately getting out
of the way. Managed retreat involves the strategic relocation of assets and
people away from areas at risk, enabling restoration of those areas to their
natural state.": See attached Hi no article and https.//www carbonbrief org/gucst-post-
adapting climate change through mEmagerl rrtrrat
13 Experts respond to Trump's climate blitzkrieg: "We asked leading experts

on climate change to weigh in on what the Trump rollbacks mean for
climate change, and for the Paris Agreement in particular. Here are their
thoughts." : hap //thebulletin org/experts-respond LrUmp%E2%80%99s-clirnate
blitzkrieg10648.tlatforrn=hootsuito
14. USDA Southeast Regional Climate Hub - Spring 2017 Newsletter:

https://content.govdelivcry.com/accounts/USDAOCE/bulletins/1921400
15.Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Network, Email Bulletin — March

30, 2017: See attached PNW TCCP file
16.Special issue just released in the journal Climate Risk Management:Useful

to Usable: Developing Usable Climate Science for Agriculture
Useful to Usable: Developing Usable Climate Science for Agriculture
S.Im sK1 and 14eae
17.USDA Blog: USDA Authorizes Emergency Grazing in Response to President

Trump's Directive: "The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), acting in
response to a directive from President Donald J. Trump, today authorized
emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands located in
Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas —the three states which were most heavily
impacted by ongoing wildfires which began on March 6, 2017.":
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDA0C/bulletins/1921be9
Page 10 of 13
Is Then and Now: How Glaciers Around the World are Melting: "Over the
past decade, scientists and photographers keep returning to the world's
glaciers, watching them shrink with each visit. Now they want others to see
how a warming planet is melting masses of ice in a series of before-and-
after photos. In the Geological Society of America's GSA Todayjournal , a
group of ice researchers and a photographer-filmmaker published pictures
showing how much five of the world's glaciers have thinned.": See attached
Burkhart article and livAns2 12poratoryccuipment orn inesns 1201 TM/then and now how u12c ern Aro nd word sins
•112111n ,sAL cid D9021198.A riA 546552b8u5WpA Ata&A 5901119&AL i d 5n655258811r <id psu3a%21 u2NAA,A, ALoraLLP,A
quip nent corne22f11-ss s'u2f211 7%.2f0,11 '2`tlien And losui Iscrun nsrs A101111( ‘uor11 use
rieltinEns3nst_sid 1 1:1,00111(2 2oet_nd u3cSu us uscr -us id 1 ,1 ,20-V ueSu3dcto
19.Research shows significant ways climate already has changed for the
Chesapeake: "They chose to focus on the weather trends that tend to stick
in memories — periods of unusual warmth or wetness, for example — to
help people compare their experiences with actual data. They said they
hope this helps people better understand how climate is changing and how
their actions contribute to those environmental shifts.":
httpofivoyw washingtenpost com/leeal/research stlevas sodrolleant vaays climate already has champed for the
chesapeake/2017/04/03/c97bd70e-1630-11e7-833c-503e116394c9 story htmPutm term- 80d081ddd001 And

be sure to check out this website:
http://www.chesapeakedata.com/changingchesapeake/
20. Healthy soil is the real key to feeding the world: "Their experiences, and
the results that! saw on their farms in North and South Dakota, Ohio,
Pennsylvania, Ghana and Costa Rica, offer compelling evidence that the key
to sustaining highly productive agriculture lies in rebuilding healthy, fertile
soil. This journey also led me to question three pillars of conventional
wisdom about today's industrialized agrochemical agriculture: that it feeds
the world, is a more efficient way to produce food and will be necessary to
f eed the future.": https //theconversatien cam/healthy-sell is-the-real key te feeding the world 75364
For more insight from David Montgomery: littninivivivi.ecoviiitekenmi soi l-
erosion -reuenen live-Rimlinu-revolution-23440658S3.html
Page 11 of 13
AIMING A
tEYSLITION
11111 ,1111111,1111 111'11
21.The REDD Resource Newsletter; April/May 2017:

http //campaign r20 constantcontact com/render 2m=1117561240385&ca=pef645ff-9a24-4259 b9f2
b8cc25751676
The REDD+ Resource
seithattiv
Nrsokte:
22.Film: The Soil Solution to Climate Change Film "What If A Solution To

Climate Change Was Beneath Your Feet? Soil is a living universe beneath
our feet. As important to our lives as clean air and water, soil also holds a
potential solution to the global climate crisis. Increasing numbers of
scientists, farmers and ranchers are implementing innovative land use
practices that build fertile soil and sequester atmospheric carbon These
methods of land management have the potential to provide us with
nutritious food, improved human health, cleaner water, and a healthier
planet for all. The Soil Solution to Climate Change was one of thirteen films
featured in A Climate of Change Tour sponsored by 350.org, TRUST
campaign and Wild and Scenic Film Festival."
httpsWoovot youtu be core/watchbv=Bx0(luLraxk
23 NRCS Film: The hope in healthy soil, combined chapters: How America's
farmers are breathing new life into our nation's soils. This video combines
the seven-part series exploring how an increasing number of farmers
throughout the country are creating a new hope in healthy soil by
regenerating our nation's living and life-giving soil. The video series is
designed to help consumers, educators and students understand some of
the important principles and practices behind the growing soil health
Page 12 of 13
movement.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TucmtBLmeyll&list=PL418PxoprpGaCb11(93 Y5p0m96-
9V1pMX&index-8
24 Increasing tornado outbreaks—is climate change responsible?: "This study

raises new questions about what climate change will do to severe
thunderstorms and what is responsible for recent trends," says Tippett, who
is also a member of the Data Science Institute and the Columbia Initiative
on Extreme Weather and Climate. "The fact that we don't see the presently
understood meteorological signature of global warming in changing
outbreak statistics leaves two possibilities: either the recent increases are
not due to a warming climate, or a warming climate has implications for
tornado activity that we don't understand. This is an unexpected finding.":
See attached Tippett article and htics flohys.orpfnews/2016-12-lornado-outbreaksisschmate-
rrsponsiblr htmlftiCp
25 NOAA This Week on Climate.gov:

http fir imp] gn constintcontict com/ronder 2ns 11089126E1887 ri d si3i7 57as 44r -i clffsl n72 5480756c
26 NRCS Water and Climate Update:

ha us //‘.‘w%.? %ICC nrcs usda povfitoref/support/drouphl/dmrot 20170406 prif
U.S. Drought Monitor
27 Weekly Agriculture in Drought Report for USDA Office of the Chief

Economist
haps fissvps^d usda po@ocePsveather/Drouphl/ApInDroupht pdf 7utm rnedium-ema source-povdelivery
Page 13 of 13
Sent: 16 Feb 2017 14:22:44 +0000
To: Simmons, Machelle - NRCS, Beltsville, MD;Morton, Laura - NRCS, Scarborough,
ME;Rahman, Aziz - NRCS, Beltsville, MD
Subject: FW: Correct terminology
From: Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS - Washington, DC

To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <tim.hafner@wdc.usda.gov>; Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS,
Washington, DC Klimmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Simmons, Machelle - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <Machelle.Simmons@wdc.usda.gov>
Subject: RE: Correct terminology
Hi Tim,
I would suggest that we call this organic matter built, and then explain that we model this as carbon
increase, as this is generally a fairly set fraction of total organic matter. We won't change the modeling,
just how we talk about it — there are a lot of benefits to putting carbon back in the sail, climate
mitigation is just one of them. Below is the guidance we recently sent to our SHD staff — feel free to
draw from it. Please let me know if this helps and/or if you need more.
Thanks!
Bianca
Hi Everyone,
We had promised some further guidance on messaging as we navigate the transition. The SHD
leadership team compiled a list of what to avoid, and what to replace it with, as well as
concepts/messages that will be neutral or positively seen, so that you all can integrate into/edit
presentations as necessary — see below.
We ran these through Kaveh (Public Affairs Division Director). His feedback was that these are all good
to go, and that they ask to "tamp down on discretionary messaging right now and not presume to know
where the administration will end up on this, but to give them the time. We won't pull the plug on
anything, but will also not start up new pushes." He appreciates our efforts to make sure we're staying
with our "bread and butter" right now.
If you have questions about anything along these lines, please be sure to send them to me and Ron
Nichols.
Thanks so much!
Bianca
Avoid 3 use instead

Climate Change-) Weather Extremes
Climate Change Adaptation-) Resilience to Weather Extremes/Intense Weather Events: Drought, Heavy
Rain, Spring Ponding
Page 1 of 3
Reduce Greenhouse Gases 3 Build Soil Organic Matter, increase nutrient use efficiency
Sequester Carbon-) Build Soil Organic Matter
Additionally the following messages should be tolerated if not appreciated by all:

Soil Health is an opportunity for:
• economic growth
• building equity in land investment
• emerging business opportunities in rural America
• increased production efficiency = increased competitiveness for American agriculture
• wildlife
• agro-tourism
• improved aesthetics green landscapes are more beautiful than brown
Soil Health improves:
• Production system resilience to stresses
• Economic risks of production
• Nutrient cycling
• Soil organic matter
• Soil structure
• Infiltration
• Water holding capacity
• Rooting depth
• Biodiversity, diversity of microbes, diversity of soil life, soil microbiome
Bianca Moebius-Clune, Ph.D.

Director, Soil Health Division, USDA-NRCS, Washington, DC
Page 2 of 3
To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC climmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>; Moebius-Clune,
Bianca - NRCS - Washington, DC <Bianca.Moebius-Clune@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Simmons, Machelle - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <Machelle.Simmons@wdcusda.gov>
Subject: Correct terminology
Deputy Chief Bramblett,
I am finalizing the reporting for the 1st quarter for the Department. I would like to know correct terms I
should use instead of Climate Changes and anything to do with Carbon. One of the measures both in
the USDA SOAR (Goal 2.1) and in the Soil Health APG is Carbon sequestered (formally modeled through
APEX, now modeled in conjunction to Adam Chambers). I want to ensure to incorporate correct
terminology that the agency has approved to use.
Tim Hafner
Tim Hafner
Office (301) 504-1616

Cell (859) 327-5073
Page 3 of 3
Sent: 16 Feb 2017 16:24:47 +0000
To: Simmons, Machelle - NRCS, Beltsville, MD
Subject: Q1 APG Soil Health 2017
Attachments: Agency Priority Goal Quarterly Progress Report Template lstQua rter FY17-
jb.docx
Machelle
This contains Jimmy's edits.
Tim Hafner
Office (301) 504-1616

Cell (859) 327-5073
Page 1 of 4
- Agency Priority Goal Quarterly Progress Report -
Priority Goal: Soil Health 16-17
Goal Leader: Anne Mills, Deputy Undersecretary for NRE
Goal Lieutenant(s): Acting Chief Leonard Jordan
Reporting Period (i.e. 2017 — QV:
Goal Statement:
The NRCS Soil Health Division (SHD) provided activities and events reaching over 11,000 participants such as
conservation partners, farmers and ranchers, researchers, and industry stakeholders and others, including
Progress approximately 2,000 NRCS employees.
Update/Accomplishments Activities and events:
This Period:
• 35 direct assistance activities
• 39 training events
• 21 outreach activities, including distribution of materials and publications and committee/workgroup sessions
• reviewed technical papers
• conducted strategic planning to expand and act on the preliminary literature reviews on soil health assessments
• reviewed papers on the state of the science around grazing land soil health (results from National grazing and
grassland workshop, July 2016)
• participated in state soil health videos
• outreach events at soil health trial demonstration sites
• other soil health projects
The SHD participated in USDA Climate Hub and USDA greenhouse gas (CHC) Building Block activities. The SHD provided
education on soil health principles related to agriculture and forestry by working with numerous groups including:
• Cover Crop Councils (NRCS helped establish the Midwest, and the new Northeast and Southeast councils)
• USDA Climate Hubs
Established the Soil Health and Sustainability three-day course as a requirement for NRCS national conservation planner
certification.
As part of its overall soil health effort, NRCS' "Unlock the Secrets in the Soil" awareness and education campaign
continues to provide foundational educational material and messaging to farmers and consumer alike. Quarter 1
Page 2 of 4
Accomplishments include:
• provided educational materials and assistance to farmers and consumers
• aired soil health public service ads through generous donations of TV stations, reaching over 200 million viewers
this quarter in phase one of the Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign
• distributed ads to local TV stations throughout the country and to major national networks in phase two of the
PSA campaign featuring Dr. Laura Danly, astronomer and academic, Curator, Griffith Observatory, California
(more than 4,500 ad plays)
• distributed soil health print ads in 16 major metro markets including platform dioramas and 20 bus boards in
the Washington D.C. area transit system
• Posted "Soil Health Lesson in a Minute" video that gathered nearly 500,000 Facebook views.
Campaign highlights:
• total donated airtime exceeded $6 million with more than 40,000 ad plays on 293 stations in 131 cities
generating overt billion viewer impressions during phase one
• USDA's current Top 20 Facebook video views are NRCS soil health videos.
• over 1 million total video views
Strategies Updates &
Additions (where
applicable):
• To meet the national certification goals, the SHD will make a portion of the revamped 'Soil Health and
Sustainability' course available via webinar this fiscal year. The course will provide training on the integration of
soil health management into conservation planning at a consistent level. Locations for in-field training across the
Next Steps: country will be identified.
• SHD is compiling and designing standardized advanced level trainings that contain the latest updates in the
science of soil health.
• A website to provide public access to all materials.
• Currently the agency is updating its resource concerns. The goal is to develop a comprehensive list of soil health
concerns that need to be addressed as part of the conservation planning process.
• NRCS will continue to lead the soil health assessment standardization effort. Newly standardized assessments
and associated management planning will be cost-shared.
• State training, participation in field days and workshops, instructors for advanced soil health training will be
provided.
Indicator(s) Reporting Target Actual Explanation of Reasons for Edit Progress/achievements/lessons learned
Page 3 of 4
Period (i.e Value Value Actual (if edits made to towards Achieving Indicator
Q1 2017) (Met/Unmet/Deferr indicator/target)
ed + Narrative
supporting the
result)
Grants awarded 0 3 0
Soil Carbon retained 200,000
Tons
Number of Soil Health 0 15 0
Management system
demonstration sites
implemented
Literature review 0 3 0
Stakeholders Reached 11,000 14,000 11,000 The calculation does
not include viewer
impressions and
other forms of social
media
Page 4 of 4
Sent: 16 Feb 2017 13:31:24 +0000
Thanks Jimmy,

To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <tim.hafner@wdc.usda.gov>
Tim,
Let me know if you need more
THANKS!!
Jimmy Bramblett

To: Cohen, Karl - NRCS, Washington, DC <kari.cohen@vvdc.usda.gov>• Erickson, Terrell - NRCS,
Washington, DC <TerrellEricksonl@wdc.usda.gov>- Guerrero, Rafael - NRCS, Fort Worth, TX
<Rafael.Guerrero@ftw.usda.gov>- Herbert, Noller - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Noller.Herbert@wdc.usda.gov>• McKinney, Shaun - NRCS, Portland, OR
<Shaun.Mckinney@por.usda.gov>• Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS - Washington DC <Bianca.Moeblus-
Clune@vvdc.usda.gov>• Porter, Jeffrey - NRCS, Greensboro, NC <jeffrey.porter@gnb.usda.gov>•
Cc: Tillman, James - NRCS, Washington, DC <James:Fillman@wdc.usda.gov>• Sadeghzadeh, Kaveh -
NRCS, Washington, DC <Kaveh.Sadeghzadeh@wdc.usda.gov>• Deavers, Leslie - NRCS, Washington, DC
(Leslie.Deavers@wdc.usda.gov)<Leslie.Deaver
ilCil Vwdc.usda. ov>• Wickey, Kevin - NRCS, Washington,
DC <Kevin.Wickey@vvdcusda.gov>• Barry, Gayle - NRCS,Washington, DC < a le.barrcic.usda. ov>•
Chessman, Dennis - NRCS, Lexington, KY <Dennis.Chessman@ky.usda.gov>; Boozer, Astor - NRCS,
Washington, DC (Astor.Boozer@wdc.usda.gov) <Astor.Boozer@wdc.usda.gov>; Jordan, Leonard -
NRCS, Washington, DC <Leonardhorda n@wdc.usda.gov>; Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC
Page 1 of 3
<David.Smith@wdc.usda.gov>; Kramer, Tony - NRCS, Washington, DC <Tony.Kramer@wdc.usda.gov>;
Reed, Lesia - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <loci a.reed @wdc.usda.gov>; Christensen, Thomas - NRCS,
Washington, DC (Thomas.Christensen@wdc.usda.gov ) <Thomas.Christensen@wdc.usda.gov>
Good Afternoon,
Quality as follows:
• Direct emissions of particulate matter - dust and smoke -as well as the formation of
VOCs
animals.
communications within the Deputy Chief for SgLT family. Many thanks to each of your for exercising
THANKS!!!
Page 2 of 3
Jimmy Bramblett
202-720-4783 jimmy.bramblett@wdc.usda.gov
www.nrcs.gov
Page 3 of 3
Sent: 16 Feb 2017 13:52:39 +0000
Cc: Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC
Jimmy
You are correct with the current measure, in the past we measured utilizing APEX modeling. Once
Bianca arrived and in the current Soil Health APG she had us utilize Adam Chambers. Laura Morton on
my staff has worked with him.

To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <tim.hafner@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC <David.Smith@wdc.usda.gov>
Tim,
I think we should loop Dave Smith in on this discussion. We do have some overlap with this topic, but
he is our lead on the building blocks project. Dave, it may be a summation of COMET that was used in
the past? If so, I will ask Adam Chambers to provide an update.
THANKS!!!
Jimmy Bramblett

To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington DC <Jimmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>
Jimmy
This is part of the Soil Health APG
Page 1 of 5
2. The SHD participated in USDA Climate Hub and greenhouse gas (GHG) Building Block
activities. The SLID provided education on climate smart agriculture and forestry by working
with numerous groups including:
• State Soil health Advisory groups
• Cover Crop Councils (NRCS helped establish the Midwest. and the new Northeast and
Southeast councils)
• Climate Hubs
Soil Carbon retained 200,000 Tons
This Indicator is officially what we report, I guess Iran inquire to the Office of Budget and Policy Analysis
OBPA) and if we need to inquire with OMB who approved the Soil Health APG and its indicator.
To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <tiro hafner@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington DC <Dan.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>
Subject: RE: 130- AGN - Agency General - Branding b)(5)
(b)(5
Tim,
There D a n memo being developed by Dan Lawson on that one.I

will copy Dan here so he can fill you in on the latest
THANKS!!!!
Jimmy Bramblett

To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC climmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>
Page 2 of 5
Thanks Jimmy,

To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD @Lim hafner@wdc.usda.gov>
Tim,
Let me know if you need more
THANKS!!
Jimmy Bramblett

To: Cohen, Kari - NRCS, Washington, DC <kan.cohen@wdc.usda.gov@ Erickson, Terrell - NRCS,
Washington, DC <TerrellEricksonl@wdc.usda.gov@ Guerrero, Rafael - NRCS, Fort Worth, TX
<RafaelGuerrero@ftw.usda.gov@ Herbert, Noller - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Noller.Herbert@wdc.usda.gov>• McKinney, Shaun - NRCS, Portland, OR
<Shaun.Mckinney@por.usda.gov>• Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS - Washington DC <131anca.Moeblus-
Clune@vvdc.usda.gov@ Porter, Jeffrey - NRCS, Greensboro, NC <jeffrey.porter@gnb.usda.gov@
Cc: Tillman, James - NRCS, Washington, DC <James.Tillman@wdc.usda.gov>• Sadeghzadeh, Kaveh -
NRCS, Washington, DC <Kaveh.Sadeghzadeh@wdc.usda.gov>• Deavers, Leslie - NRCS, Washington, DC
(Leslie.Deavers@wdc.usda.gov )<Leslie.Deavers@wdc.usda.gov>• Wickey, Kevin - NRCS, Washington,
DC <Kevin.Wickey@vvdc.usda.gov>• Barry, Gayle - NRCS,Washington, DC < a le.barrrecic.usda. ov>•
Chessman, Dennis - NRCS, Lexington, KY <Dennis.Chessman@ky.usda.gov>- Boozer, Astor - NRCS,
Washington, DC (Astor.Boozer@wdc.usda.gov) <Astor.Boozer@wd@usda.gov@ Jordan, Leonard -
NRCS, Washington, DC <Leonard.Jordan@wdc.usda.gov@ Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC
<DavickSmith@wdc.usda.gov@ Kramer, Tony - NRCS, Washington, DC <Tony.Kramer@wdc.usda.gov@
Reed, Lesia - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <lesia.reed@wdc.usda.gov>; Christensen, Thomas - NRCS,
Washington, DC (Thomas.Christensen@wdc.usda.gov )<Thomas.Christensen@vvdc.usda.gov>
Page 3 of 5
Good Afternoon,
Quality as follows:
• Direct emissions of particulate matter - dust and smoke -,as well as the formation of
VOCs
animals.
communications within the Deputy Chief for SgLT family. Many thanks to each of your for exercising
THANKS!!!
Jimmy Bramblett
Page 4 of 5
202-720-4783 jimmy.bramblett@wdcusda.gov
www.nrcs.gov
Page 5 of 5
Sent: 6 Apr 2017 13:21:21 +0000
To: Baker, Suzanne - NRCS, Walton, NY
Cc: Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE
Subject: RE: Climate Hub article from CCE
Until we get further guidance from General Counsel regarding the Executive Order and a Secretary in
place to layout the Administration's priorities, etc., we are carrying on until directed to proceed
differently.
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322
From: Baker, Suzanne - NRCS, Walton, NY

Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2017 3:25 PM
To: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC <Da n.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>
This is the article. I made some edits and sent it back to Kitty for her acceptance and return I wondered
if the Hubs are "allowed" to publish work from outside the USDA that use "climate change"
Mike provided guidance that bethought it would be ok.

To: Baker, Suzanne - NRCS, Walton NY <Suzanne.Baker@ny usda.gov>
What was Mike's response and what do you mean "permissible that outside sources use the phrase
"climate change"?
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322

To: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC <Dan.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>
Page 1 of 2
Hi Dan,
I talked with Mike W. It was about an article being published in the upcoming NE Hub newsletter. Is it
permissible that outside sources use the phrase "Climate Change"?

To: Baker, Suzanne - NRCS, Walton, NY Cuzanne.Baker@ny usda.gov>
Sorry Suzanne, time flew by. You around tomorrow for a call.
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322

Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2017 10:40 AM
Subject: Climate Hub article from CCE
(b)(6)
Good morning Dan,
If you have a minu t articles from outside sources could you give me a call? I'm working
from home today and available until 2:30
Thank you
Suzanne
Suzanne Palter, CPESC

NRCS Project Liaison to the NE Climate Hub
Resource ConSe rtationist
Southeast Area New York
New York Civil Rights Ad is or Committee
44 West Street
Walton. NY 13856
(607)865-6713
Page 2 of 2
Sent: 5 Jul 2017 16:42:09 +0000
To: Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS;Wiener, Sarah - FS;Steele, Rachel - OCE;rschattm
(rschattm@uvm.edu)
Subject: RE: Survey 2 pagers for the executive committee meeting
Yup, totally understand that and had the same concern on what the survey said and how we present the
results. Need to be consistent so totally get that. So let's march on....
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322
https //www.climatehubs.oce.usda.goy/
From: Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS

Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2017 12:36 PM
To: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC <Da n.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattma n@fs.fed.us>; Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>;
Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>; rschattm (rschattm@uvm.edu) <rschattm@uvm.edu>
Hello Dan,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. You know, it really doesn't fit with the framing of our project
(b)(5)
(b)(5)
would prefer to keep the language as is. Please remember that these documents are for the executive
committee meeting and are not, as of now, for public consumption. I do think this raises some issues
(b)(5) ut I will leave that for a leads
call. However, for the purposes of our work here, we prefeii(b)(5) because this
aligns best with the language used in our research and maintains the scientific integrity of the work.
Any other thoughts or edits on the documents?
Cheers,
Gabrielle

Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2017 9:20 AM
To: Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS <groeschmcnally@fs.fed.us>
Page 1 of 4
Soo() Gabrielle, in the documents would it be to much of a change to say (b)(5)
(b)(5)
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322

Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>• rschattm 1(b)(6) Eck)
1(b)(6) redu>• Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>• Wiener, Sarah - FS
<sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>• Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>
Hey Dan,
Just curious if you had any edits on these final docs? We were hoping to wrap up these documents and
get them out to the directors by early next week to give folks at least a little time to review before the
Committee meeting.
Many thanks,
Gabrielle

Sent: Friday, June 30, 2017 10:04 AM
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fecLus>- rschattm edu)
edu>• Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>• Wiener, Sarah - FS
<sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>• Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln NE <milceamilson@lin.usda.gov>
Subject: Re: Survey 2 pagers for the executive committee meeting
Okay, may have a minor edit or two.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 30, 2017, at 12:46 PM, Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS <groeschmcnally@fs.fed.us> wrote:
Dan,
Just as a reminder, we had hoped that these versions would now go out to the Hub
Directors as we discussed as they should get a chance to review before the Executive
Committee meeting. If you find that you need another bit of editing before we send along
Page 2 of 4
then please let us know but we had discussed the importance of the Hub Directors not
getting surprised by these at the EC meeting. Also, just a reminder that all of our respective
directors gave approval and made edits so this final version reflects all of their edits and
prior edits from you, Rachel, Mike, Rich, Mary, etc,
Cheers,
Gabrielle

To: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed,us>• rschattm du)
<I(b)(6) ledu>• Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>• Roesch McNally,
Gabrielle - FS <proeschmcnally@fs.fed.us>• Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>•
Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>
Thanks Rachel, we'll take a look and appreciate the effort on this. I've included Mike
Wilson an this review as well.
Dan
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322
https://vvww climatehubs.oce.usda gov/
From: Schattman, Rachel - FS

To: rschattm edu) (b M6) edu>• Steele, Rachel - OCE
<RSteele@oce.usda.gov>• Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Dantavvson@wdc.usda.gov>• Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS
<groeschmcnally@fs.fed.us>• Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>
Subject: Survey 2 pagers for the executive committee meeting
Dear Dan and Rachel-

Please find attached the 2 pagers for the NRCS survey and ESA survey that we have created
for the Executive Committee meeting. Thanks for the earlier review of the content. We
hope you like the new layout and presentation.
Because these are intended for an internal audience, I didn't include any "equal
opportunity employer" language or anything like that. If there is something of that nature
that should be added before July 19t h, lease let me know.
Kind regards,
Rachel
Page 3 of 4
Rachel E. Schattman
Produce Safety Specialist
University of Vermont Extension
Vegetable and Berry Program
327 US Route 302

Barre, Vermont 05641
802-476-2003 extension 212 (office)
802-476-2006 (fax)
(b)(6) (mobile)
(b)(6)
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, USDA Forest Service

Northeast Climate Hub
rschattman@fs.fed.us
Research website: rschattma n.net
Page 4 of 4
Sent: 5 Jul 2017 22:55:58 +0000
To: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS;Wiener, Sarah - FS;Steele, Rachel - OCE;rschattm
(b)(6) .edu)
Attachments: NRCS_v6.pdf, FSAv9.pdf, Hello Hub Directors_2.docx
Importance: High
Hello Dan,
Attached are the final versional the two-pagers with edits from Mike Wilson included
Below is draft language you can use to send along to the directors- feel free to modify- also put in a
word document just in case.
Many thanks!
Gabrielle
Draft letter
Hello Hub Directors,
This past year, three Climate Hub Fellows from Northeast (Rachel Schattman), Southeast (Sarah Wiener)
and Northwest (Gabrielle Roesch-McNally) worked in partnership with NRCS and FSA to develop and
administer surveys to employees of these respective agencies. The surveys were adapted from the NIFA
funded project, Useful to Usable. They were designed to make comparisons between the surveys, and to
feed into longitudinal social science research about agricultural service providers' perspectives regarding
weather and climate resources and responses. Scientific information in this regard is critical to the
success of the Hubs. Attached are 2-pager summary documents that highlight the findings from these
surveys. These 2-pagers will be shared with the Climate Hub Executive Committee at their next meeting
on July 19th, where the three fellows will also give an in-person presentation of the results. The 2-page
summaries were reviewed by Agency colleagues at NRCS and FSA, as well as by the Fellow's Hub
Directors. We wanted to be sure to share these with you in the lead up to the Executive Committee
meeting. For the time being, these are internal documents, and we ask that you do not share them.
These documents will provide the basis for a fruitful conversation on how best to share the results of
this research more broadly.
Many thanks,

To: Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS <groeschmcna I ly@fs.fed. us>
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>, Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>;
Page 1 of 11
Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>; rschattm (b)(6) edu>
If you want to craft up something and send it to me, I can turn it around and send to um. If that works.
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322

Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>• Wiener, Sarah - FS csarahwiener@fs.fed.us>•
Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>• rschattm (b)(6) edu>
Great! Thanks for understanding Dan
Do you want to send these out to the Directors or shall I? Either way works for me but I want to be sure
it is consistent with your vision for how to prep for the Executive Committee meeting.
Cheers,
Gabrielle

Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>- Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>•
Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>• rschattm (b)(6) .edu>
Yup, totally understand that and had the same concern on what the survey said and how we present the
results. Need to be consistent so totally get that. So let's march on....
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322
Page 2 of 11
To: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC <Dan,Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>; Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>,
Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>; rschattm (b)(6) edu>
Hello Dan,
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. You kno really doesn't fit h the framing of our project
(b)(5)
(b)(5) We
would prefer to keep the language as is. Please remember that these documents are for the executive
committee meeting and are not, as of now, for public consumption. I do think this raises some issues
(b)(5) but I will leave that for a leads
call. However, for the purposes of our work here, we prefer because this
aligns best with the language used in our research and maintains the scientific integrity of the work.
Any other thoughts credits on the documents?
Cheers,
Gabrielle

S000 Gabrielle, in the documents would it be to much of a change to say (b)(5)

(b)(5)
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322
https //www.climatehubs.oce.usda.goy/

Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>; rschattm (b)(6) • edu)
<1(d)(6) edu>• Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>; Wiener, Sarah - FS
<sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>; Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>
Page 3 of 11
Hey Dan,
Just curious if you had any edits on these final does? We were hoping to wrap up these documents and
get them out to the directors by early next week to give folks at least a little time to review before the
Committee meeting.
Many thanks,
Gabrielle

To: Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS <groeschmcnally@fs.fecl.us>
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us@ (b)(6)
(b)(6) I; Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov@ Wiener, Sarah - FS
<sarahwiener@fs.fed.us@ Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>
Subject: Re: Survey 2 pagers for the executive committee meeting
Okay, may have a minor edit or two.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 30, 2017, at 12:46 PM, Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS <groeschmcnally@fs.fed.us> wrote:
Dan,
Just as a reminder, we had hoped that these versions would now go out to the Hub
Directors as we discussed as they should get a chance to review before the Executive
Committee meeting. If you find that you need another bit of editing before we send along
then please let us know but we had discussed the importance of the Hub Directors not
getting surprised by these at the EC meeting. Also, just a reminder that all of our respective
directors gave approval and made edits so this final version reflects all of their edits and
prior edits from you, Rachel, Mike, Rich, Mary, etc.
Cheers,
Gabrielle

To: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>; (b)(6)
b)(6) 1 Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.goy>; Roesch McNally,
Gabrielle - FS <groeschmcnally@fs.fed.us>; Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fsfed.us>;
Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>
Thanks Rachel, we'll take a look and appreciate the effort on this. I've included Mike
Wilson on this review as well.
Page 4 of 11
Dan
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322
https://www.climatehubs.oce.usda.gov/
From: Schattman, Rachel - FS

To: rschattm (rschattm@uvm.edu) <rschattm@uvm.edl(b)(6) I - OCE
<RSteele@oce.usda.gov>• Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Dan.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>• Roesch McNally, Gabrielle - FS
<groeschmcnally@fs.fed.us>• Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>
Subject: Survey 2 pagers for the executive committee meeting
Dear Dan and Rachel-

Please find attached the 2 pagers for the NRCS survey and FSA survey that we have created
for the Executive Committee meeting. Thanks for the earlier review of the content. We
hope you like the new layout and presentation.
Because these are intended for an internal audience, I didn't include any "equal
opportunity employer" language or anything like that. If there is something of that nature
that should be added before July 19th, please let me know.
Kind regards,
Rachel
Rachel E. Schattman
Produce Safety Specialist
University of Vermont Extension
Vegetable and Berry Program
327 US Route 302

Barre, Vermont 05641
802-476-2003 extension 212 (office)
802-476-2006 (fax)
(b)(6) (mobile)
rschattm@uvmedu
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, USDA Forest Service

Northeast Climate Hub
rschattman@fs.fed.us
Page 5 of 11
Research website: rschattma n. net
Page 6 of 11
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE:
NATIONAL SURVEY ON CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Prepared by Gabrielle Roesch McNally (USDA Northwest Climate Hub), Sarah Wiener
(USDA Southeast Climate Hub), arid Rachel Schattman (USDA Northeast Climate Hub)
Key Points Project Overview

of NRCS employees who responded to the
The USDA Climate Hubs, NRCS, and the University of
survey believe that it is important for pro-
Vermont collaboratively designed a survey, admin-
ducers to adapt to climate change to ensure
istered in February/March 2017, to capture NRCS
the long-term viability of U.S. agriculture.
field staff views and understanding related to climate
change, weather variability, and potential impacts on
agriculture. The survey also addressed NRCS employ-
of the respondents reported that they are
ees' perceptions about the risk that weather variabili-
confident in their ability to apply weather
ty poses for U.S. farmers. Over 8,000 NRCS employees
forecasts and information to the services
nationwide were targeted and 1,893 NRCS staff com-
that they provide.
pleted the survey (response rate = 22.3%, calculated
using the RR4 method of the American Association
for Public Opinion Research, AAPOR). The three main
Opportunities for future collaboration
positions held by respondents were District Conserva-
between NRCS and other agency partners
tionist (25%), Soil Conservationist (19%) and Soil Con-
include outreach and education on climate
servation/Engineering Technician (16%). The majority
and weather-related issues by linking them
work at NRCS Service Centers (74%), followed by Area
to existing programs that help producers to
Offices (12%) and State Offices (10%).
reduce climate-related risks.
Current weather conditions
1-7 day forecasts
Historical weather trends
8-14 day outlooks
Monthly or seasonal outlooks
Weather data for the past 12 months
Annual or longer term outlooks
Very depu nderit Mode-ately dependent Slightly dependent Not dope )(dent
Figure 1: NRCS respondents reported dependency on eather and climate inlorma tior
USDA Ur.it.d SUt.

ir- 22:1 or
USDA united States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Climate Hubs
fle UnIVOrSi tat Ver111011E Conservation Service
Page 7 of 11
Survey Result Highlights management goals of producers in their service area.
Most respondents (65%) agree or strongly agree that
NRCS employees most commonly integrate daily, weekly,
producers use climate information when making farm-re-
or seasonal weather forecast information into guidance to
lated decisions and 41% agree or strongly agree that
clients for the following topics: in-field conservation practices
there is an increased need for NRCS's programs in their
(73%), grazing and forage management (71%), tillage (67%),
service area due to changing weather patterns. The ma-
livestock management systems (64%), and on-farm water
jority agree or strongly agree (66%) that they would like
management (60%). Survey respondents are most depen-
climate or weather forecasts to inform the services they
dent on current and short-term weather information (1-7 day
provide in the future. While 53% of respondents believe
forecasts), and much less dependent on monthly and season-
that assisting producers to prepare for weather variabil-
al outlooks or annual and longer-term outlooks (Figure 1). Of
ity is part of their job, only 35% agree or strongly agree
12 weather-related tools and resources, respondents most
that they have the knowledge and technical skill to help
frequently use the U.S. Drought Monitor (68%), growing de-
producers deal with those threats.
gree day tools (41%), and evapo-transpiration indices (38%).
Discussion
NRCS employees reported regularly working with producers
The mission of the Climate Hubs is to work with USDA
who have experienced adverse events/conditions in the past
agencies and partners to develop and deliver sci-
few years largely tied to extreme or variable weather events.
ence-based, region-specific information and technologies
Climate or weather trends reported to be the most con-
to agricultural and natural resource managers, enabling
cerning in each state vary (Figure 2). The majority of states
climate-informed decision-making, and assisting in the
and territories (29) reported producers are most concerned
implementation of those decisions. As a result of this
with longer dry periods/drought, followed by increased soil
survey analysis, we have identified three areas of poten-
erosion (6), increased weed pressure (4), higher incidences of
tial collaboration between NRCS and the Climate Hubs:
tree pathogens (4), and higher incidence of wildfire (3).
(1) providing greater access to and awareness of weath-
er and climate related tools; (2) providing educational
Most respondents (65%) agree or strongly agree that there
resources on the topic of climate science and global
is increasing variable and unusual weather in their areas,
weather dynamics; (3) developing outreach and educa-
and that to cope with increasing climate variability farming
tion messaging through the NRCS Public Affairs Division
practices will need to change (70% agree or strongly agree).
on climate and weather-related issues. Messaging could
More than half (52%) agree or strongly agree that extreme
be linked to existing NRCS efforts, such as the Soil Health
weather events in recent years have affected the long-term
Initiative and to conservation practices that reduce risks,
increase productivity, and build resilience across produc-
tion sectors.
Count of Respondents
0 1
20
40
0
60
0 0 80
Io
0 100
o 120
0
0 s Climate or Weather Concern
Higher inctdence of tree pathogens
I : Higher incidence of wildfire
o . Increased heat stress on crops
(Th
o increased heat stress on timber stands
: I Increased loss of nutrients into waterways
0 Increased pressure from animal species
Increased pressure from plant species
:I Increased sod erosion
Increased weed pressure
Longer dry periods and drought
More frequent extreme rains
Figure 2 Most common climate or weather concern of NRCS field staff per state (n-1,376) Twenty-six climate and weather trends
were rated on a I ikert scale (1-not concerned, 2-slightly concerned. 3-concerned, and 4-very concerned
Figures by Sarah Wiener, Photography credits: Rachel Schattman

Page 8 of 11
FARM SERVICE AGENCY:
NATIONAL SURVEY ON CLIMATE AND WEATHER
Prepared by Rachel Schattman (USDA Northeast Climate Hub), Sarah Wiener
(USDA Southeast Climate Hub), and Gabrielle Poesch-McNally (USDA North-- -
Climate Hub)
Key Points Project Overview

In November/December of 2016, a survey collaboratively
of ESA employees who responded to the designed by the USDA Climate Hubs, FSA, and the Universi-
survey believe that it is important for pro- ty of Vermont was administered to capture ESA field staffs'
ducers to adapt to climate change to ensure beliefs and attitudes related to climate change and poten-
the long-term viability of U.S. agriculture. tial impacts, as well as their perceptions about the risk that
weather variability poses for U.S. farmers. The survey also
of respondents agreed or strongly agreed investigated the types of climate and weather tools ESA
that they personally have the knowledge to staff currently use in their work with land managers. Over
help producers deal with weather-related 10,000 FSA staff throughout the U.S. were contacted for
threats. the survey; in total 4,621 ESA staff responded (response
rate = 42%, calculated using the RR4 method of the Ameri-
Opportunities for future collaboration can Association for Public Opinion Research, AAPOR).
between FSA and other agency partners
include outreach and education on climate-
and weather-related issues by linking them
to existing programs that help producers to
reduce climate-related risks.
It is important for producers Lo adapt to climate nge Lc ensure the lung-Lerm success 01 U.S.agriculture
Producrrs should tnkr nddionnl steps to protect thrir operations from incrrnsed wrnther vnrinbility
•
Producers should do more to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their farm operations
In my current rein, I should help produr to prepnrr for incrensrd werahrr vnrinhility
Climate change is not a big issue because human ingenuity will enable producers to adapt to changes
I have the knowledge to help producers deal with any weather-related threfls to the viability of their farm operations
Figure 1 FSA respondents' percent agreement with climate and weather statements (n=3,572)
USDA USDA united States Department of Agriculture

I he University of Vermont SIM
Farm Service Agency
Climate Hubs
Page 9 of 11
Survey Result Highlights Adapting to changing weather conditions is something
the majority of respondents agree is important (Figure
FSA employees reported using weather and climate resourc-
1). Over half of respondents agreed or strongly agreed
es when discussing the following topics with producers: crop
that producers should take additional steps to protect
rotations/field assignments (32% of respondents); crop/
their operations from increased weather variability
variety choices (35%); purchasing crop insurance or enrolling
(61%), and that it is important for producers to adapt to
in the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
climate change to ensure the long-term viability of U.S.
(51%); and planting or harvest schedules (42%). One third
agriculture (65%). However, only 14% agree or strongly
(33%) of respondents do not use historical weather trends
that they personally have the knowledge to help produc-
and/or forecasts for any of the topics listed in the survey.
ers deal with weather-related threats.
Respondents do not use or are not familiar with many of the
weather-related resources listed in the survey, with the ex-
ception of U.S. Drought Monitor (74% use this resource) and Discussion
livestock heat indices (42% use these resources, which are The mission of the Climate Hubs is to develop and
often state-specific). Nearly one-third of respondents report
deliver science-based, region-specific information and
using the Farmers' Almanac as a weather resource in their technologies, with USDA agencies and partners, to
professional service. agricultural and natural resource managers that enable
climate-informed decision-making, and to provide access
When asked to rank level of concern for 18 different climate to assistance to implement those decisions. Based on
and weather effects, the majority of states and territories (40 the findings from this national level survey, we have
out of 53) reported the most concern with longer dry periods identified three potential areas of future collaboration
and drought (Figure 2). Most respondents agree or strongly between the Climate Hubs and FSA: (1) provide training
agree that there is increasing variable and unusual weather and support for FSA employees to work with and under-
in their areas (59%), and that to cope with increasing cli-
stand weather and climate data, tools, and resources; (2)
mate variability, farming practices will need to change (54%). better integrate specific weather and climate tools into
Additionally, nearly half (42%) agree or strongly agree that specific FSA program areas; (3) hone outreach and edu-
extreme weather events in recent years have affected the cation on climate- and weather-related issues by linking
long-term management goals of producers, and that there them to existing programs that help producers to reduce
is increased need for FSA's programs in their service area climate-related risks on farm (such as the Conservation
due to changing weather patterns (42%). One-third agree Reserve Enhancement Program).
or strongly agree that they would like climate or weather
forecasts to inform the services they provide in the future,
while 61% agree or strongly agree that producers use climate Count of Respondents
information when making farm-related decisions. 1
100
200
300
350
' Climate or Weather Concern
E Excessive moisture
Increased flooding
, Increased heat stress on crops
Increased incidence of hurricanes or
tropical depressions
fl Increased insect pressure & higher
incidence of crop disease (tie)
Increased soil erosion
Increased weed pressure
Longer dry periods and droughts
Figure 2: Most cornmon climate or weather concern of HA field staff per state Hi More frequent extreme rain events
(n=3,571) Eighteen climate and weather trends were rated on a Likert scale
(1= not concerned; 2=slightly concerned; 3=concerned; and 4=very concerned)
Figures by Sarah Wiener Photography credits Rachel Schattman
Page 10 of 11
Hello Hub Directors,
This past year, three Climate Hub Fellows from Northeast (Rachel Schattman), Southeast (Sarah Wiener)
and Northwest (Gabrielle Roesch-McNally) worked in partnership with NRCS and FSA to develop and
administer surveys to employees of these respective agencies. The surveys were adapted from the NIFA
funded project, Useful to Usable. They were designed to make comparisons between the surveys, and to
feed into longitudinal social science research about agricultural service providers' perspectives regarding
weather and climate resources and responses. Scientific information in this regard is critical to the
success of the Hubs. Attached are 2-pager summary documents that highlight the findings from these
surveys. These 2-pagers will be shared with the Climate Hub Executive Committee at their next meeting
on July 19th, where the three fellows will also give an in-person presentation of the results. The 2-page
summaries were reviewed by Agency colleagues at NRCS and FSA, as well as by the Fellow's Hub
Directors. We wanted to be sure to share these with you in the lead up to the Executive Committee
meeting. For the time being, these are internal documents, and we ask that you do not share them.
These documents will provide the basis for a fruitful conversation on how best to share the results of
this research more broadly.
Many thanks,
Page 11 of 11
Sent: 12 Jun 2017 10:22:53 +0000
To: Deavers, Leslie - NRCS, Washington, DC;Smith, David - NRCS, Washington,
DC;Sadeghzadeh, Kaveh - NRCS, Washington, DC;Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE
Cc: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC;Branham, Sharif - NRCS, Washington,
DC
Subject: RE: Survey two-pagers for review
Thanks Leslie, I will work with Mike Wilson/others regarding your comments/edits.
Dan
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322
From: Deavers, Leslie - NRCS, Washington, DC

Sent: Sunday, June 11, 2017 5:29 PM
To: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC <Da n.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>; Smith, David - NRCS,
Washington, DC <David.Smith@wdc.usda.gov>; Sadeghzadeh, Kaveh - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Kaveh.Sadeghzadeh@wdc.usda.gov>; Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>
Cc: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC <Jimmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>
Subject: RE: Survey two-pagers for review
All, thank you for providing these documents for review. I found the responses interesting I've
included my comments in the attached file.
I'm cCing Jimmy Bramblett on this response because there are some issues with the text related to
programs in the beginning of the report. I've noted where I had concerns but he may see other issues.
In addition, I recommend we remove or significantly alter the paragraph on employee beliefs about
climate change and whether or not it was human induced. I don't think it is necessary to meet the
ultimate objective which is to ensure NRCS staff have the tools and skills to address climate resiliency in
the planning process.
Let me know if we need to discuss my comments.
Leslie

To: Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC <David.Smith@wdc.usda.gov>; Deavers, Leslie - NRCS,
Washington, DC <Leslie.Deavers@wdc.usda.gov>; Sadeghzadeh, Kaveh - NRCS, Washington, DC
Page 1 of 4
<Kaveh.Sadeghzadeh@wdc.usda.gov>; Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>
Subject: FW: Survey two-pagers for review
Importance: High
All, I want to close the loop with everyone on this survey just to be sure that from an NRCS perspective
we are all on the same page. As you can see in the attachments and the below email, it continues to
move forward. Just want to be clear what our position is on distribution (if at all) of the survey results
and in presenting at the July 19 th Climate Hub Executive Committee.
Please advise
Thanks
Dan
Dan D. Lawson
202-720-5322

Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2017 2:41 PM
To: Steele, Rachel - OCE <RSteele@oce.usda.gov>; Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Dan.Lawson@wdc.usda.gov>; Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov>; lovanna,
Rich - FSA, Washington, DC <Rich.lovanna@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Schattman, Rachel - FS <rschattman@fs.fed.us>; rschattm (b)(6) edu)
(b)(6) edu>; Wiener, Sarah - FS <sarahwiener@fs.fed.us>
Subject: Survey two-pagers for review
Importance: High
Hello Dan, Rachel, Mike, and Rich,
First of all, thanks so much for your patience with the survey analysis and report writing process. We
recognize that there have been communication hiccups along the way and while we have tried to keep
everyone in the loop, there are simply some things about this process that have not gone as smoothly as
one would hope but I suppose that is life. All that to say, we are ready for the next step in the process. I
have tried to be very explicit and clear in the process and our approach in this email so that we are all on
the same page so to speak.
Attached you will find three documents. The first two documents are the primary focus as it was
decided by Hubs leadership (Dan and Rachel) that we would create two-pagers for the Executive Team
meeting to review and make a decision about what to do next with the full reports.
You will find a NRCS 2 pager and a ESA 2 pager. Both Mike and Rich are included in this email as you
have been the key points of contact with your agencies. Please don't share these reports with others in
Page 2 of 4
your teams just yet as I want to be sure that Rachel and Dan have a chance to review and ideally, the
Exec committee before we share this beyond a small group. For now, these are meant as internal
documents. Please review these documents and get us comments by June 19th if you can.
The next step will be to send a revised version of these two-pagers (based on your input) to the Hub
directors (including Lynn Knight in NE) to get their review before Exec Committee meeting in July. We
can decide internally (this group) how much editing we want or expect from them or if we just want
them to get the preview so they are not surprised by anything (plus I know many of them are VERY keen
to see preliminary results).
Finally, once we are happy with the contents of the two-pagers, Rachel Schattman will work her
InDesign magic to make them a bit more visually attractive for the Exec Committee meeting.
The third document is a draft full report for NRCS since we wanted to be sure the Dan, Mike and Rachel
could look at this updated version since it is now more, or less, where the FSA report is in terms of
completeness. We obviously don't know where this report will go at this stage but we wanted to be sure
that you had the most up-to-date version for reference since the two-pagers are very brief and leave a
lot out due to necessity. As a note, there is a general discussion that figures and how some of these data
are presented would like change for greater clarity and aesthetic appeal for any final report we have but
we have not gotten there yet due to wanting to wait on how the process develops.
As an aside, the FSA full report has received some great edits from Rachel, Rich and Mary but we are
waiting on incorporating those until after the Exec Team meeting to see where we are directed to go
with these reports.
I hope this process is clear and the documents are more or less what you had hoped for.
Many thanks for your review and support during this process.
Cheers,
Gabrielle
Gabrielle Roesch-McNally, PhD

Fellow, Northwest Climate Hub
Forest Service
Northwest Regional Climate Hub
p: 541-750-7091
proeschmcnallytats.fed.us
3200 Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331
www.fs.fed.us
Page 3 of 4
Caring for the land and serving people
Page 4 of 4
From: Smith David - NRCS Washington DC
To: Bramblett Emmy NRCS Washington DC; Sadezhpadeh Kaye)) - NRCS Washington Dc
Cc: Wilson Mike - NRCS. Lincoln. NE Cerretany Katie NRCS Washington DC • Lawson. Dan - NRCS. Washington
DC; Hafner Tim NRCS Beltsville MD
Subject: RE: 130 - AGN - Agency General - Branding
Date: Thursday, February 16, 2017 8:08:28 PM
Hi All,
Dan is correct about a misunderstanding about a decision memo. The possible need for one was
(b)(5
discussed, but then dropped after OSEC simply cleared the voluntary survey about CC awareness to
o out to NRCS employees
(b)(5
We've not received any guidance directing us to change anything about USDA's Regional
Climate H various activities under the Building Blocks for Climate Smart Agriculture and
Forestry
Changing climate conditions and extreme weather events have been arid are likely to continue
impacting ag The USDA Hubs and climate-smart efforts focus on ways to help producers maintain
or increase production under various climate scenarios while also reducing emission and energy
use. (b)(5)
(b)(5) In line with the "Interim Procedures" memo, we are
informing the Department of our upcoming activities and communications, so there shouldn't be
any surprises As long as we keep abiding by that memo and focus on maintaining ongoing work (no
new initiatives), we should be able to talk about these issues in that context.
Dave

To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC <Jimmy.Bramblett@wdc.usda.gov>; Hafner, Tim -
NRCS, Beltsville, MD ctim.hafner@wdc.usda.gov>; Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC

<David.Smith@wdc.usda.gov>
Cc: Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE <mike.wilson@lin.usda.gov Cerretani, Katie - NRCS,
Washington, DC <Katie.Cerretani@wdc.usda.gov>
All, I'm sorry but I'm not aware of a decision memo being developed that addresses climate change
and branding. We worked on a memo a few weeks ago regarding the survey, but that's all I'm aware
of
Please advise and whether I'm the appropriate person to do this or who is working on it, if it's being
done.
Page 1 of 5
Thanks
Dan
Dan D. Lawson
National Leader. USDA Climate Hubs
usda.00y
202-720-5322
http://www.usda.govklimatehubs

To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD Crn halnenlOwdc- LltiCa p()V>
CC: Lawson, Dan - NRCS, Washington, DC <Das gorson'Usiodo (15C.a gov>

TIM,
There is a decision memo being developed by Dan Lawson on that one (b)(5)
(b)(5) .. I will copy Dan here so he can fill you in on
the latest (.:-7)
Jimmy Bramblett
Deputy Chief — Science and Technology
le and Independence Avenue

lirmy braqiblett(upwdL _sda gov

To: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC clim -ny.Bramb ettav.idc.usda.gov>
Thanks Jimmy,
From: Bramblett, Jimmy NRCS, Washington, DC

Page 2 of 5
To: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD <t hafnerQ*Ndc usca gov>
Subject: FW 130- AGN - Agency General - Branding
Tim,
Below is guidance I sent regarding the phrase "climate change". When discussing carbon
sequestration, I recommend we use verbiage related to building organic matter in the soil to
improve soil health.
Let rile know if you nee( m r
THAN
Jimmy Bramblett
le and Independence Avenue

nv bra nblett g ck. „yid vov

To: Cohen, Kari - NRCS, Washington, DC <kari.cohen(L3pwdc_sda.Eov>• Erickson, Terrell - NRCS,
Washington, DC <Tay rel Erickson1Pvadc. us:Ja .ov>• Guerrero, Rafael - NRCS, Fort Worth, TX
<Rafael.GuerrefoPft \.v....sda.aov>• Herbert, Noller - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Nol er.Herber:Xavadc.usda.aov>• McKinney, Shaun - NRCS, Portland, OR
<Shaun.Mcki eyPpor.usda.gova• Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS - Washington, DC
<Bianaa.Moesius-CluneXa wcia.uscia POV> Porter, Jeffrey - NRCS, Greensboro, NC
<je"rra.porter@gnb.usda.cov>• Tillman, Denise - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Denise.Til friana;aavdc.asda.gv>
Cc: Tillman, James - NRCS, Washington, DC <James. - illrnanfaavdc.usca.gov>• Sadeghzadeh, Kaveh -
NRCS, Washington, DC <<aveh.Sacealizadef ava:Jc. us:Ja aova• Deavers, Leslie - NRCS, Washington,
DC (LeslicaDeavefsPavdc.usda.gov)<_ralir.Deavers6X \aidc.usda.cov>• Wickey, Kevin - NRCS,
Washington, DC <1<evi - MickeyaXavdc.usda.gov>• Barry, Gayle - NRCS,Washington, DC
<ad- e.barrvia)wdc.usda.aov>• Chessman, Dennis - NRCS, Lexington, KY
<Dennis Chessinall@<\XUSdiXaov>• Boozer, Astor - NRCS, Washington, DC
(Astor.BoozerP \aidc...sda.aov)<Astof..Boozernnivdc.usca.gova- Jordan, Leonard - NRCS, Washington,
DC < eonard Jordanaaavoc.usca.>• Smith, David - NRCS, Washington, DC
<David.Smithaa.,.vdc.usca.gov>• Kramer, Tony - NRCS, Washington, DC
<Torry. Kramerfaxmic LltiCa p()V>• Reed, Lesia - NRCS, Beltsville, MD < esia reecPwdc..usda.00v>•
Christensen, Thomas - NRCS, Washington DC (Thomas.Christe - sen@wdc.usda.cov)
<T - omas.Christense - av.,dc..usda.gov>
Page 3 of 5
Good Afternoon,
team moving into the Department, and priorities of our new administration. It has become clear
one of the previous administration's priority is not consistent with that of the incoming
administration. Namely, that priority is climate change. Please visit with your staff and make them
aware of this shift in perspective within the Executive Branch.
Within the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we address resource concerns related to
soil, water, air, plants, and animals. We have approved resource concerns and causes associated
with Air Quality as follows:
1. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Particulate Matter- PM - and PM Precursors
• Direct emissions of particulate matter - dust and smoke-, as well as the formation of
fine particulate matter in the atmosphere from other agricultural emissions -
ammonia, NOx, and VOCs - cause multiple environmental impacts, such as: 14 The
unintended movement of particulate matter - typically dust or smoke - results in
safety or nuisance visibility restriction, 2) The unintended movement of particulate
matter and/or chemical droplets results in unwanted deposits on surfaces, 3)
Increased atmospheric concentrations of particulate matter can impact human and
animal health and degrade regional visibility.
2. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Greenhouse Gases — GHGs
3. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Emissions of Ozone Precursors Emissions of ozone precursors - NOx
and VOCs
• resulting in formation of ground- level ozone that cause negative impacts to plants
and animals.
4. AIR QUALITY IMPACTS - Objectionable odors
owners. Having said that, we will be revisiting Air Quality — Emissions of Greenhouse Gases to
communications within the Deputy Chief for SgzT family. Many thanks to each of your for exercising
THANKS!!!
Jimmy Bramblett
Page 4 of 5
202-720-4783 JITIrTy.brarilflletaWdC.USda..E0V
V./ rl 'CSS. OV
Page 5 of 5

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From: Bramblett Jimmy - NRCS Washington DC

Office (301) 504-1616

Deputy Chief Bramblett,

Office (301) 504-1616

From: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD

This is part of the Soil Health APG

• No-Till on the Plains

• State Soil Health Advisory groups

• Soil Health Institute committees

Soil Carbon retained 200,000 Tons

on memo being developed by Dan Lawson on that one.

From: Hafner, Tim - NRCS, Beltsville, MD

One additional question, how about the name climate hubs.

From: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC

Let me know if you need more....

From: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC

From: Wilson, Mike - NRCS, Lincoln, NE

Workshops and Webinars (Yellow items recently added):

:April 12, 10 am CDT, Webinar: Getting to Know the Trillions of Friends

>April 25, 2pm EDT, Webinar: Watershed Planning from an NWQI

Apr 26, 11:00 am EDT, Webinar: Climate Change Considerations When

June 13-15, 2017: Universities Council on Water Resources/National

>30-August 2, 2017, Madison, WI. Soil and Water Conservation Society

COMET FARM Training Schedule for April:

1 Farmers can profit economically and politically by addressing

Down the DRAIN: California gets a jump on Delta tunnels: "Officially

The biggest threat to Trump's Mar-a-Lago? Climate change: "Mar-a-Lago,

12 Guest post: Adapting to climate change through 'managed retreat':

13 Experts respond to Trump's climate blitzkrieg: "We asked leading experts

14. USDA Southeast Regional Climate Hub - Spring 2017 Newsletter:

15.Pacific Northwest Tribal Climate Change Network, Email Bulletin — March

16.Special issue just released in the journal Climate Risk Management:Useful

Useful to Usable: Developing Usable Climate Science for Agriculture

S.Im sK1 and 14eae

17.USDA Blog: USDA Authorizes Emergency Grazing in Response to President

chesapeake/2017/04/03/c97bd70e-1630-11e7-833c-503e116394c9 story htmPutm term- 80d081ddd001 And

21.The REDD Resource Newsletter; April/May 2017:

The REDD+ Resource

22.Film: The Soil Solution to Climate Change Film "What If A Solution To

24 Increasing tornado outbreaks—is climate change responsible?: "This study

25 NOAA This Week on Climate.gov:

26 NRCS Water and Climate Update:

U.S. Drought Monitor

27 Weekly Agriculture in Drought Report for USDA Office of the Chief

From: Moebius-Clune, Bianca - NRCS - Washington, DC

Avoid 3 use instead

Additionally the following messages should be tolerated if not appreciated by all:

• building equity in land investment

• emerging business opportunities in rural America

• increased production efficiency = increased competitiveness for American agriculture

• improved aesthetics green landscapes are more beautiful than brown

Soil Health improves:

• Production system resilience to stresses

• Economic risks of production

• Soil organic matter

• Water holding capacity

• Biodiversity, diversity of microbes, diversity of soil life, soil microbiome

Bianca Moebius-Clune, Ph.D.

Deputy Chief Bramblett,

Office (301) 504-1616

This contains Jimmy's edits.

Office (301) 504-1616

One additional question, how about the name climate hubs.

From: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC

Let me know if you need more

From: Bramblett, Jimmy - NRCS, Washington, DC