Cultural Resources Training Series, Part 1 (000141)

Overview

It is the policy of the Natural Resources Conservation Service that cultural resources training will be provided to all employees who carry out some or all of NRCS’ cultural resources compliance responsibilities at the field and State Office levels.  The purpose of this training is to increase student awareness and knowledge of NRCS’ cultural resources stewardship responsibilities. Completion of this training may also be a requirement for certification under the NRCS Conservation Planning Certification training program.

This training consists of eight modules, six Web-based modules and two additional modules tailored to State and Regional cultural resources requirements which have been developed by each NRCS State Office. Successful completion of the first six modules is required to move on to the two final modules, Module 7 (regional resources discussed in a classroom setting) and Module 8 (site/field visit) are presented by a cultural resources specialist.

The document linked below provides a more comprehensive overview of the Cultural Resources Training Series and guidance for state specialists and coordinators who conduct modules 7 and 8 of this training.

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Overview of Cultural Resources Training Series

Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Define cultural resources.
• Explain why NRCS considers cultural resources.
• Describe NRCS policy and procedures for identifying and protecting cultural resources.
• Locate and receive assistance from NRCS cultural resources specialists and coordinators and other sources.
• Appropriately incorporate cultural resources information into conservation plans.
• Identify cultural resources by conducting a review and survey.
• Develop, maintain, and safeguard cultural resources information files.
• Document actions which can be taken to protect cultural resources.
• Describe steps to be taken when cultural resources are encountered during program/project implementation or construction.

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for accessing Modules 1-6.  Successful completion of modules 1 through 6 is a prerequisite for Module 7. Successful completion (as certified by the NRCS State cultural resources specialist and Training Officer) of Module 7 is a prerequisite for Module 8.

Note: Completion of this training may also be a requirement for certification under the NRCS Conservation Planning Certification training program. By procedures established in the National Planning Procedures Handbook (NPPH), cultural resources inventories are to be done during the planning process. This inventory work must be carried-out by NRCS professional cultural resources personnel (Cultural Resources Specialists) who meet the Secretary of Interior's Qualification Standards for Historic Preservation or by NRCS personnel who have satisfactorily completed all eight modules of this cultural resources training. Because TSP's who provide planning assistance that includes cultural resources inventory are to have skills equivalent to NRCS' Certified Planners, they are expected to meet these same training requirements. Completion of this cultural resources training should provide  TSPs with the requisite knowledge and skills. (NPPH 600.23-600.24).

Delivery Method

Part 1, Modules 1 - 6 are Web-based.

Modules 7 and 8 are designed and presented by the NRCS State Office.

Part 2, Module 7 is classroom based and is designed to give the students a sound background in recognizing the full range of regional/state cultural resources issues.

Part 3, Module 8 is a hands-on field workshop focused on resource identification and problem solving field exercises.

Duration

Part 1, Modules 1-6: Approximately 4 hours of self-study are required. Successful completion of these modules will be documented by scoring at least 80% on the final test.

Part 2, Module 7: Approximately 8 hours of classroom training.

Part 3, Module 8: Approximately 8 to 16 hours, as determined appropriate by the State cultural resources specialist and coordinator and State training officer.

Target Audience

NRCS employees, conservation partnership employees, selected service center employees (contingent upon supervisory approval), and Technical Service Providers who provide cultural resources compliance assistance (data gathering assistance) to clients.

NEDC Contact

NEDC Webmaster.

Technical Contact

Sarah Bridges

Enrollment Cultural Resources, Part 1

Enrollment instructions are provided below.  Be sure to select the appropriate link to ensure successful enrollment. 

USDA Employees

Proceed to the Aglearn to login using your USDA eAuthentication ID and password.  This is the same as your WebTCAS ID and password.
Select Catalog, Select Natural Resources Conservation Service under Subject Area Menu, Choose the course name by select the button Launch content or Add to Learning Plan to register and complete the course.

District Employees with Aglearn account

Proceed to the Aglearn to login using your USDA eAuthentication ID and password. This is the same logon ID and password used for the TechReg TSP application or profile.
Select Catalog, Select Natural Resources Conservation Service under Subject Area Menu, Choose the course name by select the button Launch content or Add to Learning Plan to register and complete the course.

If you do not have an account.  Specific instructions on securing a USDA user account and password are located at getting started.  For further assistance contact the USDA state office in your state for assistance in obtaining an eAuthentication ID and password and AgLearn account.

Technical Service Providers

Proceed to the Aglearn to login using your USDA eAuthentication ID and password. This is the same logon ID and password used for the TechReg TSP application or profile.
Select Catalog, Select Natural Resources Conservation Service under Subject Area Menu, Choose the course name by select the button Launch content or Add to Learning Plan to register and complete the course.

If you are anticipating becoming a Technical Service Provider please review the entire process at TechReg.  Please familiarize yourself with this process if you have not already done so.  Specific instructions on securing a USDA user account and password are located at getting started.

Other USDA Customers

For those not in the above categories contact the USDA state office in your state for assistance in obtaining an eAuthentication ID and password and AgLearn account.
To obtain this contact information for your state you can go to the Aglearn website click on contact us. Scroll down to NRCS and click on the link that says state contacts.

Enrollment for the Classroom Portion of Cultural Resources

Modules 7 and 8 are conducted by individual states.  Contact you supervisor about availability.