NRCS Mission Statement and Definition of IPM

NRCS Northeastern IPM Center

NRCS Mission

The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.

NRCS helps land users plan and apply integrated resource management systems that have a positive effect on the quality of the nation’s natural resources, are economically and environmentally sustainable, and meet mandated requirements. We help public officials develop sound policies and plans for natural resource development and protection. In all of our activities, we try to lead people to a greater understanding of the world around them-of the physical and biological processes that shape it, of the ways their activities affect it, and of the responsibility all citizens share to work together to protect it.

NRCS Vision

Harmony between people and the land

NRCS is guided by an enduring vision of a nation where use of resources is governed by a widely shared and deeply felt stewardship ethic. Like Hugh Hammond Bennett, the father of soil conservation, we believe that good management of natural resources will make possible “a more abundant life for the people of the country, both urban and rural, now and for all time.” Our vision includes a quality resource base; a quality environment that provides people with attractive and satisfying places to live; and a quality standard of living for all Americans.

NRCS Mission

Definition of IPM from the National Road Map for IPM

“Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a science-based, decision-making process that identifies and reduces risks from pests and pest management related strategies. IPM coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means, while minimizing risk to people, property, resources, and the environment. IPM provides an effective strategy for managing pests in all arenas from developed agricultural, residential, and public lands to natural and wilderness areas. IPM provides an effective, all encompassing, low-risk approach to protect resources and people from pests.”

View other IPM definitions and the definition from the National Road Map for IPM (PDF).