Title: Identify local, state, and federal conservation, natural resource, and environmental regulatory agencies and programs.
Course: Introduction to Natural Resources and Ecology Systems (18504) > Section: Exploring Government Policies, Agencies, and Regulations

Identification should include the main programs offered by the following local, state, and federal conservation agencies:

- Soil and Water Conservation Districts
- Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
- Virginia Department of Forestry
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Virginia Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services
- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
- Collaborative federal-state conservation funding initiatives

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the primary purpose of the agencies mentioned?
- How does each agency function?
- What role does each organization play?
- What major programs are offered by soil and water conservation districts, and how do these programs improve natural resources?
- How do local, state, and federal agencies manage wildlife and wildlife-harvesting activities?
- What are the purposes of state and national parks and forests?
- How do local, state, and federal conservation agencies work together to improve the environment?
- How can private landowners contribute to conservation efforts?
- How can agricultural producers contribute to conservation efforts?
- How can the general citizenry contribute to conservation efforts, especially on public lands?