Corey King, Nebraska NRCS state wetland coordinator, presented a revised off‑site method to support 'swampbuster' compliance decisions. The updated guidance is intended to align Nebraska practice with current national SLSM policy and streamline determinations so that many decisions can be made without an on‑site visit when off‑site resources are sufficient.

King described a three‑step decision process: (1) identify whether wetlands-signature vegetation is present using official series descriptions and range site/ecological site information, (2) determine the wetland label (for example, farmed wetland, non‑farmed wetland), and (3) estimate extent and hydrology using tools such as the National Wetland Inventory, water‑features reports (satellite-derived inundation/saturation indicators), historical topo/soil survey maps and multi‑year aerial imagery. He emphasized care when imagery shows irrigation-driven signals and said NRCS will use three normal‑year images prior to irrigation installations or use nearby comparison sites if imagery is insufficient.

King also described changes to the hydrology worksheet and categorization of imagery signatures (inundation, saturation, ponding/flooding durations). He noted there is a public comment period pending: the state will post the revised method to the Federal Register and, in the interim, will use it on a provisional basis.

Committee members asked whether previously completed wetland determinations would be re‑evaluated; King said the new method will not automatically reopen completed determinations and will apply going forward. He encouraged partners to review the Federal Register posting and provide comments during the comment period.