USDA Announces Availability of Additional Conservation Reserve Program Acres
Conservation announcement supports wildlife habiitat restoration.
Compiled by staff
Published: Aug 15, 2011
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack Friday announced that the USDA has approved the reallocation of 153,972 acres available through the Conservation Reserve Program initiative entitled State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement, to support conservation and restoration of important habitat for lesser prairie chickens, sage and sharp-tailed grouse, and other grassland, sage or prairie-dependent species. SAFE projects are located in Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, Tennessee and Texas.
"USDA is reallocating available SAFE acres in order to meet habitat goals for the lesser prairie chicken, sage and sharp-tailed grouse, and other priority species of concern." Vilsack said. "Through our conservation programs, USDA is committed to restoring habitat for wildlife and preserving our natural resources and outdoor traditions for future generations to enjoy."
The announcement is part of a broader USDA effort to support conservation and restoration of important habitats for wildlife. Also today, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service announced that more than 150 Northern Plains farmers and ranchers have applied for a new initiative designed to enhance migratory bird habitat, improve water quality and the health of grasslands in the Prairie Pothole Region of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota. Additionally, FSA and the Quality Deer Management Association today renewed their collaborative commitment to enhance habitat for white-tailed deer and other wildlife with the signing of a cooperative agreement.
SAFE is a continuous CRP practice that conserves and restores habitat for wildlife species that are threatened or endangered, have suffered significant population declines or are important environmentally, economically or socially.
Under SAFE, state fish and wildlife agencies, non-profit organizations and other conservation partners work collaboratively to target CRP delivery to specific conservation practices and geographic areas where enrollment of eligible farm land in continuous CRP will provide significant wildlife value, especially for threatened and endangered species and other environmental, economic, and social benefits. USDA monitors SAFE and other continuous CRP activity and manages available acres to ensure that CRP goals and objectives are being met.
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Tagged: usda, CRP, farm, FSA, Conservation Reserve Program
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