| Toles Road Prairie | |
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Conservation Reserve Program |
Because the land for the prairie had been active farmland, I was able to take advantage of the USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to help offset some of the costs associated with developing the prairie. According to USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), “CRP is a voluntary program available to agricultural producers to help them safeguard environmentally sensitive land. Producers enrolled in CRP plant long-term, resource conserving covers to improve the quality of water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. In return, FSA provides participants with rental payments and cost share assistance.” To participate in CRP both the producer and the land must meet certain eligibility requirements. The best way to understand if you may qualify is to visit your local FSA office. In my case the process began in 2001 when I invited a representative of the Ingham County Conservation District to conducting a “natural resource assessment” of the farm. This assessment was used in discussions with my local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservationist to help prepare a “conservation plan.” They then suggested various ways in which USDA programs may help me meet my conservation goals, including CRP. There are several different CRP practices that may be applicable to a prairie or savanna restoration project and you should consult with your local NRCS conservationist to determine which may apply in your case. I was able to utilize CRP-CP4D “Wildlife Habitat” which requires planting of native grasses, wildflowers and shrubs and CRP-CP12 “Wildlife Food Plot” in my project. Other practices for restoring rare and declining habitats including “prairie” and “savanna” may be applicable depending upon your specific site. Even if you do not qualify for CRP, your local USDA NRCS Conservationist will likely be an excellent source of information. Other sources of information include: US Fish and Wildlife Service Partners
for Fish and Wildlife Program |