Agricultural programs benefit wildlife

If you are a landowner whose field is not yielding quite enough or cumbersome corners make farming in some areas difficult, there are solutions that may save you time and money. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Conservation Reserve Program and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement program are two programs designed for landowners interested in creating habitat for wildlife and improving soil health and water conditions on their land. By enrolling, the USDA will provide landowners an annual payment for 10 years based off soil rental rate, as well as help pay for establishing permanent grass cover. Additionally, Idaho Fish and Game has a person who can help landowners develop a conservation plan and get the ground established using the department's Habitat Improvement Program. While the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement is a continuous sign up, the Conservation Reserve Program sign-up ends February 26, so time is of essence. For more information, landowners are encouraged to contact their local county USDA office or Fish and Game's Farm Bill Coordinator, Andrew Mackey at 208-750-6123 or email andrew.mackey@idfg.idaho.gov.