U. S. D. A. Adds to Conservation Efforts in Idaho

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has added 40,000 acres to the Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse SAFE initiative in Idaho. The acreage will be added through a portion of the Conservation Reserve Program called "State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement," or SAFE, a program run by the Farm Service Agency. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack approved the addition of 95,000 acres for conservation projects in Idaho, Kansas and Washington on October 20. Through cooperative efforts, such as the SAFE initiative, farmers and ranchers can play a key role in protecting wildlife that are classified as species of greatest conservation need. These additional "SAFE acres" will provide new opportunities for state wildlife agencies, non-profit organizations, farm groups and other conservation partners to work with farmers and ranchers to restore wildlife habitats and conserve species voluntarily, to prevent their need to be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Idaho farmers and ranchers previously have enrolled 24,000 acres in this existing CRP SAFE project to increase quality grassland, shrub steppe, mountain brush and riparian habitat for grouse. Columbian sharp-tailed grouse rely heavily on CRP and CRP SAFE for critical nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Though they are not listed as either threatened or endangered, the Columbia sharp-tailed grouse have been petitioned twice for listing by environmental advocacy organizations. SAFE is a voluntary program administered by the Farm Service Agency. Because of the program's popularity, the agency received enrollment requests beyond the number of available acres. Landowners who are interested in enrolling land in SAFE should visit their local FSA service center. Under the Conservation Reserve Program, farmers and ranchers enroll eligible land in 10-year contracts with USDA. Participants plant appropriate wildlife cover such as grasses, shrubs and forbs best suited for these species. The long-term vegetative cover also improves soil and water quality. When all aspects of this program are considered, it represents a more than $20 million dollar investment in Idaho and Idaho's wildlife over the next 10 years. For more information about SAFE and other conservation programs, visit your FSA county or state office or go on line at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.