The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a major funding injection for two conservation initiatives in Nebraska aimed at protecting prairies and wildlife. Through the Working Lands for Wildlife program, the USDA will invest at least $500 million over the next five years to balance the conservation needs of endangered species with the demands of landowners and their arable land.
The Working Lands for Wildlife program, previously limited to USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service programs, is now available as an option for landowners wishing to participate in the conservation program through the Farm Service Agency.
Nebraska has two work areas and initiatives, one in the Sandhills and one in southeastern Nebraska, which receive priority support for the conservation of prairie and bobwhite quail in the central and eastern United States.
The first initiative focuses on the eastern Sandhills region and aims to develop the land to benefit grassland species such as the prairie chicken and American burial beetle. Since its inception in 2017, the program has had a positive impact on 90,138 acres through practices such as Eastern Red Cedar removal, recommended burning and improved grazing practices. These conservation strategies will continue to protect the country from invading invasive species.
In southeastern Nebraska, the initiative aims to improve bobwhite quail habitat, including native grasslands and oak savannas, while maintaining the productivity of participating landowners. In 2022, 1,386 acres were logged on various arable land as part of this project.
Collaboration between partners such as Pheasants Forever, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, USA. The Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and other organizations have contributed to the success of these initiatives.
Visit OutdoorNebraska.gov to determine if your land is suitable for wildlife work sites or other conservation programs and search for "land management". You can also contact a private biologist in your area through the Nebraska Game and Parks Conservation Reserve Program website.
Photo Credit: pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich
Categories: Nebraska, Government & Policy