– 1 –October 6, 2004
Natural Resources Conservation ServicePhone: 401.828.1300
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 46Fax:401.828.0433
Warwick, Rhode Island02886
The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people
conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
September 30, 2004
RHODEISLAND BULLETIN NO. 300-4-1
SUBJECT: LTP – Conservation Reserve Program – Addition of two new practices for CRP contracts.
Purpose: The Farm Service Agency has announced two new practices for use with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Practice CP23A, Wetland Restoration, Non-Floodplain and Practice CP33, Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds. Both of these practices will be available for use in CRP contracts.
Expiration Date: September 30, 2005
Background
Overview - Practice CP23A, Wetland Restoration, Non-Floodplain: On August 4, 2004, President Bush announced a new CRP practice, CP23A, Wetland Restoration, Non-Floodplain, as part of his initiative to restore wetlands. This practice allows producers to restore large wetland complexes and playa lakes that are located outside the recognized 100-year floodplain. Restoring wetlands and playa lake systems will provide vital habitat for many wildlife species, such as upland ducks and sandhill cranes. Wetlands also filter runoff, recharge groundwater supplies, protect drinking water, and reduce downstream flooding. The allocation for this practice for Rhode Island is 100 acres.
Overview - Practice CP33, Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds: In many parts of the nation, certain species of wildlife have suffered a significant reduction in population due primarily to the loss of habitat. The population of Northern Bobwhite has dropped from an estimated 59 million birds in 1980 to 20 million birds by 1999. Other grassland dependent bird species have suffered significant population declines and the population trend continues to decline. Further, some grassland dependent bird species are being considered for inclusion on the endangered species list. In addition, populations of many aquatic (e.g., fish and mollusk), amphibian, and reptile species have been impacted because of habitat loss. The allocation for this practice for Rhode Island is 100 acres.
Action Requested
Please review the attachments, first to become familiar with the practices and then the applicability of the practice to those situations where CRP might be an applicable program for those clients you are working with. It will be important to keep in mind the eligibility requirements of the CRP program and related practices. If you have questions on the program and/or any of the practices available for CRP, please respond back to J. Eric Scherer, State Resource Conservationist.
/s/
JUDITH M. DOERNER
State Conservationist
DIST:RI NRCS planners w/ Attachments