Partners In Conservation Are Making A Difference (NAPSA)—Huntersin the field this season will notice new wildlife habitat growing across the pheasant range, thanks to a new kind of partnership. A Farm Service Agency program teams state and local governments, nonprofit partners and farmers in what’s been described as an enormous conservation effort. Lack of adequate nesting habitat remains the biggest challenge facing pheasant populations. Through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), landowners plant trees, grasses and other cover in conservation buffers along streams and waterways. Those buffers create crucial nesting areas and winter habitat for pheasants. And that’s good newsfor wildlife and for hunters. For more than 20 years Pheasants Forever has worked with America’s farmers and ranchers to improve wildlife habitat. In the last few years the group has becomean essential CREP partner. “CREPis a federal program but it’s all driven locally. We wouldn’t be anywhere without our partners,” said Mike Linsenbigler, CREP technical manager at the Farm Service Agency. “Pheasants Forever really makes a difference in states where they’re involved.” Joe Duggan, vice president of public affairs at Pheasants Forever, says their interest in the program is a simple matter. “CREP buffers become excellent wildlife habitat. Some will becometheonly wildlife habitat in a given area,” said Duggan. “We have chapters in eight states pro- ity aTTT sa ‘| WinHeBAGo co. |) bees BCT A Farm Service Agency conservation program is enjoying success because of its support for local efforts. moting the program. Working together we will see more pheasants in time.” Each CREP is based on local needs and goals, and various Pheasants Forever chapters contribute everything from funds to technical assistance. Recently the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 authorized the most comprehensive array of conservation programs ever. Under the newlegislation, Pheasants Forever is poised to deliver wildlife habitat programsat a new level. “Now we have the framework for continued and expanded work with farmers and ranchers,” Joe Duggan said. “The new Farm Bill ensures that our CREP partnerships will have lasting results.” To learn more, visit the Web at www.pheasantsforever.org and www.fsa.usda.gov/conservation.
