Shorebird Habitat Program Opportunity in Fallowed Fields

In our previous June 9 update on conservation programs we informed CRC members about current opportunities to enroll into waterbird conservation programs. READ MORE

Deadlines looming to enroll into 2017 Waterbird Habitat Programs

The CRC and its partners are currently seeking enrollment into the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and BirdReturns Program. On June 6, 2017, CRC hosted an informative Conservation Programs Workshop where details of these programs were discussed. The workshop presentations are included here (RCPP / BirdReturns). READ MORE

Enrollment for Ricelands Waterbird Habitat Projects currently open

The CRC and its partners are now moving forward with the implementation of the third year of the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This program, which continues many of the practices in the Waterbird Habitat Enhancement Program (WHEP), was made possible by a multi-year $7 million RCPP grant from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). READ MORE

2017 CRC Nesting Cover Study—Last Call for Acres

We welcome having more cover-cropped fields that will be fallowed in the upcoming growing season to include in our 2017 study.  We are trying to build a case for why beneficial nesting practices should be strongly supported as part of our conservation programs with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Requested Action

If you have cover crops that you will idle, please send a quick note to Paul Buttner at pbuttner@calrice.org.  We may even be able to offer a small incentive payment to include your fields and allow biologists to monitor duck nesting activity.

2017 nesting cover studies about to get started—Still looking for more acres

The CRC is in its second year of research efforts that could lead to the development of a cost-share program for the planting of cover crops that benefit nesting waterfowl. We have reached out to some of you already but would like to further expand our knowledge of cover crop acreage currently in place. READ MORE