Environmental Conservation Archives

What is a wildlife management area and why are these areas so important?

September 29, 2023 / Environmental Conservation, General

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) play a crucial role in preserving our natural environment and the diverse species that call it home. These areas, set aside for the protection and conservation of wildlife and their habitats, are invaluable for several reasons. What Is a Wildlife Management Area? A Wildlife Management Area is a designated tract of …

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Invasive species removal and how it helps promote a well-rounded ecosystem

September 22, 2023 / Environmental Conservation, Wildlife Conservation

Let’s explore the critical topic of invasive species removal and how it plays a pivotal role in restoring and maintaining the health of our ecosystems worldwide. Invasive species are non-native organisms that, when introduced to a new environment, outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the ecosystem’s natural functions. These invaders can be plants, animals, …

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How Solar Vegetation Can Revitalize Rural Communities and Agriculture – Sheep-Friendly Solar Vegetation Plantings

August 17, 2023 / Agricultural News, Environmental Conservation, Solar Energy

The marriage of renewable energy production and agricultural practices, known as agrivoltaics, has introduced yet another groundbreaking concept – sheep-friendly solar vegetation plantings. This approach involves integrating solar panels with carefully selected vegetation that is conducive to grazing by sheep. This strategy not only optimizes land use but also offers a range of benefits for …

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What is soil conservation?

June 15, 2023 / Environmental Conservation, Soil

Soil conservation refers to the practice of protecting and managing soil resources to prevent soil erosion, degradation, and loss of fertility. Various techniques and strategies are used to help ensure a sustainable use of soil for agricultural, ecological, and environmental purposes.

More than $146 Million for Wetland Conservation Projects and National Wildlife Refuges from the U.S. Department of the Interior

June 1, 2023 / Agricultural News, Environmental Conservation, Wildlife Conservation

This year the US Department of the Interior has granted over $50 million for conservation projects and wildlife refuges, which will be matched by partners and amounts to over $146 million. This will help either conserve or restore over 240 thousand acres (about the area of San Antonio, Texas!) of wetland and upland.

How Illinois Landowners Can Enroll in CREP

May 31, 2023 / CREP, Environmental Conservation

There is a multitude of reasons for you as a farmer or landowner to enroll in CREP. Adding value to your land, improving water quality, preventing land erosion, just to name a few. Over 90% of land in Illinois is privately owned, making it very important for programs such as these to exist.

Meadow with blooming lupine, Indian brush and other flowers.

What Do Illinois Farmers Need to Know About CREP?

May 11, 2023 / CREP, CRP, Environmental Conservation

Reinstated in 2022, CREP is a voluntary Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program that falls under CRP. Learn all about CREP in Illinois and what you as a farmer or landowner need to know.

What is the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program?

April 24, 2023 / Agricultural News, Environmental Conservation, General

Developed by the USDA as a part of CRP, the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program is a federally funded initiative designed to preserve grasslands across the country. Specifically, the program was established to ensure that environmentally sensitive grassland, or other land of significant value, is conserved rather than farmed. In 2022, over 3.1 million acres of …

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The Benefits of the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative

April 13, 2023 / Environmental Conservation, General, Soil, Wildlife Conservation

As part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative is designed to enhance important wildlife habitat to achieve local conservation goals. SAFE is a component of CRP that specifically focuses on working with private landowners to convert their land into valuable wildlife habitat. For the environment, the land, …

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Vermillion Rivers Matthiessen State Park Ottawa Illinois CREP

The Goals of the Illinois Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

March 20, 2023 / CRP, Environmental Conservation, Soil, Wildlife Conservation

In 2022, Illinois reinstated the statewide Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) as a division of the federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Along with the general conservation and restoration goals of CRP, CREP focuses on specific goals for each state. Upon its return, the Illinois CREP released a number of guidelines and requirements for landowners interested …

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