Wildlife Conservation

How does the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Work?

The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency oversees several voluntary conservation-related programs, including the Conservation Reserve Program. In the past, farmers have joked the CRP, “pays farmers not to farm”. But the truth is the work the farmers do with CRP has far reaching benefits. Programs like CRP work to address a large […]

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5 Conservation Benefits of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Congress created CRP in 1985 following increased concern over unacceptably high levels of soil erosion as well as other environmental concerns. The 1985 Farm Bill authorized USDA to enroll up to 45 million acres in CRP. By idling environmentally sensitive lands, the Conservation Reserve Program provides substantial conservation benefits by improving water quality, protecting soil,

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Promoting Pollinators Besides Honeybees

Honeybees have long been the dominant pollinator in North America. Today, roughly 80% of crop pollination is performed by honeybees, with some crops relying almost exclusively on this non-native species. Due the massive decline in honeybees caused by colony collapse disorder, many are looking towards other pollinators to pick up the slack.  The question is are other pollinator species as effective as

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Implementing Sustainable Farming Practices

While modern farming provides the foods, materials, and resources that our civilization relies on, it can also negatively impact the surrounding environment in a number of ways. Practices such as excessive tillage, removing natural habitat, and planting the same crop season after season have drained soil of its nutrients and left it exposed. Excess irrigation increases

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Addressing the Problems of Agricultural Expansion in the US

It can’t be understated how vital modern agriculture is to our society and the quality of life that we all enjoy. Not only do farmers provide our food, but they’re responsible for countless raw materials for manufacturing, clothing, medicine, and more. However, when mishandled or left unchecked, agriculture can take a toll on the environment.   Tilling, infrequent crop rotation, and fertilizer application all contribute to the break down of

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How CRP Helps Keep Hunting Alive

Fall is known for many things: colorful leaves, bonfires, apple cider, jacket weather, and a lot of pumpkin-spiced items. For hunters, however, fall is best known as the start of hunting season. Between October and November, hunting licenses for pheasants, ducks, deer, and more become available, allowing countless hunters to enjoy this time-honored tradition.  But hunting is

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The Relationship Between Hunters and Conservation

Hunting and conservationism are often shown to be at odds with one another. Stories of trophy hunters traveling around the world to hunt endangered species are regularly shared on news and social platforms.   However, trophy hunters are not a proper representation of the North American hunting community. The large majority of hunters are licensed and law-abiding people who target local wildlife that have healthy populations. They hunt for food, general sport, and in cases, land/livestock protection.   These hunters tend

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The Importance of Pollinator Diversity in CRP

The honeybee has long been the US’s main pollinator, contributing over $15 billion to our economy every year. Over the past few decades, however, the honeybee has seen its population cut in half largely due to colony collapse disorder.   If things continue at this rate, the honeybee could be extinct by 2035.   Unfortunately, counteracting CCD directly has proven to be difficult. Eliminating the use

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Supporting Local Hunting with CRP

We talk a lot about the environmental benefits of CRP and for good reason. Through CRP, farmers and landowners receive money from the government to take marginal land out of active production. They then establish native vegetation, which restores soil health, reduces runoff, and protects local water supplies.  That alone would be worth enrolling in

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