RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Wildlife benefits of the conservation reserve program in Ohio
JF Journal of Soil and Water Conservation
FD Soil and Water Conservation Society
SP 390
OP 394
VO 54
IS 1
A1 D. A. Swanson
A1 D. P. Scott
A1 D. L. Risley
YR 1999
UL http://www.jswconline.org/content/54/1/390.abstract
AB Federal agriculture programs significantly impact a variety of wildlife species. Grassland birds, in particular, should benefit from establishment of permanent vegetative cover through conservation initiatives like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Evaluation of current conservation programs is needed to help shape future initiatives and ensure the long-term continuation of beneficial programs. The vegetative and physical characteristics of CRP fields in Ohio were quantified, the timing and extent of disturbances during the nesting season noted, avian use of these habitats measured, and indices of avian use related to field characteristics. It was found that more than half of the sampled fields were disturbed, primarily by mowing, during the nesting season (May to July). These same fields, however, were used by 43 avian species. Use of CRP fields by several grassland-dependent species was related to the amount of grassland habitat provided by the field and/or adjacent grasslands. Age of permanent cover and field size were not related, however, to total species richness. Eliminating disturbance of vegetative cover during the nesting season could significantly add to the wildlife value of these habitats. Policy options that include establishment of larger fields or grassland cover near existing grasslands should positively benefit the widest array of grassland virds.