NextGEN Departments

Landowner Assistance

On the Ground

CREP pays to set aside sensitive acres.

spaying with four wheeler

Last year Crawford County cattleman Steve Harrison entered 13 acres along the Little Bourbeuse River into the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). In return for his 15-year commitment, he got cost-share for a new well, watering system and fencing to keep his cattle out of waterways. “Water was a precious commodity last summer,” Steve said. “I can afford to give up a few acres for this program to work.”

CREP is an offshoot of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). By combining CRP resources with state programs, CREP provides a complete cost-share package for conserving natural resources. Steve appreciates the support. “I’m a conservationist, as well as a businessman,” he said. “By keeping my livestock out of the creeks, I get healthier cattle and we all get a cleaner environment.”

To find out if your land qualifies for CRP, contact your local USDA service center.

Learn to Burn Safely

Workshops help you use prescribed fire.

Historically, fire and periodic grazing shaped Missouri’s rich grasslands. Today, prescribed fire can improve the diversity and vigor of your grassland habitat and forage base—if it’s done safely and correctly. Before you strike the first match, learn how to plan and execute a prescribed fire at a Department of Conservation burn workshop near you. Check with your private land conservationist for workshops in your county or region. You can find your local private land conservationist online at www.MissouriConservation.org/14140.

Instant Wildlife Habitat

Turn your Christmas trees into winter cover.

Winter is tough on birds and small wildlife, especially in areas where cover is scarce. You can help birds and small critters survive by putting your decoration-free Christmas tree out in your backyard or on the back 40. Wildlife will take shelter in its branches and boughs, escaping both cold weather and predators.

When spring comes, change the weathered Christmas tree from wildlife habitat to fish habitat. Weighted with an old cinder block and sunk in your pond, the tree will attract fish, giving you more angling pleasure throughout the year.

Winter is a great time to plan habitat improvements. For more tips on increasing or enhancing wildlife habitat on your rural property, visit us at www.MissouriConservation.org/16063.