Landowner Assistance

On the Ground

Glade Restoration

“Glade restoration is a great practice for anyone who appreciates wildlife,” says Sainte Genevieve County landowner Mike Wolk. He started restoring the glades on his 200-acre farm about five years ago. He began by working with private land conservationist Jan Dellamano to develop a management plan, which emphasized removing invasive trees and brush. Now Mike is seeing more native grasses and wildlife. “The turkeys like the openings we’ve created, and I’ve seen quail in areas where I’ve never seen them before.” Mike’s farm lies in the Hickory Canyon Conservation Opportunity Area, so his efforts contribute to the whole region’s conservation goals. He plans to continue glade work this spring with a prescribed burn. He recommends other landowners in his neighborhood pursue glade restoration cost-share opportunities, too. “Anything we can do to increase wildlife benefits us all.” Call your regional office for more information about restoring glades on your land.

Fire Rx

Burning stimulates native grasses and wildflowers.

Featuring native grasses and wildflowers on dry, rocky soil, Missouri’s glades support a variety of birds and wildlife. Burning your glade this fall will stimulate native wildflowers and grasses, which will appear next spring. Begin by clearing firebreaks 3- to 12-feet-wide around the perimeter of your glade. Establish firebreaks at least 100 feet from dead cedar piles or snags. A burn plan is highly recommended, and MDC offers prescribed burn workshops for landowners. Contact the regional office near you.

It Pays to Restore Wetlands

Program helps landowners bear restoration costs.

Get benefits for restoring or creating wetlands. Through the federal Conservation Reserve Program’s Practice 23, qualified producers are eligible for the following: annual rental payments for a period of 10–15 years (typically $85–$125 per acre); cost share to establish the practice (90 percent of the state average cost); sign up incentive payment (SI P) of $100 per acre; average annual rental payments plus SI P after 15 years equals $1,600 per acre. Rental rates are based upon the soil rental rates of the soils included in your CRP offer. If you have acreage that is susceptible to flooding, this program may be a very good option. Applications are taken on a continuous basis. Please contact your local Farm Service Agency office to see if your land is eligible.