Indiana NRCS Accepting Applications to Improve Wildlife Habitat for At-Risk Bird Species
While applications are accepted year-round, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by Dec. 6 to be considered for the current funding period.
INDIANAPOLIS, October 11, 2024 – Damarys Mortenson, State Conservationist for USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana announced today that applications are being accepted to improve wildlife and pollinator habitat throughout the state. While applications are accepted year-round, interested producers should submit applications to their local NRCS office by Dec. 6 to be considered for the current funding period. Applications received after Dec. 6 will automatically be considered during the next funding cycle.
Funding is available for landowners through the Grasslands for Gamebirds and Songbirds Initiative (GGS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). GGS covers 40 counties throughout Indiana and addresses inadequate terrestrial wildlife habitat by developing grassland and pollinator habitat needed by "at risk" bird species. This initiative is the continuation of an existing program first launched in 2018. The initiative focuses on regions located strategically throughout Indiana that contain both the greatest need for grassland habitats as well as the most potential to improve grassland habitats and populations of bird species that depend upon them.
“We’re seeing a signification decrease in grasslands across Indiana which is leading to a decline in our gamebird and songbird populations,” said Mortenson. “Projects like GGS play a crucial role in reestablishing native vegetation and creating safe nesting areas which provide the critical habitat birds need to thrive. By taking action now, Indiana landowners can help rebuild our bird populations and, ultimately, help protect biodiversity in Indiana.”
GGS targets the development of 1,500 acres of grassland habitat on private lands through land management contracts while partner contributions focus on the development of an additional 1,620 acres of grassland habitat throughout the region. The initiative emphasizes positive population outcomes of grassland bird indicator species such as the Henslow's Sparrows, Loggerhead Shrikes, Northern Bobwhite Quail and Ring-necked Pheasants.
RCPP is a partner-led program, with NRCS directing technical and financial assistance to priorities identified by partners. Led by Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife, additional partners involved in the Grasslands for Gamebirds and Songbirds Initiative include the Sam Shine Foundation, Indiana Audubon Society, Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, Indiana Wildlife Federation, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, all applications for this round of funding consideration must be received by Dec. 6, 2024. Visit your local USDA Service Center and speak with an NRCS representative to see if you are eligible for this funding opportunity. You can find your local office and representative by visiting https://www.farmers.gov/service-locator.
To learn more about RCPP in Indiana, visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/Indiana/RCPP.
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Contacts:
Damarys Mortenson, State Conservationist, (damarys.mortenson@usda.gov)
Jerod Chew, Assistant State Conservationist - Partnerships, (jerod.chew@usda.gov)
Kris Vance, State Public Affairs Specialist, (kris.vance@usda.gov)