Conservation Program Places Emphasis on Longleaf Pine

A new, longleaf pine conservation priority area has recently been established within the Conservation Reserve Program as part of the program's 18th sign-up in Mississippi.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the historic range of longleaf pine has declined from over 90 million acres to less than 40 million acres during the past 2 centuries. This vital ecosystem provides valuable habitat to a wide array of wildlife. For instance, over 30 threatened and endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, are dependant on longleaf pine habitat for their existence.

Within this conservation priority area, all cropland to be devoted to longleaf pine habitat may be eligible for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program providing it meets cropping history requirements and is physically and legally capable of being cropped.

According to the Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, August Schumacher, Jr., "Establishment of this national priority area is an important step in the effort to reestablish this threatened habitat. It also provides an additional opportunity for producers and landowners to participate in our nation's largest land conservation program."

According to Peyton Self, Past-President of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, "I encourage all producers and landowners, both large and small, to find out about the conservation and financial benefits of this program."

Land enrolled in this priority area will receive an annual rental payment. This payment is based on the relative productivity of the soil type being offered and the average dryland cash rental rate for comparable land in the county.

Cost-sharing, at a rate of 50 percent, is available to reestablish longleaf pine habitat. Practices eligible for cost-sharing include, but are not limited to, site preparation and longleaf pine seedlings. Contracts under the sign-up are 10-15 years in length.

Annual rental payments are made after October 1 of each year. Cost-share payments are made after the approved practices are completed.

To apply, contact your local USDA Service Center or Farm Service Agency office. You don't have to make a competitive offer as required of other programs. Your offer will be automatically accepted if all eligibility requirements are met.

Portions of the following states are included in priority area: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.