Arkansas Land Conservation Assistance Network

Wildlife Resources in Arkansas Valley Region

 Wildlife Action Plan

   

 Wildlife and Habitat Management

   
Show Articles on Wildlife and Habitat Management (53)
A Tribute To The Monarch Butterfly: How to Turn Your Backyard Into a Butterfly Friendly Habitat
By:

Iconic is the most appropriate word to describe the Monarch butterfly. Most of us have fond childhood memories of the unmistakable orange and black beauty flitting around the blue sky on sunny summer days.

 

A talk with Carter Smith of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
By:

Watch and listen to a talk with Carter Smith the Executive Director and Tom Harvey the Deputy Director of Communications of the Texas Parks ...

 

Using Existing Tools to Expand Cooperative Conservation for Candidate Species Across Federal and Non-Federal Lands
By:

For many years the Service has worked with partners to help them develop Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCAs). CCAs primarily have been developed by Federal agencies to cover Federal lands, and several have resulted in conservation efforts that made listing unnecessary.

 

IPaC - Information for Planning and Consultation

IPaC is a project planning tool which streamlines the USFWS environmental review process. Integrate the environmental review process into your project design. Quickly and easily identify USFWS managed resources and suggested conservation measures for your project.

Explore species and habitat
See if any listed species, critical habitat, migratory birds or other natural resources may be impacted by your project. Using the map tool, explore other resources in your location, such as wetlands, wildlife refuges, GAP land cover, and other important biological resources.

Conduct a regulatory review
Log in and define a project to get an official species list and evaluate potential impacts on resources managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Follow IPaC's Endangered Species Review process—a streamlined, step-by-step consultation process available in select areas for certain project types, agencies, and species.

Perform an impact analysis
For projects or species not covered by the step-by-step consultation process, get a list of potential impacts from your specified project activities to use when making effect determinations.Receive conservation measures recommended by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists to avoid, minimize, or mitigate effects to listed species.

Open the tool

 

National Wetlands Database and Interactive Mapping Tool

The Wetlands mapper is designed to deliver easy-to-use, map like views of America’s Wetland resources. It integrates digital map data along with other resource information to produce current information on the status, extent, characteristics and functions of wetlands, riparian, and deepwater habitats. ?The wetlands displayed on the Wetlands Mapper show wetland type and extent using a biological definition of wetlands. There is no attempt to define the limits of proprietary jurisdiction of any Federal, State, or local government, or to establish the geographical scope of the regulatory programs of government agencies.?

 

 

Find a Landscape Conservation Cooperative (LCCs)

Find an LCC here. The 22 LCCs collectively form a network of resource managers and scientists who share a common need for scientific information and interest in conservation. Each LCC brings together federal, state, and local governments along with Tribes and First Nations, non-governmental organizations, universities, and interested public and private organizations. Our partners work collaboratively to identify best practices, connect efforts, identify science gaps, and avoid duplication through conservation planning and design. 

Managing the landscapes that provide our natural and cultural resources has become increasingly challenging. With the signing of Secretarial Order No. 3289, the Department of the Interior launched the Landscape Conservation Cooperatives (LCCs) to better integrate science and management to address climate change and other landscape scale issues. By building a network that is holistic, collaborative, adaptive, and grounded in science, LCCs are working to ensure the sustainability of our economy, land, water, wildlife, and cultural resources. 

 

Arborist Search

 

Tree Planting Program

Dovetail Partners, Inc. has created an interactive map of organizations that provide resources, information, and assistance for people interested in planting trees. Each organization offers opportunities to get involved, whether it’s planting trees or making donations for trees and seeds. Click here.

It’s no secret that planting a tree is one of the best actions that you can take to improve and protect the environment. What you may not know, however, is that there are already hundreds of programs and efforts dedicated towards planting trees. By planting trees, we can improve air quality, harbor wildlife, and reduce carbon emissions that affect our climate. 

 

Mitigation and Conservation Banking
By:

To many landowners a threatened or endangered (T&E) species on their property is anathema because it can herald all kinds of state and federal limitations on use of their property.& ...

 

Safe Harbor - Helping Landowners Help Endangered Species
By:

This handbook describes safe harbor agreements and the way in which they work. It aims to help you decide if a safe harbor agreement makes sense for your land.& ...

 

Decontamination Documentation for Cavers
By:

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) strongly recommends, first and foremost, compliance with all cave closures, advisories, and regulations in all Federal, State,Tribal, and private lands.

 

NRCS Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative and NFWF Recovered Oil Fund

In response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which is fouling beaches, marshes and mudflats all along the northern Gulf coast, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has created the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative.& ...

 

Tara Wildlife Doing Business as a Sustainable Recreation Destination
By:

Renowned for its hunting, Tara Wildlife also offers birding, hiking and a well-equipped conference and recreation facility.

 

2014 Farm Bill Field Guide to Fish and Wildlife Conservation
By:

The 2014 Farm Bill Field Guide to Fish and Wildlife Conservation was prepared as an introduction for fish and wildlife conservation providers – the on-the-ground biologists and conservation partners who help deliver Farm Bill conservation programs to landowners.

 

NRCS Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative

In November of 2009, Secretary Vilsack announced a commitment of $320 million over the next four years for a Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative to address water quality, wildlife habitat and natural resource conservation concerns in the Basin.& ...

 

Fire Management and Longleaf Pine in Mississippi
By:

According to the Mississippi Prescribed Fire Council, periodic fire played an important ecological role in shaping southern forests and grasslands. L ...

 

Arkansas Waterbirds on Working Lands Initiative
By:

The goal of Audubon's Waterbirds on Working Lands initiative is to identify and promote practical, agricultural practices that will maintain the economic viability of farms while measurably improving waterbird habitat value on private lands.

 

Arkansas Snake Guide
By:

This booklet is intended to help Arkansans identify venomous and nonvenomous snakes in The Natural State. Each species account includes a color photograph, common and scientific names, a range map, and descriptions of color, pattern, size, habitats, habits, activity periods, reproduction, foods and unique behaviors.

 

Wildlife Habitat Management For Arkansas Landowners

Whether you own five or five thousand acres, implementing a few habitat improvements on your property can help wildlife. This handbook introduces ideas for improving your land for wildlife and provides sources for additional information.

 

Financial Assistance for Wildlife Habitat

Summarizes opportunities in Arkansas for tax incentives, loans, grants, land retirement and easements, and cost-share programs for conservation management - from state, federal, and nonprofit sources.

 

Gulf Coastal Plains and Ozarks Landscape Conservation Cooperative

Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, or LCCs, are self-directed partnerships that link science with conservation actions to address climate change and other stressors within and across landscapes.

 

Feral hogs welcome for shooting
By:

Feral (wild) hogs are widespread in Arkansas, and these prolific animals are nuisances, extremely destructive to wildlife and are unwanted. Persons who release hogs into the wild are subject to arrest and stiff penalties.& ...

 

NBCI’s Bobwhite Almanac, State of the Bobwhite 2012
By:

This 2nd edition of the NBCI’s annual “State of the Bobwhite” report provides the most comprehensive assessment ever compiled on the current state of bobwhite conservation in the US.

 

State Of The Bobwhite - Grassland Conservation At A Crossroads
By:

This first annual “State of the Bobwhite” report by the National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) and the National Bobwhite Technical Committee (NBTC) provides a snapshot of the population, hunting, and conservation status of the northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus.

 

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative - A range-wide plan for recovering bobwhites
By:

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) is the unified range-wide strategy of 25 state wildlife agencies, with numerous conservation group and research institution partners, to achieve widespread restoration of native grassland habitats and huntable populations of wild quail.

 

A Guide to Successful Wildlife Food Plots - Blending Science with Common Sense
By:

This publication provides technical guidance and practical information for wildlife management beyond planting and managing food plots.  ...

 

Conservation Reserve Program - CP33–Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds - Bird Monitoring and Evaluation Plan 2006–2011 Final Report
By:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a suite of Farm Bill conservation programs and practices that provide incentives to enhance environmental quality on privately-owned agricultural lands.

 

Under Cover - Wildlife of Shrublands and Young Forest
By:

The term “early successional habitat” describes the shrubs, trees, and other plants that grow back on the land after older vegetation has been removed or cut back.

 

Bobwhite Quail Biology and Management
By:

This is a 7-page fact sheet that covers life history, food requirements, habitat and forest management to benefit Bobwhite.

 

Lightning-Season Burning - Friend or Foe of Breeding Birds?
By:

 

Restoration, Management, and Monitoring of Forest Resources in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley - Recommendations for Enhancing Wildlife Habitat
By:

The conservation objective in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley is to provide forested habitat capable of supporting sustainable populations of all forest dependent wildlife species.

 

Benefits of Prescribed Burning
By:

Fire has shaped Louisiana’s landscape for thousands of years. Native Americans set fires to reduce “rough” vegetation, improve hunting areas and create space for crops.

 

Reasons for Prescribed Fire in Forest Management

A summary of all the benefits of prescribed fire in southern forests.

 

Conservation buffers - wildlife benefits in Southeastern agricultural systems
By:

Conservation buffers such as filter strips, riparian buffers, grassed waterways, and field borders are especially applicable to southeastern landscapes and have multiple environmental benefits while serving to significantly improve wildlife habitats.

 

Bobwhite and Upland Songbird Response to CCRP Practice CP33, Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds
By:

Summary Findings The Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds practice (CP33) is the first Federal conservation practice to target species-specific population recovery goals of a national wildlife conservation initiative (the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative).

 

Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Operational Plan
By:

For a landscape supporting healthy native bird populations across the LMVJV

 

Riparian Area Assessment Guide for Streamside Landowners
By:

This 26-page booklet introduces the Stream-A-Syst system to help landowners assess and manage their streams.  It contains a worksheet, action plan with recommended steps and sources of information to address various issues, and a visual (photographic) assessment guide.

 

Riparian Buffers - Functions and Value
By:

Defines riparian buffers and discusses various benefits, including property value, wildlife habitat, timber, and recreational/aesthetic/spiritual values.

 

Riparian buffers - Types and establishment methods
By:

Discusses grass, 3-zone, 2-zone, wildlife, urban and naturalized buffers and recommendations for how to choose, establish and cost-share.

 

Managing Wild Pigs, a Technical Guide
By:

This 40-page document provides detailed information on the biology of wild pigs, how to recognize their presence, the type of damage they can cause to agriculture and natural areas and a wide range of management techniques, including hunting.

 

Best Management Practices for Waterbirds on Agricultural Land
By:

Defines and discusses management of nutrients, pests, tillage, harvest, and edge/buffers to benefit waterbirds.  Also provides crop-specific BMPs for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice.

 

Toxicities of Agricultural Pesticides to Selected Aquatic Organisms
By:

Lists toxicities of many different chemicals and how to reduce the risk of pesticide drift. A list of all Southern Regional Aquaculture Center factsheets (more than 150) are available at https://srac.t ...

 

The Role of Farm Policy in Achieving Large-Scale Conservation - Bobwhite and Buffers
By:

The conservation provisions of the Farm Bill can produce more consistent positive wildlife habitat benefits when policy (program statutes, rules, practices, and practice standards) is developed in the context of explicit goals identified as part of large-scale conservation initiatives.

 

Managing working lands for northern bobwhite - the USDA NRCS Bobwhite Restoration Project
By:

 

Best Management Practices for Fayetteville Shale Natural Gas Activities

This 30-page document developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with numerous state and federal agencies, provides a comprehensive overview of recommended voluntary practices for energy companies during exploration, drilling and reclamation activities.& ...

 

Establishing Native Warm Season Grasses For Upland Wildlife
By:

In recent years, there has been increased interest in establishing native warm season grasses (NWSG) and forbs as wildlife habitat. Commonly known as prairie or prairie grass, native grasslands and savannas, a forest/grassland complex with less than 50% tree coverage, historically dominated the landscape across much of the United States.

 

A Field Guide to Southeast Bird Monitoring Protocols and Programs
By:

A review of bird census techniques opens with the statement that ‘birds are counted for a wide variety of reasons by a bewildering range of methods’.

 

Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians And Reptiles of the Southeastern United States
By:

The Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles series (hereafter Guidelines) is intended to provide private landowners, state and federal land agencies, and other interested stakeholders with regional information on the habitat associations and requirements of amphibians and reptiles, possible threats to these habitats, and recommendations for managing lands in ways compatible with or beneficial to amphibians and reptiles.

 

National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative Unified Strategy to Restore Wild Quail
By:

Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) were once common, even abundant, on farms, rangelands and forests across more than 30 states. Bobwhites have declined an average of 3% per year since 1966, and have virtually disappeared from some northern states.

 

12 Wildlife Habitat Tips for Small Acreages
By:

This brief University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture publication includes tips for developing a management plan and actual practices for habitat management.

 

Costs of Small Scale Catfish Production
By:

Cost estimates developed for 6 2-acre levee ponds, including production facilities, site selection and pond construction, feed storage, water supply, equipment, and production practices.

 

A LANDOWNER'S GUIDE FOR WILD PIG MANAGEMENT - PRACTICAL METHODS FOR WILD PIG CONTROL
By:

Summarizes biology of wild pigs, history of introduction and range of occurence within the U.S., and ecological and economic impacts, with suggestions for management strategies.

 

Methyl Mercury in Sportfish - Information for Fish Consumers

Methylmercury is a form of mercury that is found in most freshwater and saltwater fish. In some lakes, rivers, and coastal waters in California, methylmercury has been found in some types of fish at concentrations that may be harmful to human health.

 

Show Wildlife and Habitat Management Organizations & Professionals (97)
There are 97 resources serving Arkansas Valley Region in the following categories:
map itMap of Wildlife and Habitat Management Organizations & Professionals serving Arkansas Valley Region
Biologists / Ecologists
Advanced Ecology, LTD.
Keith Webb - Environmental Operations Manager - Center, TX
Clint Johnson
Private Lands Biologist - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Mayflower, AR
Daniel Greenfield
Private Lands Biologist - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Brinkley, AR
Eco-Asset Solutions & Innovations LLC
William Coleman - Co-Founder & CEO - Redwood City, CA
Enviroscapes Ecological Consulting, LLC
Susan P. Rupp - Owner/Lead Consultant - Bella Vista, AR
FTN Associates, Ltd.
Gary Tucker - Little Rock, AR
Greg Simons
Wildlife Consultants, Inc. - Wildlife Biologist - San Angelo, TX
Harvey (Bubba) Groves
Private Lands Assistant Supervisor - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Monticello, AR
Jackson Environmental Consulting Services, LLC
Jeremy L.Jackson - Ecologist, President/Owner - Richmond, KY
John Wallace
Pheasants Forever Inc. - Regional Field RepresentativeOH
Layher Biologics RTEC Inc.
Bill Layher, PhD - Pine Bluff, AR
Lower Mississippi River Fisheries Coordination Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Vicksburg, MS
Michelle Furr
Private Lands Biologist - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Fort Smith, AR
Ruben Cantu
Wildlife Consultants, Inc. - Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Professional Rangeland Management - San Angelo, TX
Ryan Basinger
Westervelt Wildlife Services - Wildlife Consulting Manager, Certified Wildlife Biologist®, Hunting Lease Manager - Demopolis, AL
Ted Zawislak
Statewide Private Lands Supervisor - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Calico Rock, AR
Whitenton Group, Inc.
- San Marcos, TX
Fire Services / Prescribed Burning
Arkansas Prescribed Fire Network
- Little Rock, AR
Chloeta Fire Inc.
- Midwest City, OK
Firewise Communities Program
Kevin Kilcrease - Firewise Coordinator/State Liaison - Little Rock, AR
Hargrave Forestry Management Service
Wade C. Hargrave - Batesville, AR
Heath D Garner
Southern Ecological Services - Jonesboro, AR
Joe Woolbright
Ozark Ecological Restoration Incorporation - Siloam Springs, AR
Kevin Kilcrease
Arkansas Forestry Commision - Firewise Coordinator - Little Rock, AR
Kevin M Knight
Knight Fire Rescue Consulting - Prairie Grove, AR
Ralph B Meeker
Wildlife Landscapes - Greenwood, AR
Russell L Lancaster
Russ Lancaster/Greg Berryman Dozer Service - Fox, AR
Shortleaf Pine Initiative
- Athens, GA
Southern Fire Exchange
Kevin Robertson - Fire Ecology Research Scientist - Tallahassee, FL
Steep Creek Fire and Land Management
Clay Knighten - Owner - Operations Leader - Conway, AR
Tim White
Golden Oak Forestry - Russellville, AR
Riparian and Wetlands Specialists
Advanced Ecology, LTD.
Keith Webb - Environmental Operations Manager - Center, TX
ATOKA, Inc.
Dr. Jerry Overton, PG - President & CEO - Hot Springs, AR
Bill Richardson
Bill Richardson Wetland Consultants - Alexander, AR
Ecological Conservation Organization
Rob Fisher - Executive Director - Little Rock, AR
FTN Associates, Ltd.
Gary Tucker - Little Rock, AR
George Wise
WILDSCAPES, LLC - Heber Springs, AR
Jackson Environmental Consulting Services, LLC
Jeremy L.Jackson - Ecologist, President/Owner - Richmond, KY
Josh Duzan
Natural State Streams - Little Rock, AR
Lee Moore
Natural State Streams - Little Rock, AR
Lochow Ranch - Pond & Lake Management
- Bryan, TX
Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee
Angeline Rodgers - Acting Coordinator - Vicksburg, MS
Lower Mississippi River Fisheries Coordination Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Vicksburg, MS
Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture
Keith McKnight - Coordinator - Vicksburg, MS
Society for Range Management
- Littleton, CO
Southern Sportsman Aquatics & Land Management
Scott Brown - Owner - Advance, NC
Tamara Jenkins
Government of White County, Arkansas - White County Floodplain Manager - Searcy, AR
TJ Hein
Natural State Streams - Little Rock, AR
Wetland Consultants Unlimited, LLC
- Bill Bailey - Benton, AR
Whitenton Group, Inc.
- San Marcos, TX
Wildlife / Habitat Specialists
10 Point Wildlife Management
AR
Central Hardwoods Joint Venture
Jane Fitzgerald - Coordinator - Reeds Spring, MO
Clif Crawford
Crawford Consulting - Malvern, AR
Clint Johnson
Private Lands Biologist - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Mayflower, AR
Coggin Asset Management
Daniel S. Coggin - President - Amory, MS
Cory Easley
CE Forestry Services - Fouke, AR
Daniel Greenfield
Private Lands Biologist - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Brinkley, AR
Enviroscapes Ecological Consulting, LLC
Susan P. Rupp - Owner/Lead Consultant - Bella Vista, AR
Eric S. Johnson
Delta Forestry - Consulting Forester - Palestine, AR
Five Oaks Wildlife Services, LLC
Jody Pagan - General Manager/Chief Biologist - Humphrey, AR
Foust Forestry Management
Brent Foust - Heber Spings, AR
Gary A. Burns, ACF
Burns Forestry - Owner - Crockett, TX
George Wise
WILDSCAPES, LLC - Heber Springs, AR
Green Bay Packaging, Inc., LAP
Jamie Hill - Morrilton, AR
Greg Simons
Wildlife Consultants, Inc. - Wildlife Biologist - San Angelo, TX
Grow Native!
- Columbia, MO
Hargrave Forestry Management Service
Wade C. Hargrave - Batesville, AR
Harvey (Bubba) Groves
Private Lands Assistant Supervisor - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Monticello, AR
Jackson Environmental Consulting Services, LLC
Jeremy L.Jackson - Ecologist, President/Owner - Richmond, KY
Jeff B. Denman
The Denman Co. - Hensley, AR
John Britt & Associates
John Britt - Hamilton, GA
Lannie B. Philley, AFM
Delta Land & Farm Mgmt Co, LLC - Appraiser, Manager - Mer Rouge, LA
Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture
Keith McKnight - Coordinator - Vicksburg, MS
Lytle Forestry Services
James L. Lytle - Springhill, LA
M & W Forestry & Wildlife Management
James Wallace - Batesville, AR
Michelle Furr
Private Lands Biologist - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Fort Smith, AR
Mid-America Monarch Conservation Strategy
- Rhinelander, WI
Pied Piper Nuisance Animal Control
Isaac Barger - Bigelow, AR
Precision Forestry, LLC
Robert B. Goodwin - Magnolia, AR
Ray Galloway
Davis DuBose Forestry & Real Estate Consultants - Little Rock, AR
Ricky ONeill
Neeley Forestry Service, Inc. - Certified Wildlife Biologist and Certified Forester - Camden, AR
Ruben Cantu
Wildlife Consultants, Inc. - Certified Wildlife Biologist, Certified Professional Rangeland Management - San Angelo, TX
Sam Franklin
Delta Wildlife - Certified Wildlife Biologist - Stoneville, MS
Society for Range Management
- Littleton, CO
Southeast Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
Bill Sutton, Jessica Homyack - Co-Chairs - Clemson, SC
Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies
Curtis R Hopkins, Ph.D. - Executive Secretary - Flora, MS
Southern Conservation Partners
Chuck Roe - President - Raleigh, NC
Southern Forestry Consultants, Inc.
- Bainbridge, GA
Southern Sportsman Aquatics & Land Management
Scott Brown - Owner - Advance, NC
Ted Zawislak
Statewide Private Lands Supervisor - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission - Calico Rock, AR
Teddy Reynolds, B.S.F., R.F., S.R.
Reynolds Forestry Consulting & Real Estate, PLLC - President/CEO - Magnolia, AR
Timber Resource Management
Paul D. Smeltzer - Athens, LA
Whitenton Group, Inc.
- San Marcos, TX
Wildlife Rehabilitators
Great Ecology
- San Diego, CA
Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund
- Washington, DC
Monarchs In the Rough
Alison Davy - Audubon International - Troy, NY
Quail and Upland Wildlife Federation, Inc.
Craig A. Alderman - Executive Director - Buffalo, MO

 Wildlife Best Management Practices

   
Show Articles on Wildlife Best Management Practices (40)
Mowing and Management: Best Practices for Monarchs
By:

Understanding when monarchs are present allows land managers to time management practices like burning, mowing, grazing, or targeted pesticide application when they are least likely to harm monarchs.

 

A talk with Carter Smith of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
By:

Watch and listen to a talk with Carter Smith the Executive Director and Tom Harvey the Deputy Director of Communications of the Texas Parks ...

 

Fire Effects Information System

The Fire Effects Information System is an online collection of reviews of the scientific literature about fire effects on plants and animals and about fire regimes of plant communities in the United States. FEIS reviews are based on thorough literature searches, often supplemented with insights from field scientists and managers. FEIS provides reviews that are efficient to use, thoroughly documented, and defensible. Approximately 15 to 30 new or revised reviews are published in FEIS each year. There are 3 types of FEIS reviews:

  1. Species Reviews 
  2. Fire Studies 
  3. Fire Regime Syntheses 

 

Decontamination Documentation for Cavers
By:

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) strongly recommends, first and foremost, compliance with all cave closures, advisories, and regulations in all Federal, State,Tribal, and private lands.

 

NRCS Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative and NFWF Recovered Oil Fund

In response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, which is fouling beaches, marshes and mudflats all along the northern Gulf coast, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has created the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative.& ...

 

NRCS Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative

In November of 2009, Secretary Vilsack announced a commitment of $320 million over the next four years for a Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative to address water quality, wildlife habitat and natural resource conservation concerns in the Basin.& ...

 

Fire Management and Longleaf Pine in Mississippi
By:

According to the Mississippi Prescribed Fire Council, periodic fire played an important ecological role in shaping southern forests and grasslands. L ...

 

Wildlife Habitat Management For Arkansas Landowners

Whether you own five or five thousand acres, implementing a few habitat improvements on your property can help wildlife. This handbook introduces ideas for improving your land for wildlife and provides sources for additional information.

 

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative - A range-wide plan for recovering bobwhites
By:

The National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative (NBCI) is the unified range-wide strategy of 25 state wildlife agencies, with numerous conservation group and research institution partners, to achieve widespread restoration of native grassland habitats and huntable populations of wild quail.

 

A Guide to Successful Wildlife Food Plots - Blending Science with Common Sense
By:

This publication provides technical guidance and practical information for wildlife management beyond planting and managing food plots.  ...

 

CP 33 Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds

CP-33 Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds is available under the United States Department of Agriculture Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP).

 

What is White Nose Syndrome in Bats and Why Does it Matter?

“White-nose Syndrome (WNS) is a devastating disease of hibernating bats that has caused the most precipitous decline of North American wildlife in recorded history. Since it was first discovered in 2006, WNS has infected six species of insect-eating bats in the northeastern and southern U.S., causing declines approaching 100% in some populations; estimated losses have exceeded 5.5 million bats from 2006 to 2012.

The implications for US agriculture and silviculture are potentially severe.

 

Lightning-Season Burning - Friend or Foe of Breeding Birds?
By:

 

Restoration, Management, and Monitoring of Forest Resources in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley - Recommendations for Enhancing Wildlife Habitat
By:

The conservation objective in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley is to provide forested habitat capable of supporting sustainable populations of all forest dependent wildlife species.

 

Benefits of Prescribed Burning
By:

Fire has shaped Louisiana’s landscape for thousands of years. Native Americans set fires to reduce “rough” vegetation, improve hunting areas and create space for crops.

 

Reasons for Prescribed Fire in Forest Management

A summary of all the benefits of prescribed fire in southern forests.

 

Conservation buffers - wildlife benefits in Southeastern agricultural systems
By:

Conservation buffers such as filter strips, riparian buffers, grassed waterways, and field borders are especially applicable to southeastern landscapes and have multiple environmental benefits while serving to significantly improve wildlife habitats.

 

Bobwhite and Upland Songbird Response to CCRP Practice CP33, Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds
By:

Summary Findings The Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds practice (CP33) is the first Federal conservation practice to target species-specific population recovery goals of a national wildlife conservation initiative (the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative).

 

Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Operational Plan
By:

For a landscape supporting healthy native bird populations across the LMVJV

 

Riparian Area Assessment Guide for Streamside Landowners
By:

This 26-page booklet introduces the Stream-A-Syst system to help landowners assess and manage their streams.  It contains a worksheet, action plan with recommended steps and sources of information to address various issues, and a visual (photographic) assessment guide.

 

Riparian Buffers - Functions and Value
By:

Defines riparian buffers and discusses various benefits, including property value, wildlife habitat, timber, and recreational/aesthetic/spiritual values.

 

Riparian buffers - Types and establishment methods
By:

Discusses grass, 3-zone, 2-zone, wildlife, urban and naturalized buffers and recommendations for how to choose, establish and cost-share.

 

Managing Wild Pigs, a Technical Guide
By:

This 40-page document provides detailed information on the biology of wild pigs, how to recognize their presence, the type of damage they can cause to agriculture and natural areas and a wide range of management techniques, including hunting.

 

Best Management Practices for Waterbirds on Agricultural Land
By:

Defines and discusses management of nutrients, pests, tillage, harvest, and edge/buffers to benefit waterbirds.  Also provides crop-specific BMPs for corn, soybeans, wheat, cotton and rice.

 

Toxicities of Agricultural Pesticides to Selected Aquatic Organisms
By:

Lists toxicities of many different chemicals and how to reduce the risk of pesticide drift. A list of all Southern Regional Aquaculture Center factsheets (more than 150) are available at https://srac.t ...

 

The Role of Farm Policy in Achieving Large-Scale Conservation - Bobwhite and Buffers
By:

The conservation provisions of the Farm Bill can produce more consistent positive wildlife habitat benefits when policy (program statutes, rules, practices, and practice standards) is developed in the context of explicit goals identified as part of large-scale conservation initiatives.

 

Managing working lands for northern bobwhite - the USDA NRCS Bobwhite Restoration Project
By:

 

Best Management Practices for Fayetteville Shale Natural Gas Activities

This 30-page document developed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with numerous state and federal agencies, provides a comprehensive overview of recommended voluntary practices for energy companies during exploration, drilling and reclamation activities.& ...

 

Establishing Native Warm Season Grasses For Upland Wildlife
By:

In recent years, there has been increased interest in establishing native warm season grasses (NWSG) and forbs as wildlife habitat. Commonly known as prairie or prairie grass, native grasslands and savannas, a forest/grassland complex with less than 50% tree coverage, historically dominated the landscape across much of the United States.

 

Strategies for Managing the Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Ecosystems

From The Heinz Center, this 2008 lengthy publication is targeted to land managers who practice adaptive management.

 

Prescribed Fire Associations
By:

A Prescribed Fire Association is a group of landowners and other concerned citizens that form a partnership to conduct prescribed burns. Prescribed burning is the key land management tool used to restore and maintain native plant communities to their former diversity and productivity for livestock production and wildlife habitat.

 

A Field Guide to Southeast Bird Monitoring Protocols and Programs
By:

A review of bird census techniques opens with the statement that ‘birds are counted for a wide variety of reasons by a bewildering range of methods’.

 

Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians And Reptiles of the Southeastern United States
By:

The Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles series (hereafter Guidelines) is intended to provide private landowners, state and federal land agencies, and other interested stakeholders with regional information on the habitat associations and requirements of amphibians and reptiles, possible threats to these habitats, and recommendations for managing lands in ways compatible with or beneficial to amphibians and reptiles.

 

National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative Unified Strategy to Restore Wild Quail
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Northern Bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) were once common, even abundant, on farms, rangelands and forests across more than 30 states. Bobwhites have declined an average of 3% per year since 1966, and have virtually disappeared from some northern states.

 

12 Wildlife Habitat Tips for Small Acreages
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This brief University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture publication includes tips for developing a management plan and actual practices for habitat management.

 

Ecosystem services provided by bats
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Review of the available literature on the ecological and economic impact of ecosystem services provided by  bats.

 

Costs of Small Scale Catfish Production
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Cost estimates developed for 6 2-acre levee ponds, including production facilities, site selection and pond construction, feed storage, water supply, equipment, and production practices.

 

A LANDOWNER'S GUIDE FOR WILD PIG MANAGEMENT - PRACTICAL METHODS FOR WILD PIG CONTROL
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Summarizes biology of wild pigs, history of introduction and range of occurence within the U.S., and ecological and economic impacts, with suggestions for management strategies.

 

Methyl Mercury in Sportfish - Information for Fish Consumers

Methylmercury is a form of mercury that is found in most freshwater and saltwater fish. In some lakes, rivers, and coastal waters in California, methylmercury has been found in some types of fish at concentrations that may be harmful to human health.

 

Economic Implications of Growing Native Warm-Season Grasses for Forage in the Mid-South

As many Tennessee producers are aware, cool-season grasses, such as tall fescue and orchardgrass, suffer from poor forage production during the summer months.