By Kim N. Price
Covey Rise Publisher

FSA’s Stephenson Discusses CRP,
The Presidential Quail Initiative and the Future


When the USDA’s Farm Service Agency put the Conservation Reserve Program (CP33) Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat Initiative on the ground, it was one of the most significant wildlife enhancement programs for quail in decades.
The plan is aimed at creating 250,000 acres of habitat for the northern bobwhite quail in 35 states. The initiative - now being referred to as the Presidential Quail Initiative - introduced a conservation practice intended to create successional grass buffers along agricultural field borders.

FSA estimates that the nesting and brood-rearing cover created by the initiative will increase bobwhite quail numbers by 750,000 birds annually. FSA says planted buffers will also benefit reptiles, amphibians, aquatic species and upland birds, many of which are being considered for listing endangered species.

The initiative is also intended to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality by trapping field sediments and nutrients.
Robert Stephenson is the director of the Conservation and Environmental Programs Division of the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. He and Deputy Director, Mike Linsengibler, were recently asked by Covey Rise to give an update on CP33, where the program is headed and how they feel the program is being accepted.

It was also a chance to ask about the reconciliation hearings under way in Congress. Many in the quail industry fear CRP could be cut deferred under a congressional budget axe. Congress is trying to find ways to cut programs across the country to help lower mounting federal budget deficits caused by two foreign wars and a series of hurricane disasters this summer.
While the director nor his deputy wanted to go on the record about the status of the hearings, both were hopeful that CRP, especially CP33, would not face budget cuts, but neither was in a position to get into details in that recommendations from the Senate and House Ag Committees was still being considered.

When asked if the CP33 acreage would be expanded, Stephenson did not think so at this point because Congress had already dealt with the issue. "There are exceptions but I don’t think you’ll find more CP33 acres by Congress because I don’t thnk they will do that for (existing programs)."
He said Congress might deal with the issue if it had not already done so.

Will states needing more acres get additional acres from the total already allotted?
“We are quite pleased by the response” to CP33, he said. “What we are prepared to do is to evaluate the acres as we get closer to our target - either by taking a harder look, maybe moving some acres around at least within the 250,000...”
“There are a lot of things to look at, a lot of state interest” in these programs.
Linsengibler said CP33 acres allotted are actually higher than the 64,000 provided to Covey Rise at the end of October.
“There are a lot of contracts pending at the local level that just haven’t been loaded in the computer. It is actually a lot bigger. There is a delay in time getting signatures on contracts, getting approval at the local level and then getting it loaded.” into the system.

Stephenson said there are currently 35.9 million acres under CRP contracts. He said CP33 had excellent momentum.
“I actually have never seen something of this scale, or ever remember anything having such a large interest at the very beginning of the program in a targeted initiative,” Stephenson added.
“Personally, I am very pleased with the response. It is surprising and it is exciting” for the program.
Linsengibler agreed.

“I am real pleased with the results so far. There is a lot of interest in the state producers to get it on the ground. Many are seeing positive results on the ground. They have made a lot of strides and the program will only grow. There is a good bunch of folks out there pushing it.”
Is there a chance for additional quail habitat programs under CRP?
“Right now, we’re looking at the long-leaf habitats to determine the feasibility of that process in seeing where we can go forward with acres to provide an additional benefit for quail. We are looking at other aspects of the CRP program, looking at current practices seeing if there are any benefits to wildlife in these programs.”

“One of the things we try to do is to encourage and to try and maximize the wildlife benefits of the practice,” Stephenson said.
Here are some other questions posed to Stephenson, including a state-by-state breakdown on this page:
Covey Rise: What do you see as the major factors in delaying enrollment at this stage? Does it involve internal state details within the agency, or has landowner acceptance been a deterrent?

FSA: The numbers reported above reflect approved contracts. Some offers may have been approved but not yet reported. Other offers may be pending because a number of steps must occur before the contract can be approved.
Covey Rise: Having asked that question about issues affecting enrollment, a lot of acres have been enrolled, which state biologists tell us are already having an impact on quail populations. Are you aware of these successes and how do you as director and FSA field personnel in general overall feel about the success of the CP33 program?

FSA: We are very pleased that Chairman Saxby Chambliss took time out of his busy schedule to kick-off the Presidential Quail Initiative and with the region’s farmers who have committed to almost 64,000 acres of quail habitat in just one year. Our state offices, state government, and the Southeast Quail Study Committee have informed us of some of the successes, although we are probably not aware of every success story.

Covey Rise: Is there a chance that CP33 acres not enrolled in one state might be moved to other states seeking more acres, like in Indiana for instance, where the program was a quick hit?
FSA: As States approach their enrollment allocation, we will re-evaluate demand and may make changes consistent with overall program goals and authorities.
Covey Rise: Has FSA analyzed the long-leaf pine plantations that are part of these 2007 acres to determine if they will be continued under existing CRP programs?

FSA: Under re-enrollment and extensions, all acres enrolled in CRP will have the opportunity for an extension or a re-enrollment not to exceed the county’s enrollment limitation. Whether re-enrollment or an extension is offered, and the length of the extension will be determined by the relative ranking of the EBI score across all signups.

Covey Rise: The quail industry is also seeking new habitat opportunities. Some have discussed a short-term CRP or a long-term set aside program. For instance, a two or three-year set aside for cropland on an annual rotational basis. Would FSA be open to other quail habitat opportunities involving CRP programs?

FSA: Programs such as those mentioned would require legislation. We look forward to talking with you about further proposals.
Covey Rise: I’ve touched on a broad spectrum. What would you add that I did not ask about CP33, CRP overall, or FSA’s role in quail habitat restoration across the country?

FSA: The practice was a recommendation in Report Language accompanying the 2002 Farm Bill and, after enactment, the Southeast Quail Study Group (SEQSG) was instrumental in furthering the initiative. SEQSG also continue to play a pivotal role in promoting and implementing the practice.

Implementation and evaluation of CP33 is moving forward with our partners in State wildlife agencies, in academic institutions, in particular Mississippi State University, and conservation organizations, such as the Wildlife Management Institute, Quail Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

These organizations continue to support CP33 by fielding staff to conduct monitoring, by seeking and getting grants to develop the evaluation database, and by continuing to discuss the best way to implement and manage CP33 in different parts of the country.

Extraordinary Quail Recipies