Deadline Approaching for Continuous CRP Practice

 

HURON, S.D.— The Duck Nesting Habitat Initiative (CP-37), announced by the USDA Farm Service Agency just over a year ago, is currently set to expire on Dec. 31, 2007.

 

This initiative is available through the Conservation Reserve Program on a continuous sign-up basis. It is open to landowners who have eligible cropland outside the 100-year floodplain in the Prairie Pothole Region of South Dakota, and whose land meets requirements for duck density set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

Landowners with eligible cropland acres may enroll up to a 10-to-1 upland-to-wetland ratio under this practice.  While non-cropped wetlands are not eligible for annual rental payments, croplands surrounding non-cropped wetlands are eligible for enrollment. 

 

“This is a unique opportunity for landowners to enroll large tracts of marginal cropland into CRP using this continuous practice,” said GFP Habitat Biologist Chad Switzer of Huron.  “For example, if a landowner has a 16-acre cattail slough with no previous cropping history and it is surrounded by 144 acres of cropland eligible for this CRP practice, the landowner could enroll the entire quarter section into CRP and earn consistent income and provide wildlife habitat for 10 to 15 years.”

 

For landowners not eligible for the Duck Nesting Habitat Initiative, the Farmable Wetlands (CP-27 and CP-28) and Wetland Restoration Initiative (CP-23A) are continuous CRP practices available to address wetland and other marginal cropland areas, each with their own unique design to meet the needs of cooperating landowners.  In addition, landowners should be reminded that CRP rental rates were updated in the summer of 2007.

 

Landowners can learn more about these wetland practices and other CRP programs by visiting the USDA Farm Service Agency Web site at www.fsa.usda.gov or visiting their local USDA Service Center.  Landowners may also contact their local Pheasants Forever Farm Bill biologist to determine if acres of interest may be eligible at http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/privatelands/FarmBillBiologists.htm.   

 

GFP also has information regarding these programs and can be found on the Private Lands Habitat Program Web site at www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/privatelands/Index.htm.

 

“The intent of the practice is to restore wetlands and provide undisturbed nesting cover for breeding waterfowl, but landowners will see even greater rewards. Upland nesting birds like pheasants will benefit, as well as non-game birds. Setting aside these areas can improve the water quality and aesthetic values of wetland/grassland areas,” said GFP Habitat Biologist Rocco Murano of Huron.

 

--GFP—

 

Be Alert for Roaming Wildlife on Highways

 

PIERRE, S.D.—Fall is typically the time when big game animals are on the move, all the more reason for motorists to pay special heed to “Deer Crossing” signs.

 

“Deer-automobile accidents reach their peak in October through December,” said Art Smith, wildlife damage management program administrator for the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department. “Deer are restless in the fall through their rut and as they prepare for winter. Drivers should never overdrive the road conditions, and one of the conditions we can expect is deer on the move.”

 

Often when a motorist sees a deer or other big game animal on the road, there isn’t much time to react. The most severe accidents don’t occur when the vehicle hits the deer but when the motorist swerves to avoid the animal and hits a tree or another vehicle or suffers a rollover.

 

“A driver who tries to save an animal by swerving may not be choosing the safest option,” Smith said. “When a collision is inevitable, don’t swerve. Hold on to the steering wheel and hit the brakes firmly. Stay in your lane and bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.”

 

Drivers should be vigilant during this peak season for deer/vehicle collisions and follow these suggestions from The Insurance Information Institute:

 

·        Be particularly attentive between sunset and midnight and during the hours shortly before and shortly after sunrise. Most deer-vehicle collisions occur at those times.

·        Drive carefully in areas known to have high deer populations.

·        If you see a deer, slow down. Others are probably nearby.

·        Use high-beam headlights when there is no oncoming traffic. The high beams will reflect in a deer’s eyes and warn you of its presence.

·        If a deer is in your lane, brake firmly but stay in your lane. The most serious accidents occur when drivers swerve.

·        Don’t rely on deer whistles, deer fences or reflectors to deter deer.

·        Always wear seat belts.

 

When a vehicle strikes a big game animal, the driver needs to make immediate contact with law enforcement.

 

--GFP—

 

GFP Seeks Proposals for Operation of Lake Francis Case Marina and Resort

 

PIERRE, S.D. – According to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Park officials, entrepreneurs interested in operating Dock 44, a popular marina and resort located at Snake Creek Recreation Area on Lake Francis Case near Platte, can now begin submitting their proposals.

 

"Snake Creek Recreation Area is a very popular unit of South Dakota’s State Park system.  The services provided by Dock 44 are a big reason for the recreation area’s popularity,” said Doug Hofer, director of the Division of Parks and Recreation. "People continue to recognize the recreational opportunities up and down the Missouri River reservoirs."

 

The prospectus for the operation of Dock 44 is now available online and through the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. The prospectus details the terms and conditions under which interested operators may submit a proposal for consideration. It also includes a detailed description of the business opportunity, the requirements necessary to submit a proposal and a draft concession agreement for a term of ten years. Services at Dock 44 include a marina, lodging, food service, cabin rental, retail goods and boat fuel. Proposals must be submitted by December 3, 2007, at 3 p.m. Central Standard Time.

 

Lake Francis Case is South Dakota’s second largest body of water with over 77,000 acres, and extends 107 miles north from near Pickstown to Fort Thompson. Its endless beauty, wooded shoreline and accessibility make this one of South Dakota’s most extraordinary recreational resources.

 

A copy of the prospectus is available by contacting Al Nedved at the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, Division of Parks and Recreation at 523 East Capitol, Pierre, SD 57501 or at 605-773-3391. Printable versions of the prospectus are also available for free download from the Game, Fish and Parks website at www.sdgfp.info/SnakeCreekResort.htm.

 

Snake Creek Recreation Area is located approximately 20 miles west of Platte, off Highway 44.

 

-GFP-