USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Administrator Teresa Lasseter recently announced a new round of conservation projects under the continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) practice named "State Acres For wildlife Enhancement" (SAFE).

Endangered, threatened and high priority species in 16 states, covering up to 160,100 acres, will benefit from the new SAFE conservation practiced delivered by CRP.

The SAFE projects were approved by FSA to help state and regional agencies, non-profit organizations and others address local wildlife objectives through habitat restoration.

"Our goal is to enhance up to 500,000 high priority wildlife acres through SAFE," said Lasseter.

Lasseter unveiled the new SAFE projects during a news conference held in conjunction with the National Wild Turkey Federation's 32nd Annual Convention in Atlanta, Ga., on February 21, 2008.

Lasseter said these projects make the Conservation Reserve Program more focused and community based and are a good example of the government working hand-in-hand with state and local partners to enhance high priority wildlife acres. The National Wild Turkey Federation joined with other conservation partners in proposing several SAFE projects.

Last month, USDA announced the first approved projects under SAFE that included 45 projects in 18 states and benefit 259,776 acres.

Lasseter said FSA and its partners have been developing targeted projects since the announcement last year of the SAFE conservation practice, also known as CP38.

FSA evaluated SAFE proposals to determine whether the selected practices would create the desired habitat. To be accepted by FSA, SAFE proposals had to be approved by qualified wildlife professionals and include a wildlife monitoring and evaluation plan.

Agricultural producers may offer land for enrolment in SAFE and other CRP programs at their local FSA service center. More information about SAFE projects may be found online at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/safepr208.pdf

Teresa Lasseter, FSA Administrator, is recognized during the National Wild Turkey Federation's Technical Luncheon held February 21, 2008, in Atlanta. The NWTF thanks FSA for its continued efforts to enhance conservation through the Conservation Reserve Program and projects such as the recently announced "State Acres For wildlife Enhancement."

Teresa Lasseter, FSA Administrator, with award the National Wild Turkey Federation.