NRCS Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center –
A Decade of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Technology
Development

Updated 01/12/2009

PowerPoint presentations

Public Education and Outreach

Technical publications

Wildlife, fisheries and ecosystem training courses

The Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center and its technology development for fish and wildlife conservation began in 1996, when the Natural Resources Conservation Service established the Wildlife Habitat Management Institute.

Technology development projects were undertaken with one objective in mind: using highly respected fish and wildlife scientists, develop the best information possible on fish and wildlife habitat needs on private lands, and transfer that information to NRCS field offices and others in a form that they can easily use as they work with private landowners in comprehensive conservation planning.

An NRCS reorganization in 2003 resulted in delay of some projects and cancellations of others, as well as WHMI staff dispersal to serve other NRCS needs.

The Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center was officially opened in June of 2006. This report reflects all project work since the WHMI was established.

Northern bobwhite conservation initiative:  evaluating best habitats.
--evaluate habitats to determine practices and management most conducive to quail and other wildlife with similar habitat needs.  Complement existing studies within the quail range of the southeastern U.S.  Study years 2003-2005. Contact Pete Heard Tel. 601-607-3131 email:  pete.heard @ms.usda.gov
Why:  Assist in meeting population goals of the initiative by offering field office the best recommendations on conservation practices and management to maximize habitat for quail and other species.

Bird response to grassland management in the Northeast.
--assess grassland bird response to various warm and cool season grassland management practices, including mowing and burning. Study years 2001-2004. 
Contact: Charlie Rewa Tel. (301) 504-2326 email: charles.rewa@usda.gov
Why: Give field offices better management guidelines. Little is known about effective management of eastern grasslands to maximize habitat value for grassland birds, i.e. effects of mowing and burning

Lesser prairie chicken habitat in the Southwest Plains.
--determine whether interseeding forbs and legumes into grass fields will provide adequate nest, brood and rearing habitat. Study years 2002-2004. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov
Why: Guide NRCS field offices in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado in making CRP seeding and management recommendations.

Case study--the NRCS Corridors Handbook in the Henry’s Fork Watershed.
--evaluate the effectiveness of the procedures outlined in the Corridors Handbook to conduct landscape/watershed level planning. Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov or Hank Henry, Tel. (336) 370-3349 email: hank.henry@gnb.usda.gov
Why: State office personnel asked the NRCS Watershed Science Institute and WHMI to test the techniques necessary to utilize the handbook.

Bird response to floodplain management in Iowa.
--determine bird responses to disking within floodplain easements in the Iowa River Corridor. Study years 2000-2003. 
Contact: Bill Hohman Tel. (817) 509-3332 email: William.Hohman@ftw.usda.gov
Why: Document benefits of wetland easements for wildlife and provide management recommendations for enhancing wildlife use of land in floodplain easements.

Bird response to a complex of grass blocks and buffers at Chino Farms, Maryland.
--assess the response of grassland birds and insects to a complex of warm season grass fields and herbaceous buffers enrolled in USDA programs at Chino Farms, Maryland. Study years 2002-2004. 
Contact: Charlie Rewa Tel. (301) 504-2326 email: charles.rewa@usda.gov
Why: Enable NRCS field offices to maximize grassland bird habitat potential on private lands enrolled in USDA programs.

Zumwalt Prairie: ecologically sustainable grazing management and hawk habitat.
--develop grazing management plans that are ecologically sustainable and improve habitat for birds and other wildlife. Study years 2003-2005. 
Contact: Kathryn Boyer Tel. (503) 273-2412  email: kathryn.boyer@por.usda.gov
Why: Demonstration site for cattle growers that assists ranchers in efforts to maximize raptor habitat while meeting economic grazing objectives.


Ecological site descriptions in the Northern Plains region (North Dakota).
--working with state resource conservationists and others, develop a template to include fish and wildlife resources in the ecological site descriptions, both in general and specific sites. Study years 2001-2004. Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov
Why: Get more complete integration of all SWAPA elements into ecosite descriptions. The northern plains template is being reviewed in other regions.

Wildlife response to wetlands restored through the Wetlands Reserve Program.
--in selected regions where WRP enrollment is high, evaluate the response of certain wildlife groups (e.g., waterfowl production and habitat use) to restored wetlands. Study years 2003-2004.
Contact: Charlie Rewa Tel: (301) 504-2326 email: charles.rewa@usda.gov
Why: Provide quantitative biological outcomes needed by program managers and assist in developing ecological monitoring criteria.
 

Ecological interpretations of the National Resources Inventory. --analyze the usefulness of NRI data elements in understanding ecological patterns.  Study years 2002-2004. Contact: Bill Hohman Tel. (817) 509-3332 email: William.Hohman@ftw.usda.gov Why: More fully use the NRI to understand the effects of land use and cover on biodiversity, distribution and abundance of plants and animals.

Winter and breeding season songbird use of field borders.
--assess reproductive success of ground nesting grassland birds in field borders using overwinter diversity and abundance at both field and landscape scales. Study years 2003-2004. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov
Why: Help field offices explain values of field borders to songbirds throughout the year.

Songbird response to prescribed grazing in Upper Stony Creek Watershed, California.
--reevaluate the response of songbirds to prescribed grazing contrasted to “traditional” grazing in the Upper Stony Creek Watershed in California. Study year 2002. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Follow up on 1998 and 1999 studies to help field offices consider wildlife benefits as they help landowners plan grazing systems.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat.

Bird Use of Reforestation Sites:  Influence of Location and Vertical Structure (PDF, 3.88 MB)

Impacts of bottomland hardwood reforestation on birds (in wetlands reserve program).
--monitoring the wildlife response to restoring bottomland forests on isolated WRP tracts versus those that are near larger forested tracts in the lower Mississippi Valley. Study years 2001. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov
Why: Determine the relative value to wildlife of enrolling bottomland hardwood tracts near larger forests in WRP versus those a longer distance from large forested areas.

Grazing practice and riparian condition effects on food availability for stream fishes.
-- identify the degree to which fish use terrestrial insects as food and the role riparian areas play in aquatic food webs and fish survival. Study years: 2003-2006. 
Contact: Kathryn Boyer Tel (503) 273-2412  email: kathryn.boyer@por.usda.gov
Why: To better understand the role of riparian vegetation on the conservation of fish populations.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat.

South Dakota State University, Farm & Home Research, Volume 55, Number 3 - 'Wake-Up Call' from the Topeka Shiner. (PDF, 1.5MB)

Aquatic habitats for fish on working lands in the northern prairies (Aquatic Habitats Fish Pacific Northwest Number 1).
 --assess the effects of NRCS conservation practices in or near stream habitats on native prairie fish community. Test designs for dugouts and other floodplain wetlands for value to fish. Study years 2003-2007. Contact: Kathryn Boyer Tel. (503) 273-2412  email: kathryn.boyer@por.usda.gov
Why: Help field offices improve wetland and floodplain habitats for prairie fishes, and help NRCS planners assist landowners in protecting listed native fish species such as the Topeka shiner.

Songbird response to beavers in riparian areas in Wyoming.
--determine whether presence of beavers in streams increases songbird diversity as it has increased waterfowl diversity. Study year 2003. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Improve management recommendations for riparian ecosystems to consider wildlife needs.
 

Bird Response to Mid-Atlantic Buffers. --assess bobwhite quail and other wildlife use of herbaceous buffers on Maryland’s coastal plain, comparing widths, species composition, management and age on a variety of landscapes. Study years 2002-2004. Contact: Charlie Rewa Tel. (301) 504-2326 email: charles.rewa@usda.gov Why: Develop criteria to maximize habitat quality in herbaceous buffers installed through USDA conservation programs for bobwhite quail and other species. These documents requires Adobe Acrobat. Interim Report - Bird Use of Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Buffers Bordering Rowcrop Fields in Maryland (PDF, 2.3 MB) NRCS This Week - Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Maryland (PDF, 158 KB)

Evaluating wetland restorations in the Gueydan Prairie in coastal Louisiana.
--evaluate seeding mixtures, seeding dates, mowing and burning, and other establishment and management options in prairie restoration in rice and soybean fields in southwest Louisiana. Study years 2003-2007. Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email:ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Help field offices to provide more effective habitat establishment and management recommendations and wetland design modifications in native warm season grass and forb plantings.

Landscape approach to grassland bird conservation in the prairie pothole region.
--develop empirically based landscape models in the Northern Great Plains that can be used as decision support tools for enhanced bird conservation. Study years 2003-2005. Contact: Bill Hohman Tel. (817) 509-3332 email: William.Hohman@ftw.usda.gov
Why: Tools will enable USDA to target conservation programs to optimize wildlife benefits.

Insect and bird response to CRP seeding recommendations in the Northern Plains.
--Insect/galliforme bird response to CRP grassland restoration mix recommendations in the Northern Plains and Midwest. Study years 2001-2004. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Offer more detailed information to field offices on wildlife use of CRP plantings using various seeding mixtures.

Aquatic habitats for fish and amphibians on working lands in the Pacific Northwest.
--evaluate the contribution of agricultural lands, including flooded land and drainage ditches, to winter habitat for native aquatic species. Study years 2002-2005. 
Contact: Kathryn Boyer Tel. (503) 273-2412  email: kathryn.boyer@por.usda.gov
Why: Assist field offices and producers in maximizing habitat quality for aquatic and riparian species.

Disking as a habitat management tool for the Conservation Reserve Program.
--evaluate variable disking, reseeding and natural regeneration methods to managing grasses on Conservation Reserve Program fields for maximum wildlife benefits. Study year 2003. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov
Why: Improve NRCS field office management recommendations to incorporate insect, grassland songbird, and plant community responses to various treatments.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat.

Bird Use of Longleaf Pine Restoration. (PDF, 3.99 MB)

Monitoring migratory and resident birds in longleaf pine plantings in the South.
--monitor the number and species of birds and other wildlife that use longleaf pine plantings established in the Southeast and Southcentral U.S. Study years 2003. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Document the value to wildlife of these plantings as part of the Conservation Reserve Program.

Assess environmental benefits of the Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP).
--analyze wildlife use of FWP sites in relation to extent of hydrologic restoration, buffer establishment procedures and landscape features. Study years 2002-2004. 
Contact: Bill Hohman Tel. (817) 509-3332 email: William.Hohman@ftw.usda.gov
Why: Document environmental benefits of the Farmable Wetlands Program and provide planning, implementation and management recommendations for restoring wetland functions in CRP.

Bird-friendly hayland and pastureland management in Vermont.
--assess impacts of various hayland practices on grassland birds and develop management protocols to maximize bird habitat potential on these working forage lands. Study years 2003-2005. 
Contact: Charlie Rewa Tel. (301) 504-2326 email: charles.rewa@usda.gov
Why: Develop the techniques necessary to maximize grassland bird habitat in early hayed fields, non-hayed fields and pastures that dominate the Champlain Valley.

Using naturally revegetated woody buffers to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
--evaluate the capacity of naturally regenerating woody riparian buffers to improve wildlife habitat and reduce shallow nitrate-nitrogen leaving confined swine operations. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov or 
Hank Henry (WSSI) Tel. (336) 370-3349 email: hank.henry@gnb.usda.gov
Why: Determine if naturally revegetating forest riparian buffers are as effective as those planted to assist swine producers in meeting water quality standards and producing wildlife habitat.

Songbird response to riparian habitat management in Oregon.
--monitor and examine the response of the songbird community to riparian management for “proper functioning condition.” Study years 1999-2002. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Continue monitoring from 1999 to evaluate any temporal variations and variations in habitat across study sites, to include wildlife considerations in NRCS riparian management recommendations.

Amphibians, fish and water quality in restored wetland microtopography in Arkansas. 
--short term biomonitoring and comparison of selected amphibians, fish and water quality measures associated with microtopography developed in restored wetlands in the White Watershed in Arkansas. Study years 2003-2004. Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email:ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Produce technical notes and guidance on maximizing habitat quality for migratory birds, reptiles, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates in the Wetlands Reserve Program.

Waterbird Management Recommendations for Wetlands in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
--project will result in an integrated plan for restoration and management of waterbird habitat in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Study year 2003. 
Contact: Bill Hohman Tel. (817) 509-3332 email: William.Hohman@ftw.usda.gov
Why: Project will enable wetland managers to target conservation programs (e.g., WRP) so as to maximize benefits for waterbirds.

Effects of CRP seeding mixtures on breeding birds in the northern Great Plains.
--evaluate breeding bird use of CRP grasslands in relation to plant composition-- native vs. non-native. Study years 2002-2003. 
Contact Bill Hohman Tel. (817) 509-3332 email: William.Hohman@ftw.usda.gov
Why: Make field offices aware of the suitability of different seeding mixtures for wildlife and diversity.

Weed, insect pests and costs of conservation buffers and wetlands in Mississippi.
--evaluate the effects of field borders, filter strips and restored wetlands on wildlife, compare crop yields adjacent to buffers to field centers, and determine weed and pest species in buffers. Study year 2003. Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email:ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov 
Why: Improve NRCS field office management recommendations to producers regarding the costs associated with using new vegetation when applying conservation practices.

Effects of warm season grass buffer width on wildlife in the Mid-Atlantic region.
--determine effects of width of warm season grass buffers on wildlife use in the Mid-Atlantic region. Study years 2000-2003. 
Contact: Charlie Rewa Tel. (301) 504-2326 email: charles.rewa@usda.gov
Why: Provide more information to policymakers and field offices on the differences in wildlife response and survival with various widths of grass buffers.

Wildlife response to mechanically treated pinyon-juniper in Colorado.
--quantitatively assess the response of wildlife and plant communities to mechanical treatment of 
pinyon-juniper overstory. Study year 2003-2005. 
Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov
Why: Quantify the ecological value of using the Hydroax as a method to control pinyon-juniper, and assist field offices in making recommendations as part of USDA programs.

Buffer requirements of wetland birds.
--determine how much wetland buffer is needed to attach waterbirds. Study years 2002-2003. 
Contact: Bill Hohman Tel. (817) 509-3332 email: William.Hohman@ftw.usda.gov
Why: Provide guidance to field offices regarding the size of buffers for waterbirds.


Visualizing landscape responses to conservation alternatives using historical data. 
-- use historical data to map land management alternatives and create a virtual "fly-over" of the riverscape. Study years: 2001-2002. 
Contact: Kathryn Boyer Tel (503) 273-2412  email: kathryn.boyer@por.usda.gov
Why? A picture is worth a thousand words. Computer-simulated aerial views of historical conditions and alternative future scenarios can help landowners "see" likely results of their actions.

Restoring wetland prairie habitat in pastures: cost-effective applications for agriculture. 
-evaluate effectiveness of semi-passive restoration techniques for restoring wetland habitats on pasture land. Study years 2001-2003. Contact: Kathryn Boyer Tel (503) 273-2412  
email: kathryn.boyer@por.usda.gov.
Why? To assist field offices with achieving multiple land-use objectives, including habitat for wetland wildlife and floodplain function on working lands.

Wildlife Values Associated With Conservation Easements.
--In several counties in Colorado, inventory all lands under conservation easement, assess wildlife populations to analyze how different easements relate to wildlife species and populations. Study years 2003-2006. Contact: Ed Hackett Tel. (601) 607-3131 email: ed.hackett@ms.usda.gov
Why: By identifying critical wildlife habitat and the agricultural sustainability that may be impacted by development, help ensure conservation easements are benefiting the landowner as well as wildlife.

American Woodcock Habitat Best Management Practices: Development and Implementation in the Northeast, Wildlife Management Institute.  Study years 2006-2008.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Develop BMP’s for woodcock habitat management that will be Technical Standard development. It will also develop Demonstration Areas for training NRCS staff and landowners. The work will lead to Habitat Evaluation Procedures.

Using Radiotelemetry and GIS to Access Effectiveness of Patch Burn Grazing, Translocations Simulated Lek and Landscape Restoration for Restoring Greater Prairie Chicken Population in Missouri, Missouri Department of Conservation.  Study years 2007-2008.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Develop and evaluate landscape level practices to us to restore greater prairie chicken on private lands in the Midwest. It will also provide field days for landowners and NRCS staff for training.

A Large Scale Assessment of Brook Trout Populations and Habitat in Maine, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.  Study years 2006-2009.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Evaluate stream habitat on passing through private lands managed for agriculture and forestry. Will create a stream habitat index tool for use by technical staff and provide field demonstrations for landowners to understand the importance of their conservation efforts.

Vegetation, soil and avian responses to the East Amarillo Complex Wildfires of the Texas Panhandle: Management Implications, Department of Range, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Texas Tech University.  Study years 2006-2009.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Evaluate the impact of the East TX wildfires on the soils and grasslands. The project will measure vegetation recovery and the response of birds and develop recommendations to assist with landscape conservation recovery efforts.

Local Sage Grouse Working Groups: Assessing Organizational Capacity Needs and Providing Tools for Continued Success, Institute for Social Science Research on Natural Resources, Utah State University.  Study years 2006-2008.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Evaluate the successful local working groups that lead to the recovery of sage grouse on private lands. The work will provide recommendations and techniques for NRCS to assist ranchers and others to improve local sage grouse working groups to apply conservation on private lands.

Restoring Pollination Function on Farms and Ranches on CA's Central Valley: Promoting Agriculture Sustainability through Innovations in Pollinator Conservation Practices, The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.  Study years 2006-2008.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Evaluate pollinator restoration techniques for NRCS conservation practices such as buffers and others. The project will also evaluate the cost of using proper vegetation and the willingness of landowners to pay and will provide demonstration conservation plans show the restoration techniques and practices that minimize negative impact to bees.

Pinon Mesa Gunnison Sage Grouse Cooperative Conservation Project, Colorado Division of Wildlife.  Study years 2006-2009.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Identify treatment areas where conservation practices will positively influence sage grouse habitat. The project will also evaluate the effectiveness to the conservation practices being applied.

Mid Contract Management on Effects on Wildlife in CP33 Native Grass Habitat Buffers for Upland Birds, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi State University.  Study years 2006-2010. Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov. Why:  Evaluate the effects of practices used to manage buffers as they impact vegetation, insects, and birds. The results of the project will help improve NRCS standards and develop Technical Notes to assist NRCS planners.

Developing Standards to Evaluate the State of Ecological Restoration on Wetland Reserve Program Sites, University of Tennessee.  Study years 2007-2009.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email:  pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Evaluate the ecological restoration of WRP sites by comparing them to existing wetlands. The project will develop an NRCS tool to assist with evaluating the state of restoration on WRP sites, as well as training sessions and a website.

Native Warm Season Grasses for Wildlife Habitat and Working Farms, Wildlife Management Institute.  Study years 2006-2009.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Develop demonstration sites with NRCS Plant Materials Centers to help convince landowners of the value of NWSG in their agricultural operation. The project will develop technical documents for FOTG and will work with the PMC’s to develop local cultivars of NWSG. It will also provide field days and workshops for NRCS, state wildlife agency, landowners and private farm and wildlife organizations.

A field evaluation of improved Grazing Systems Needed to Maintain Stream Riparian Linkages that Support Trout Populations in W. Rangeland Streams, Colorado State University.  Study years 2006-2009.  Contact:  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why:  Evaluate the impacts of 4 grazing systems (high intensity/low frequency, deferred rotation, early season & season-long) on invertebrate and trout populations. The project will develop guidelines for Technical Notes that assist NRCS staff and landowners improve pasture and range management.

Lahontan Cutthroat Trout Movement Evaluation to Determine Habitat Restoration Success, Trout Unlimited.  Study years 2006-2009.  Pete Heard Tel. (601) 607-3131; email pete.heard@ms.usda.gov.  Why: Evaluate the success of range and other restoration techniques that involve landowners, private companies, federal agencies and state agencies in the Maggie Creek Watershed of northeastern NV. The project will show the value of involving landowners and other partners to help NRCS plan and put conservation on the ground.

Wildlife, fisheries and ecosystem training courses
 

Wildlife in Agricultural Ecosystems.
This 28-session videotape series examines relationships between agricultural production and fish and wildlife. Videotapes include lectures by professors from Oregon State University, Utah State University, and specialists from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and nonprofit organizations. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Oregon State University offers this distance course that allows you to earn college credit no matter where you live. Students will study the impacts of agricultural practices on fish and wildlife, constraints fish and wildlife conservation impose on agricultural production, opportunities for enhancing wildlife populations on farmlands and effects of agricultural policy on fish and wildlife resources. Introduced in 2002.

PowerPoint presentations

NRCS National Environmental Policy Meeting and Fish and Wildlife Workshop, Sacramento, CA  June 14-17, 2005

Technical publications

Wildlife Team/Wildlife Habitat Council leaflet series. --cooperatively produced leaflets on the needs and habitat management for various species of fish and wildlife.

A Comprehensive Review of Farm Bill Contributions to Wildlife Conservation 1985-2000
--a comprehensive review of scientific literature to determine wildlife responses to conservation programs undertaken as part of the 1985 Food Security Act and amendments under the 1990 and 1996 Farm Bills. In general, wildlife responded favorable to the land stewardship programs of USDA, particularly when wildlife needs were addressed in conservation planning and implementation of the various USDA conservation programs.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat.
Framework for the future of Wildlife ... and Barriers to Providing Wildlife Assistance.
--Reports that guide the Wildlife Team and the NRCS nationally on wildlife habitat programs and issues. Distributed to all states.

Part 613 Conservation Corridors Handbook -- In 1999, the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Watershed Science and Wildlife Teams, working with Utah State University, developed a comprehensive watershed scale wildlife habitat planning tool.

Henry's Fork --  Watershed Science and Wildlife Habitat Management Institutes worked with Utah State University to develop the tool developed for NRCS field staff and partners from the case study.  It is primarily directed at assisting those involved in watershed scale wildlife corridor planning projects in agriculturally dominated landscapes. All aspects of the case study are tiered to the methodology and principles detailed in The National Biology Handbook.

Buffers for Wildlife. --was a joint effort by Wildlife Management Institute, NRCS' Watershed Science Institute and Wildlife Team.  The objective of the project was to assist one state in each NRCS Region to develop wildlife friendly job sheets for selected buffer practices.

A pocket guide to prairie birds.
--a pocket-sized, easy to use regional guide that will help landowners and conservationists identify birds that use their land. The guide is expected to be distributed to all NRCS field offices in the Great Plains region.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat. Role of bats in integrated pest management (PDF, 2 MB) --a cooperatively researched, written and published brochure on benefits of bats for control of insects. WHMI cooperated with Bats Conservation International.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat.
Bats and Mines(PDF, 535 KB)--A guide to surveying and evaluating abandoned mines for use by bats and alternatives to closure. Produced cooperatively by Bat Conservation International and the NRCS Wildlife Team.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat.
Forest Management and Bats (Woodlot and forest land owner's bat habitat guide) (PDF, 1.7MB)
--a user-friendly guide and workshops for owners of woodlots and forestlands providing practical measures to conserve and enhance habitat for forest-dwelling bats. This is a cooperative effort between AWCC and Bat Conservation International.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat. Water for Wildlife - A Handbook for Ranchers and Range Managers.  (PDF, 1.46 MB) --A user friendly guide that provides information on proven methods for increasing wildlife safety and accessibility at artificial watering features without diminishing their usefulness for livestock. Although aimed at Western livestock producers, the wildlife escape structures and techniques apply east of the Mississippi River also. This was a cooperative effort between the Agricultural Wildlife Conservation Center and Bat Conservation International.

Managing early successional habitats in the northeast- a land manager’s guide.
--a guide meant for landowners to help them manage grasslands, shrublands, and young forest habitats to address the decline of early successional habitats and wildlife species in the northeastern United States. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is coordinating creation of the publication. The Wildlife Team will coordinate NRCS review and assist in funding the printing of the guide.

Ecology and management of large wood in world rivers.
---the proceedings of the conference on Ecology and Management of Large Wood in World Rivers are being published. It includes chapters describing processes to retain wood in rivers for habitat complexity and river restoration, with application to NRCS field office recommendations for riparian, floodplain and stream and river habitat. The Wildlife Team is partnering with the USDA Forest Service, American Fisheries Society, and Oregon State University to publish the proceedings, expected in December on 2003.

This document requires Adobe Acrobat.
National Biologist Handbook (PDF, 18 MB) or by Chapters
--The NRCS National Biology Handbook will soon be distributed by NRCS to all field offices. The handbook provides comprehensive information on the management and conservation of fish and wildlife habitats on working lands. It has been submitted to headquarters for final review.

National Bulletin 450.7.3-TCH- Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Southeastern United States, dated 11/16/2006.

National Bulletin 450.7.6-TCH-Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Northeastern United States, dated 1/22/2007.

Ecological Applications for the NRCS Stream Design Guide.
--Develop information that describes and guides the restoration of ecological processes and functions of streams, and include in the NRCS Stream Design Guide.

Multistate aquatic resource information system (MARIS). Fish database for western states.

Bog turtle manual. Assistance to Watershed Science Institute in printing.

Birds of North America. Profiles of 700 birds, copy provided to each NRCS State Office.

Partnership Projects

The NRCS Wildlife Team works in partnership on nearly all projects, including the technology development projects and publications listed earlier. Listed below are additional key partners and projects or events the Institute helps support.

Partners and co-sponsored projects or events

American Fisheries annual meeting
Delta Wildlife -- 2002 Quail Report
Minorities in Natural Resources Committee annual meeting
NRCS National Biologist's Conference
ND/MN/Manitoba Plant Materials Centers Meeting.
Partners for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation-- liaison support
Society for Range Management-- The other grazers’ workshop, 2003.
Society of Wetland Scientists annual meeting
Southeast Quail Study Group -- cooperatively funded coordinator 
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department -- proceedings from Quail V
Wildlife Habitat Council cooperative bird conservation projects
Wildlife Habitat Council utility corridor right-of-way demos 
Wildlife Management Institute-- Farm Bill Implementation meeting.
Wildlife Management Institute--North American annual meeting, 2003.
The Wildlife Society meeting.

In addition to partnering with the groups listed above on technology transfer meetings or special projects in 2003, the Wildlife Team has cooperated with many other groups on joint habitat or educational projects. Those groups include, but are not limited to: 

Agricultural Research Service
American Fisheries Society
Bat Conservation International
Bureau of Land Management
Colorado State University
Corps of Engineers
Delta Wildlife
Ducks Unlimited
Environmental Protection Agency
Iowa State University
Louisiana State University
Mississippi State University
North Carolina State University
Oregon State University
Pheasants Forever
Point Reyes Bird Observatory
Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Southeast Assoc. F&W Agencies
Southeast Quail Study Group
South Dakota State University
The Nature Conservancy
University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff
University of California, Davis
University of Georgia
University of Maryland
University of Maryland - Eastern Shore
University of Mississippi
University of Montana
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
University of Vermont
Utah State University
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
U.S. Forest Service
USGS Biological Resources Div.
Wildlife Conservation Society
Wildlife Habitat Council
Conservation Districts
State Fish & Wildlife Agencies
Tribes, and others
Xerces Society

Public Education and Outreach

These cooperatively produced products of the NRCS Wildlife Team and partners are designed to assist NRCS field employees and other conservationists in reaching out to educate people on the values and needs of wildlife. 

Land of Life DVD.
--a high quality, 9-minute show in DVD format. It was shot in high definition video, with an original music score and surround sound. This scenic tribute to the nation's farmers and ranchers for their care of natural resources -in particular wildlife habitat-- is ideal to open a meeting or for use in the classroom. As with most DVD's, this one includes a series of extras-in this case, a photo gallery of spectacular scenery and soothing music; landowner interviews; TV spots; a collection of habitat facts; and links to organizations concerned about the environment. Available from local conservation districts.
 

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Our Living Land. (PDF, 3.21MB)
--a colorful 16-page publication with information on the advances private landowners have made in recent years in providing habitat for fish and wildlife. The publication includes successes in establishment of new habitat through U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation programs. Available by calling 1-888-LANDCARE or on the web at www.nrcs.usda.gov and clicking on publications.

Wildlife management educational package for NRCS field offices (Wildlife Habitat Basics - A series of 52 short articles on wildlife conservation).
--a hardcopy and electronic package of educational materials on the management of wildlife habitat that encourages field offices and landowners to include needs of wildlife in conservation planning. Provides materials for the Field Office, Area Office, State PAS to adapt a local weekly fish and wildlife column highlighting NRCS and landowners contribution to conservation.

Conservation practices and programs for your farm.
--an attractive, 8-page color foldout that ties conservation practices to an overview of the farm bill conservation programs. A program matrix outlines eligibility requirements, type of financial assistance, and producer obligations for eight major USDA conservation programs. This overview was produced by the Wildlife Management Institute with technical help from the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Wildlife Team. Individual copies available from local USDA offices or by calling 1-888-LANDCARE.

Farm bill 2002: what’s in it for you?
--a 12-minute videotape featuring farmers and ranchers from across the United States, relating how they have used USDA conservation programs to improve natural resources and their farming operations. USDA conservation programs are listed. Produced in 2003. Copy available in each local USDA/NRCS field office.

Sky Radio NRCS Chief interviews/broadcast through Delta airlines.

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