2004 Conservation Partnership Initiative Awards

The New England Small Farm Institute
Massachusetts -- $110,000

"Creating Partnerships to Meet the Conservation Challenges of Grass-Based Livestock Farming in the Chicopee River Basin"

Grass-based farming and livestock enterprises are central to agriculture in New England. Small-scale livestock enterprises operated by beginning farmers are increasingly common in New England’s upland watersheds. Beginning livestock farmers, however, are often not familiar with good nutrient management practices, nor aware that well-managed grass-based livestock farming can be compatible with the environment. This project will convene a variety of traditional and nontraditional service providers to support and increase the effectiveness of natural resource conservation management on grass-based livestock farms in the River Basin, with a focus on the needs and concerns of new farmers and start-up enterprises.

Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri -- $138,000

"Northwest Missouri Bobwhite Buffers Enhancement"

Increasing the population of Bobwhite quail is a state priority for the Missouri Department of Conservation and many of its partners. Quail populations in Missouri have decreased by more than 60% since 1987. Similar long-term declines have been documented for at least 13 other shrubland and grassland bird species. Funds dedicated to this project will be used to develop a web-based habitat suitability model that will help target Bobwhite quail conservation efforts in promising locations in Northwest Missouri. This partnership will provide a model for success that may be transferred to other areas in Missouri and beyond.

 Big Hole River Foundation 
 Montana -- $134,988

"Sustaining Livestock Production and Arctic Grayling in the Big Hole River Watershed"

Chronic and more frequent cycles of extended drought, changes in watershed land use, historic loss of riparian habitat and the potential listing of the Arctic grayling as a threatened or endangered species have spurred urgent efforts to explore solutions that would provide for a healthy river system and a profitable livestock industry. This project will identify, demonstrate and stimulate the adoption of sustainable livestock production systems that can maintain or increase long-term productivity and profitability while using less water in the Big Hole River watershed. Simultaneously, fish and riparian habitat restoration projects will be identified and implemented to improve Arctic grayling populations and other aquatic wildlife.

 San Francisco Soil and Water Conservation District 
 New Mexico -- $199,935

"Watershed Collaborative Planning Project"

The San Francisco River is a critically important regional resource. The river and its tributaries provide water for agriculture, livestock grazing, recreational fishing, drinking water, and wildlife (including a host of vulnerable species). The ecological integrity of the river system, however, is suffering from water quality impairment and loss of aquatic and riparian habitat. There has been little research but much speculation about causes and potential solutions for restoring the watershed and its ecological system. This project will use a locally led, partnership-based approach to develop a comprehensive watershed plan to identify impaired waters and causes of impairment, and prioritize locations and habitats for implementation of restoration efforts.

Great Salt Lake Resource Conservation and Development Council, Incorporated
Utah and Nevada --  $150,533

"Assessment of Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Habitat in the Deep Creek Watershed in Utah and Nevada"

The Deep Creek watershed provides a unique opportunity to implement coordinated resource management. The watershed boundary spans two states, an Indian Reservation and four counties. Wildlife habitat in the watershed is showing signs of decline such as juniper encroaching into traditional sagebrush-steppe areas. This project will build on an existing natural resource database for the area and encourage producers to cooperate in the installation and maintenance of conservation practices to improve habitat for sensitive wildlife species, including the Greater Sage-grouse, Columbia Spotted Frog, Least Chub, and the Pygmy Rabbit.

Pierce Conservation District
 Washington -- $200,000

"Ohop Restoration Planning Project"

The Nisqually River system is a major producer of Pacific salmonid species, including Nisqually Fall Chinook salmon, which are a listed species under the Endangered Species Act.  Nisqually Tribal salmon recovery planning shows that restoration of Ohop Creek is a high priority action for the recovery of these endangered fish stocks. The project will convene a partnership of agencies and entities to create a landowner-approved restoration plan for Ohop Creek, a major salmon producing tributary to the Nisqually River.  Eventual implementation of the restoration plan would highlight a public-private partnership to protect and restore freshwater wildlife habitat, and contribute to the coexistence of salmon and agricultural production.

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