How NRCS Is Helping Pollinators
NRCS recognizes the importance of pollinators to U.S. biodiversity and food security and addresses pollinator issues in a number of different ways.
Farm Bill
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008—also known as the Farm Bill—authorizes a range of incentive-based conservation programs on agricultural land. Many of these programs rely on conservation practices that can be used to create or improve pollinator habitat. And language in the 2008 Farm Bill makes pollinators and their habitat a priority for every USDA land manager and conservationist.
Farmers who create or enhance pollinator habitat as part of the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) receive special consideration for financial incentives.
Other NRCS programs reauthorized under the 2008 Farm Bill already offer many opportunities for landowners to conserve and create habitat for pollinators. These opportunities primarily relate to the types of plants used in conservation practices like cover crops and riparian buffers, but also to the handling of practices like pest management and prescribed burning.
North American Pollinator Protection Campaign
NRCS is a partner in the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, with over 150 other state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations. This alliance coordinates activities related to pollinator research, conservation, education, and policy in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Plant Materials Program
The NRCS Plant Materials Program is working to select plants and provide recommendations on plants which will enhance pollinator populations throughout the growing season. These wildflowers, trees, shrubs, and grasses are an integral part of the conservation practices that landowners, farmers, and ranchers install as part of their conservation plans.
State-specific Pollinator Information
Alabama
CSP Wildlife Enhancement Activity - Pollinator Areas(PDF; 74 KB) - Conservation Security Program, Enhancement Activity Job Sheet
Minnesota
Factors Affecting Butterfly Use of Filter Strips in Southwest Minnesota(PDF; 1639 KB) - Pollinator Conservation Biology Technical Leaflet
Montana
County Irrigated Land Information MT 2008(DOC; 79 KB) - Conservation Project Ranking Criteria
EQIP Ranking Summary Sheet - NRCS MT Madison County 2005(PDF; 73 KB) - Conservation Project Ranking Criteria
Habitat Development for Pollinator Insects MT-20(PDF; 47 KB) - Pollinator Conservation Biology Technical Note
Montana Native Plants for Pollinator-Friendly Plantings(PDF; 1982 KB) - Pollinator Conservation Biology Technical Note (Montana)
New Jersey
Habitat Development for Pollinators NJ(PDF; 102 KB) - Pollinator Conservation Biology Technical Note
Oregon
Plants for Pollinators in Oregon PM 13(PDF; 402 KB) - Pollinator Conservation Biology Technical Note (Oregon)
South Dakota
Pollinators South Dakota Fact Sheet SD-FS-55(PDF; 72 KB) - Pollinator Conservation Biology Fact Sheet (South Dakota)
WHIP Ranking Template Questions SD 2008(PDF; 150 KB) - Conservation Project Ranking Criteria (South Dakota)
Pollinator Ranking Form Final DRAFT SD(XLS; 103 KB) - Conservation Project Ranking Criteria (South Dakota)
Virginia
Conservation Cover: Wildflower Meadow for Wildlife and Pollinators 327a(PDF; 95 KB) - Conservation Practice Job Sheet
EQIP Ranking Instructions SD FY08(DOC; 389 KB) - Conservation Project Ranking Criteria
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Ruby-throated hummingbird(PDF; 416 KB) - Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management Leaflet (U.S.)
Using Farm Bill Programs for Pollinator Conservation(PDF; 278 KB) - Pollinator Conservation Biology Technical Note (U.S.)
