EDF Helps

Farmers and ranchers can help bring birds back from the brink. Last week I did a story telling you about the organization, Ducks Unlimited promoting winter wheat for farmers as a crop that would also serve to provide habitat for nesting hens. Ducks Unlimited Agronomist Steven Dvorak “The primary crop of interest to us is winter wheat and the reason for that is because seated in the fall has very little spring disturbance and by its very construct it’s very attractive to nesting hens.” And now the Environmental Defense Fund steps in. I got a press release from them stating that: The recently released 2014 State of the Birds report sends a message that is both somber and hopeful: we can bring vulnerable bird species back from the brink of extinction, but there is a lot of work to be done. Iconic bird species like bald eagles, brown pelicans and peregrine falcons that were once teetering on the edge of extinction are thriving again. EDF is working in partnership with agricultural associations to launch habitat exchanges that unlock the potential of agriculture to grow bird habitat alongside crops and pastures. Exchanges provide a mechanism for farmers and ranchers to get paid for stewarding at-risk bird habitat by conservation investors and industries that are required by law to mitigate their development impacts. We have an opportunity right now to reverse habitat loss and species declines on America’s farms and ranches while maintaining a robust agricultural economy.