07/15/08 New wildlife CRP program starts in Washington

Washington Ag July 15, 2008 Washington farmers have a new opportunity this year to enroll acreage in the USDA's popular Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) through an initiative that focuses specifically on wildlife. It is called State Acres For Wildlife Enhancement or SAFE. Farmers and ranchers may enroll in the program at Farm Service Agency offices beginning immediately. Rod Hamilton with the Washington State FSA office says SAFE targets four habitat types in the state and to be eligible the land must be within one of the project areas. Hamilton: "One is in the Palouse. One is in Adams, Franklin and Grant counties targeting center pivot corners. Another one is Grant, Lincoln, I think a tiny part of Adams, targeting shrub-steppe habitat. And then a small area on the coast where elk graze." Hamilton says FSA will pay better than normal CRP benefits. Hamilton: "Trying to emphasize wildlife habitat you are going to have to plant a fairly intensive mix to provide the best possible habitat. If we get the interest enrollment in the state is going to be limited in these four projects to just over eight thousand acres." Enrollment for SAFE is non-competitive and producers may sign-up at any time. I'm Bob Hoff.