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A study on perceptions of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) explores barriers to enrollment and recommends changes for better wildlife programs. Findings reveal manager perceptions vs. landowner reality. Next steps include informing policymakers to reduce rule complexity, shift to stewardship, and adopt a working-lands approach.
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Perceptions of the Conservation Reserve Program: is it time for a change? Dustin R Martin and Joseph J Fontaine
Federal and State Lands Source: FSA; National Wilderness Inst.
Federal and State Lands Source: FSA; National Wilderness Inst.
Federal and State Lands CRP Enrollment – Oct 2011 Source: FSA; National Wilderness Inst.
Potential Problems Photo: CFRA; NBC News
Potential Problems Photo: CFRA; NBC News; Nebraska PF
Potential Problems Photo: CFRA; NBC News; Nebraska PF; J Laskowski
Goals • Determine barriers to enrollment in CRP • Determine potential changes to increase enrollment for wildlife programs
Focus Groups • Wildlife Biologists • Farm Bill Biologists
Focus Group Objectives Assess managers’ perceptions of: • Biologist limitations of implement CRP • Landowner limitations to enrollment in CRP • Landowner attitude change about CRP
Focus Group Objectives Assess managers’ perceptions of: • Biologist limitations of implement CRP • Landowner limitations to enrollment in CRP • Landowner attitude change about CRP
Focus Group Objectives Assess managers’ perceptions of: • Biologist limitations of implement CRP • Landowner limitations to enrollment in CRP • Landowner attitude change about CRP
Focus Group Objectives Assess managers’ perceptions of: • Biologist limitations of implement CRP • Landowner limitations to enrollment in CRP • Landowner attitude change about CRP
9 Focus Groups across Nebraska 32 participants
Results • Biologist limitations of implement CRP • Program rules • Cost-share rates • Lack of cultural shift at FSA • Not flexible
Results • Landowner limitations to enrollment • Commodity prices • Management requirements • Social issues • Rules/paperwork • Contract length • Static rental payments
Results • Landowner attitude change • Demographic change • Issues with trust in government • Climate change/drought • Will become irrelevant program if it doesn’t adapt
Next Steps n~15,000 Landowners
How can we inform policymakers? • Reduce complexity of program rules • Move from commodity-assistance program to stewardship • Develop a working-lands perspective