More than 6,300 acres already offered for enrollment in Minnesota's Back Forty
Pheasant Habitat Program

Despite the expiration of 79,677 Conservation Reserve Program acres in Minnesota since Oct. 1, 2007, interest in CRP remains as evidenced by the 6,365 acres already
offered for enrollment in the new State Acres For wildlife Enhancement conservation practice, the Minnesota Back Forty Pheasant Habitat program.

As part of the continuous enrollment portion of CRP, Minnesota has been allocated 23,100 acres for enrollment in the Back Forty Pheasant Habitat program, which establishes small blocks of grassland (10 to 40 acres) and enhances existing habitats.

Announced this January, SAFE represents an important change to CRP that encourages state-specific wildlife focused projects. Minnesota's Back Forty Pheasant SAFE program is targeted toward helping restore and enhance habitat for ring-necked pheasant populations, as well as benefit waterfowl, greater prairie chickens and other grassland nesting birds.

In addition to the annual rental payment and cost-share, SAFE may offer participants an up front one-time CRP Signing Incentive Payment of $100 per each SIP-eligible acre and a Practice Incentive Payment when cost share is made.

Go to www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/mn_cp38e_factfheet_20080403.pdf [2] for a
fact sheet on the Minnesota SAFE. SAFE projects are available through USDA
FSA service centers. For additional information and application assistance
regarding SAFE, contact a local USDA service center or visit
www.pheasantsforever.org/page/1/FarmBillBiologists.jsp [3] to find a local Pheasants Forever Farm Bill Biologist.