Wildlife benefits of the Conservation Reserve Program in Ohio

Federal agriculture programs significantly impact a variety of wildlife spe cies. Grassland birds, in particular, should benefit from establishment of permanent vegetative cover through conservation initiatives like the Conser vation Reserve Program (CRP). Evaluation of current conservation programs i s needed to help shape future initiatives and ensure the long-term continua tion of beneficial programs. The vegetative and physical characteristics of CRP fields in Ohio were quantified, the timing and extent of disturbances during the nesting season noted, avian use of these habitats measured and i ndices of avian use related to field characteristics. It was found that mor e than half of the sampled fields were disturbed, primarily by mowing, duri ng the nesting season (May to July). These same fields, however, were used by 43 avian species. Use of CRP fields by several grassland-dependent speci es was related to the amount of grassland habitat provided by the field and /or adjacent grassland. Age of permanent cover and field size were not rela ted however, to total species richness Eliminating disturbance of vegetativ e cover during the nesting season could significantly add to the wildlife v alue of these habitats. Policy options that include establishment of larger fields or grassland cover near existing grassland should positively benefi t the widest array of grassland bird.