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Grassland
Private landowners interested in enhancing and restoring critical grassland habitats could be eligible for grant funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, according to information provided by New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. earlier this month.
The DEC’s Landowner Incentive Program for Grassland Protection and Management directs funding to projects on private property that will help at-risk species that depend on unique grassland ecosystems to survive. Under the program, landowners who own 25 or more acres of contiguous grassland that engage in stewardship activities beneficial for breeding grassland birds are compensated for their efforts. Eligible private landowners interested in offsetting the decline in grassland bird habitat and populations will be able to apply for technical advice and financial incentives to conduct the prescribed site management.
Grasslands provide important habitat for a variety of wildlife and are especially significant for birds. Grassland acreage in New York State has decreased drastically over the last three decades primarily due to a reduction in pasture and hayfields, reversion of abandoned farmland to forests and development of farmland.
For more information on the Landowner Incentive Program for Grassland Protection and Management program, visit dec.ny.gov/animals/32722.html or call the DEC at (518) 402-8943.
Dawn Watson on Dec 6, 2012