United States Department of Agriculture

![](media/image1.png){width="2.9451388888888888in"
height="0.45069444444444445in"}

**Indiana - May 2007** (ver. 1.0)

**Wildlife Habitat Development Plan (Supplement)**

![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.4166666666666665in"
height="2.4479166666666665in"}**purpose**

Wildlife Habitat Development Plans (WHDP) design projects which create
or enhance wildlife habitat by providing food or cover. They can also
reduce soil erosion and improve water quality.

Where Practice Applies

On all landscapes that are suitable for the desired wildlife habitat, or
for the natural community under consideration.

**Planning Considerations**

-   Consider the landowner's long-term objectives and goals

-   Consider the requirements for optimum wildlife habitat

-   Consider the adaptability of the plant species to the climate,
    soils, and moisture conditions on the site where the habitat is to
    be established

-   Consider the effects that location, installation and management may
    have on subsurface cultural resources

-   A supplemental management plan may be needed where Invasive plant
    species are a threat to the planned plant community.

    **Plan REQUIREMENTs**

-   The targeted wildlife species will be identified.

-   Determine which of the biological requirements (food, water and/or
    cover) is limiting for the targeted wildlife species.

Seeding/planting Rates & Species

**Grasses**

Eligible seeding rates and species for grasses are found in the **Upland
Wildlife Habitat Management Standard** **(645)** of the Indiana Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) electronic Field Office Technical
Guide (eFOTG). Grass, legume and forb species can also be found in the
Appendix of this document. Seeding rates will be calculated by using
Conservation Practice 645 -- *Seeding Mixture Calculator*. Any
prepackaged mixes [must]{.underline} be approved before seeding.

**Warm Season Grass (WSG) mixes** will consist of a minimum of:

-   Two grass species

-   One legume

-   A total of ¼ to 1 pound of forbs, with a minimum of 5 species

**Cool Season Grass mixes** will consist of a minimum of:

-   Two grass species

-   Two legumes

-   Native forbs can be added to the mix to provide additional plant
    diversity, or to meet the needs of the targeted species.

**Trees and Shrubs**

Eligible species are found in the Upland Wildlife Habitat Management
(645) and the Wetland Wildlife Habitat Management (644) Standards.
Except where required by the targeted wildlife species, tree density
will be approximately 300 trees per acre

(12 ft. x 12 ft. spacing).

The selected grasses, forbs, legumes, trees and shrubs will be planted
in blocks or strips best suited for various wildlife species in the
area.

**Site Preparation**

Successful site preparation should begin the fall before seeding.
Existing cover must be eliminated by spraying or tilling. If spraying,
work with a local consultant or Purdue Extension Specialist to determine
the best herbicide combination and apply it at the appropriate time in
the fall. Follow the manufacturer\'s label rates and guidelines when
applying herbicides. Consider using a cover crop if tillage is used in
the fall to prepare the site. Perform weed control again in the spring
prior to planting to increase the likelihood of a successful planting.
[Note]{.underline}: do not use spring tillage for tree planting.

**Grasses**

**Seeding Dates**

  ----------------------- --------------------- --------------------------
  **Species/Mix**         **IN Seeding Dates**  **Dormant Seeding
                                                Dates\***

  Cool Season Grasses     3/1-5/15 or 8/1-9/15  12/1-3/1

  Legumes                 3/1-5/15 or 8/1-9/15  12/1-3/1

  Warm Season Grasses     4/1-6/15              12/1-4/1

  Forbs                   4/1-6/15              12/1-4/1
  ----------------------- --------------------- --------------------------

**\***Increase seeding rates by 25% for dormant seeding. Broadcasting of
warm season grasses should only be done into a prepared seedbed with
protection from erosion as a consideration.

Inoculate legume seed before seeding with the proper Rhizobia bacteria
specific for the species. Re-inoculate seed if it was pre-inoculated
more than 60 days prior to seeding.

**Lime and Fertilizer**

Land with a recent cropping history (within the last 2 years) will
normally have adequate nutrient and pH levels to establish and support
most plantings.

Lime and fertilizer should be applied at establishment when a current
soil test (less than four years old) shows phosphorus (P) and potassium
(K) are in the low to very low range or the pH is 6.0 or less. Apply
only enough P and K to raise fertility to a level needed for a 1 ton/ac
forage yield goal. Apply one ton of lime per acre if the pH is less than
6.0. Do [not]{.underline} apply any nitrogen (N) during establishment.

Apply all soil amendments prior to seedbed preparation during the fall,
or before planting if a no-till drill is used.

**No-till Seeding**

Ensure the drill is designed to handle the seed being planted
(especially important for native grasses). Many Quail Unlimited and
Pheasants Forever chapters, as well as local Soil and Water Conservation
Districts, have native grass drills available. Set the drill to provide
an ideal planting depth of no more than ¼ inch unless otherwise
directed. Seeding native grasses deeper than ¼ inch will lead to
potential failure. Soils that are too wet or too dry can also cause
improper seed placement.

**Conventional Drill Seeding (Introduced Grasses)** Conventional Drills
are not suited to the light, fluffy native grass seed, but will work
well for non-native grasses and legumes. Seedbeds should be worked to a
minimum depth of three (3) inches and firmed before seeding. Grass seed
should be drilled uniformly and seeded no more than ¼ inch deep. Care
should be taken not to bury the seed too deep.

**Broadcast Seeding**

Seed may be broadcast if completed in a uniform manner. Pre-mixing the
seed with 200 lbs. per acre of pelletized lime and utilizing an airflow
applicator is also effective. Seedbeds should be worked to a minimum
depth of three (3) inches and firmed before seeding. The seedbed should
be culti-packed [before]{.underline} and [after]{.underline} seeding. It
is acceptable to see up to ⅓ of the seed on the soil surface after
seeding. Wind speed should be 15 m.p.h. or less when broadcasting.

Find additional information on seeding native grasses at the Indiana
Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish and Wildlife website:
<http://www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/hunt/warmgrass.pdf>.

Contact NRCS for other seeding methods and dates.

**Weed Control During Establishment Period** Mowing and herbicides
should be used to control competing vegetation [until]{.underline} a
final Status Review is issued, or for a maximum of three (3) years after
planting. Mow when competing weeds are taller than the planted
vegetation, and at a height above the planted vegetation. Mowing can
stimulate the growth of some competing weeds, especially grasses, so
this practice should be used only when weed growth inhibits
establishment of planted vegetation. Grasses should not be mowed lower
than six (6) inches to ensure plant health.

**Use of Herbicides:** New herbicides have been introduced for use with
native warm season grasses. The herbicides are very effective in
controlling weeds during the establishment year. Follow all federal,
state, and local guidelines as well as the manufacturer\'s label rates
and guidelines when applying non-selective herbicides. For additional
information on herbicide controls, contact a local consultant or Purdue
Extension Specialist.

**Trees and Shrubs**

**Planting**

Bare rooted stock (seedlings) will be planted in the spring after the
ground thaws, but no later than June 1. Container stock may be planted
between October 1 and June 1 as local soil moisture and weather
conditions permit. Do not plant trees/shrubs when the soil is frozen or
dry. Trees/shrubs will be planted in a vertical position with the root
collars approximately at or slightly below the ground line.

Plant materials should be planted immediately upon delivery to the site.
It is important to keep plant materials moist to protect them from
desiccation. If planting is delayed, contact NRCS for storage details.

Control all weeds within a 3 foot circle around each tree or a 2 foot
band along each side of each row. Control weeds in the spring before or
during tree planting. On sites with existing sod, apply herbicides both
in the fall and again in the spring prior or during tree planting.

Trees should be planted in firm ground; therefore avoid using spring
tillage for site preparation prior to tree planting.

DISTURBANCE Management

It is important to schedule disturbance activities on grassland areas to
ensure plant diversity, wildlife habitat, and protection of soil and
water resources. Management activities that will ensure these benefits
include prescribed burning (according to an approved burn plan), strip
disking, strip spraying, and inter-seeding of legumes. All management
activities should be performed according to NRCS Standards and
Specifications as found in the eFOTG. Disturbance management (a.k.a.
Mid-contract Management) job sheets can be found at
[**http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphomepage.html**](http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphomepage.html).

**Operation and Maintenance**

For a maximum of three (3) years following planting, maintain the
planting according to your conservation plan. Maintenance activities are
allowed only if necessary to maintain stand health or diversity, or to
control pests that may damage the cover or adjacent lands. Noxious
weeds, such as Canada thistle and Johnsongrass, must be controlled.

Additional information can be found in the *2006 Weed Control Guide for
Ohio and Indiana* - Bulletin 789, Publication \# WS16

<http://www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/WS/WS-16/ProblemWeeds06.pdf>.

For trees, weeds should continue to be controlled after planting, using
a 3 foot circle around each tree, or a 2 foot band along each side of
each row as identified in the specifications sheet.

Mowing is not recommended for weed control because it encourages grass
competition and can cause mechanical damage to trees.

Check survivability of the planted species to insure that 70% of the
desired stocking rate for the site is present 3 years after planting.
Additional planting will be completed if it is determined that
additional natural regeneration will not be sufficient to colonize the
site within an acceptable time frame (usually 5 years).

Livestock will be excluded from all tree plantings and noxious weeds,
undesirable plants, insects and pests should be controlled to insure
that the trees are established. Mowing is not recommended because it
encourages grass competition and can cause mechanical damage to trees.
**Mowing for generic weed control or for cosmetic purposes should be
avoided.**

Maintenance activities should not occur from **[April 1 through August
1]{.underline}** to protect ground-nesting wildlife. Maintenance
activities will be conducted on **[a "spot" basis only]{.underline}**.

Exclude all wildlife areas from haying and grazing year round. Fences
may need to be constructed and maintained to exclude livestock
throughout the entire year.

Wildlife areas should not be used for field roads or other uses that
will damage or destroy the cover.

**Wildlife Habitat Development Plan (Supplement)**

**Appendix**

+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| **Warm Season Grasses**              |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| **Species**                          |   | **Soil Moisture            |
|                                      |   | Tolerance**                |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Big Bluestem                         |   | PD - ED                    |
|                                      |   |                            |
| (*Andropogon gerardii*)              |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Eastern Gamagrass**^1^**             |   | SPD -- MWD                 |
|                                      |   |                            |
| (*Tripsacum dactyloides*)            |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Indiangrass                          |   | SPD - ED                   |
|                                      |   |                            |
| (*Sorghastrum nutans*)               |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Little Bluestem                      |   | MWD - ED                   |
|                                      |   |                            |
| (*Schizachyrium scoparium*)          |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Prairie Dropseed                     |   | MWD -- ED                  |
|                                      |   |                            |
| (*Sporobolus heterolepis*)           |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Sideoats Grama                       |   | MWD - ED                   |
|                                      |   |                            |
| (*Bouteloua curtipendula*)           |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Switchgrass                          |   | PD - ED                    |
|                                      |   |                            |
| (*Panicum virgatum*)                 |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| The following Cool Season Grasses    |   |                            |
| can also be added to the WSG species |   |                            |
| selected above                       |   |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Wildrye, Canada                      | M |                            |
|                                      | W |                            |
| (*Elymus canadensis*)                | D |                            |
|                                      |   |                            |
|                                      | - |                            |
|                                      | E |                            |
|                                      | D |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Wildrye, Riverbank                   | P |                            |
|                                      | D |                            |
| (*Elymus riparius*)                  |   |                            |
|                                      | - |                            |
|                                      | W |                            |
|                                      | D |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+
| Wildrye, Virginia                    | P |                            |
|                                      | D |                            |
| (*Elymus virginicus*)                |   |                            |
|                                      | - |                            |
|                                      | W |                            |
|                                      | D |                            |
+--------------------------------------+---+----------------------------+

**^1^** Seed must first be stratified before planting

+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Legumes**                                 |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Species**                                 | **Soil Moisture        |
|                                             | Tolerance**            |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Alfalfa                                     | MWD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Medicago sativa*)                         |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Clover, Alsike                              | PD -- WD               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Trifolium hybridum*)                      |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Clover, Ladino                              | PD -- WD               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Trifolium repens*)                        |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Clover, Red                                 | MWD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Trifolium pratense*)                      |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Clover, White                               | PD -- WD               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Trifolium repens*)                        |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Lespedeza, Common, Kobe, or Marion          | WD -- ED               |
| (*Kummerowia striata*)**^1^**               |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Lespedeza, Roundheaded                      | MWD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Lespedeza capitata*)                      |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Lespedeza, Slender (*Lespedeza virginica*)  | MWD -- ED              |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Partridge Pea                               | MWD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (C*assia fasciculata*)                      |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Trefoil, Birdsfoot                          | MWD -- WD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Lotus corniculatus*)                      |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Trefoil, Hoary Tick (*Desmodium canescens*) | MWD -- ED              |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+

> **^1^**Substitutes for *Lespedeza* must be used on sites north of
> Interstate 70

+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Native Forbs**                            |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Species**                                 | **Soil Moisture        |
|                                             | Tolerance**            |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Aster, Flat Topped                          | PD -- SPD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Aster umbellatus*)                        |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Aster, New England                          | PD -- WD               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Aster novaeangliae*)                      |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Aster, Sky Blue                             | MWD - ED               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Aster azureus*)                           |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Aster, Swamp                                | PD -- SPD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Aster puniceus*)                          |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Blackeyed Susan                             | MWD-ED                 |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Rudbeckia hirta*)                         |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Sweet Black-eyed Susan (*Rudbeckia          | PD - MWD               |
| subtomentosa*)                              |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **Native Forbs (continued)**            |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| **Species**                             | **Soil Moisture            |
|                                         | Tolerance**                |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Blazing Star, Button                    | MWD -- ED                  |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Liatris aspera*)                      |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Blazing Star, Dense                     | PD -- WD                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Liatris spicata*)                     |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Blazing Star, Prairie                   | PD - MWD                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Liatris pycnostachya*)                |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Blazing Star, Rough                     | MWD - ED                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Liatris aspera*)                      |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Butterfly Weed                          | MWD -- ED                  |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Asclepias tuberosa*)                  |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Cardinal Flower                         | PD -- SPD                  |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Lobelia cardinalis*)                  |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Coneflower, Gray-Headed (*Ratibida      | MWD -- ED                  |
| pinnata*)                               |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Coneflower, Pale Purple (*Echinacea     | MWD - ED                   |
| pallida*)                               |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Coneflower, Purple (*Echinacea          | MWD - ED                   |
| purpurea*)                              |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Coneflower, Yellow                      | MWD - ED                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Ratibida pinnata*)                    |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Cup Plant                               | PD - MWD                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Silphium perfoliatum*)                |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Entire-Leaf Rosinweed (*Silphium        | MWD -- ED                  |
| integrifolium*)                         |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Foxglove Beardtongue (*Penstemon        | PD - MWD                   |
| digitalis*)                             |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Golden Alexander                        | PD - MWD                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Zizia aurea*)                         |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Goldenrod, Riddell's                    | SPD -- ED                  |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Solidago riddelli*)                   |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Goldenrod, Rigid                        | SPD - ED                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Solidago rigida*)                     |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Illinois Bundleflower (*Desmanthus      | MWD - ED                   |
| Illinoensis*)                           |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Indigo, White Wild                      | MWD -- ED                  |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Baptisia leucantha*) (L)              |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Indigo, Cream White                     | SPD - WD                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Baptisia lactea*)                     |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Ironweed                                | PD - MWD                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Vernonia fasciculata*)                |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Lead Plant                              | WD -- ED                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Amorpha canescens*)                   |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Milkweed, Butterfly                     | MWD - ED                   |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Asclepias tuberosa*)                  |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Milkweed, Swamp                         | PD -- SPD                  |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Asclepias incarnata*)                 |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+
| Milkvetch, Canada                       | SPD -- WD                  |
|                                         |                            |
| (*Astragalus canadensis*)               |                            |
+-----------------------------------------+----------------------------+

+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| New Jersey Tea                              | MWD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Ceanothus americanus)*                    |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Nodding Bur Marigold                        | PD -- SPD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Bidens cernua*)                           |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Obedient Plant                              | PD -- SPD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Physostegia virginiana*)                  |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Ohio Spiderwort                             | SPD -- WD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Tradescantia ohiensis*)                   |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Prairie Clover, Purple (*Petalostemum       | MWD - ED               |
| purpureum*)                                 |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Prairie Clover, White (*Petalostemum        | MWD - ED               |
| candidum*)                                  |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Prairie Dock                                | SPD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Silphium terebinthinaceum*)               |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Rattlesnake Master                          | MWD - WD               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Eryngium yuccifolium*)                    |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Sneezeweed                                  | PD -- SPD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Helenium autumnale*)                      |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Spotted Joe Pye Weed (*Eupatorium           | PD -- SPD              |
| maculatum*)                                 |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Starry Solomon's Seal (*Smilacina           | PD -- ED               |
| stellata*)                                  |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Sunflower, False                            | MWD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Heliopsis helianthoides*)                 |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Sunflower, Sawtooth (*Helianthus            | PD -- WD               |
| grosseserratus*)                            |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Tall Coreopsis                              | SPD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Coreopsis tripteris*)                     |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Tick Trefoil, Illinois                      | WD -- ED               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Desmodium illinoense*)                    |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Tick Trefoil, Showy (*Desmodium canadense*) | SPD -- WD              |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Vervain, Blue                               | VPD - SPD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Verbena hastata*)                         |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Vervain, Hoary                              | MWD - ED               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Verbena stricta*)                         |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Virginia Blue Flag                          | PD -- SPD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Iris virginica var. shrevei*)             |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Virginia Mountain Mint                      | SPD -- WD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (P*ycnanthemum virginica*)                  |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Wild Bergamot                               | SPD -- WD              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Monarda fistulosa*)                       |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Wild Quinine                                | MWD -- ED              |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Parthenium integrifolium*)                |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| Wild Senna                                  | PD -- WD               |
|                                             |                        |
| (*Cassia hebecarpa*)                        |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+