United States Department of Agriculture

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

**Indiana - May 2008** (ver. 1.0)

**State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE)**

**Rare and Declining Habitat Program Job Sheet**

## ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.3583333333333334in" height="2.5208333333333335in"}

## Purpose

The purpose of this practice is to restore short stature grassland
habitat for grassland songbirds and Bobwhite quail and maintain the
cover in a diversity of successional stages that meet the nesting and
brood rearing requirements of those species.

Where Practice Applies

On fields that meet eligibility requirements for the State Acres for
Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative of the Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP) as determined by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

crp policy

-   Fields must be located within counties identified in the a) Northern
    Bobwhite, b) Henslow's Sparrow, or c) Sedge Wren/Grasshopper Sparrow
    Priority Areas (refer to Indiana guidance eligibility maps in
    2-CRP).

-   The contract duration for CP38E is 10-15 years.

Species selection

Select only species from the Indiana (IN) Field Office Technical Guide
(FOTG) [Rare and Declining Habitat (643)
Standard](http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov/references/public/IN/restoration_and_mgt_of_rare_or_declining_habitats.pdf).
Seed that is source identified by the Indiana Crop Improvement
Association through the Yellow Tag certification program or equivalent
shall be used.

Habitat types

Rare and Declining Habitat plantings will consist of establishing one
the habitat types described below. See the IN FOTG [**Rare and Declining
Habitat (643)
Standard**](http://efotg.nrcs.usda.gov/references/public/IN/restoration_and_mgt_of_rare_or_declining_habitats.pdf)
and the attached [**Specifications
Sheet**](#safe-cp38e-rare-and-declining-habitat) for exact details.

1.  [Tall grass prairie]{.underline}. The seeding mixture will consist
    of a tall prairie grass mix (based on soil moisture tolerance), plus
    10 additional forb species including at least:

    a.  Five (5) Composite species,

    b.  One (1) Legume species, and

    c.  Two (2) other species

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```
2.  [Low-stature prairie]{.underline}. The seeding mixture will consist
    of a low-stature prairie grass mix (based on soil moisture
    tolerance), plus 10 additional forb species. Note: low stature
    prairies require a dormant seeding.

3.  [Sedge Meadow]{.underline}. Sedge meadows are wetlands on areas that
    are dominated by hydric soils. Before vegetation can be established,
    hydrology must be restored to its natural state. The seeding mixture
    will consist of a sedge meadow mix, plus

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```
a)  Three (3) sedge species*,* and

b)  Five (5) forb species

**PLANTING**

Plant the grasses/sedges/forbs according to the attached
[**Specifications Sheet**](#safe-cp38e-rare-and-declining-habitat). Any
changes to these specifications must be approved by NRCS.

To encourage the forb component of the seeding mixture it is strongly
encouraged sowing the mixture during the dormant season (required for
low stature prairie mixes).

All construction and seeding must be completed within 12 months of the
effective date of the contract to remain in compliance. If circumstances
beyond the landowner's control prohibit completion within the first 12
months, the local FSA County Committee may approve an extension to the
next planting season.

  -------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------------
  **Indiana Seeding                            
  Dates**                                      

  **Species/Mix**      **Growing Seeding       **Dormant Season Seeding
                       Dates**                 Dates\***

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

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

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

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

**Site Preparation:** It is very important to plant the vegetation into
a weed-free seedbed. Weed control efforts should begin prior to
planting, and may require multiple applications in both the fall and
spring prior to planting. Use herbicides or tillage to eliminate
competing vegetation. If necessary for erosion control, seed a temporary
cover. Eliminate the temporary vegetation at planting time with tillage
or herbicides. Contact your local Purdue University Extension Agent for
specific herbicide use. **Apply all herbicides according to label**.

**Lime and Fertilizer:** Lime and fertilizer should not be applied to
native grasses at establishment unless a current soil test shows
phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are in the deficient range or the pH is
6.1 or less. Do [not]{.underline} apply any nitrogen (N) during
establishment to minimize weed competition.

**Seed preparation:** 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. Be careful not
to blend seed of varying size, shape and weight as this can make
calibration of equipment and seeding uniformity difficult.

**No-Till seeding:** Use a no-till drill to reduce the risk of erosion
and possible loss of seedlings. Ensure the drill is designed to handle
the seed being planted (especially important for native grasses). Your
local Soil and Water Conservation Districts may be able to assist in
locating equipment. 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 Seeding:** Use a drill with seven (7) inches or less row
spacing or a culti-packer seeder, designed for the seed to be planted.
The seedbed 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 1/2 inch 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. Wind speed should be 15 m.p.h. or less when
broadcasting.

**Weed Control** **During Establishment Period**: Mow, burn, or apply
herbicides as needed to control unwanted vegetation until a
***[Final]{.underline}*** Status Review is issued, or for a maximum of 3
years after planting. Mow when competing weeds are taller than the
planted vegetation, and at a mowing height above planted vegetation.

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Noxious weeds and other undesirable plants, insects, and pests shall be
controlled, including such maintenance as necessary to avoid detrimental
effects to surrounding land.

***After*** the Final Status Review or three (3) years (whichever comes
first), maintain the planting according to your CRP conservation plan.
Maintenance activities are allowed only on a spot basis and only if
necessary to maintain stand health, maintain stand diversity, or control
pests that will damage the CRP cover or adjacent lands. Burning must be
in accordance with a prescribed burn plan. **MOWING and other
maintenance activities are not authorized between April 1 to August 1**
to protect ground-nesting wildlife. If maintenance activities are needed
([allowed on a spot basis only]{.underline}) during these times, the FSA
County Committee [must]{.underline} approve the maintenance activity
[prior to]{.underline} the activity occurring. Native grasses will not
be mowed lower than 12 inches. **Mowing for generic weed control or for
cosmetic purposes is prohibited.**

Exclude all acres from haying and grazing year round, unless authorized.
Fences may need to be constructed and maintained to exclude livestock
throughout the entire year. The contract area cannot be used for field
roads or other uses that will damage or destroy the cover.

MID CONTRACT MANAGEMENT

All CRP contracts must have mid-term contract management activities
scheduled that will ensure plant diversity, wildlife habitat, and
protection of soil and water resources. This practice must have periodic
management activities performed during years 4, 5, and 6; plus years 9,
10, and 11 for 15-year contracts.

Management activities that will ensure these benefits include:
prescribed burning (according to an approved burn plan), strip disking,
strip spraying, and inter-seeding of forbs and legumes. All management
activities must be performed according to NRCS Standards and
Specifications as found in the Indiana FOTG, and CRP policy.
Mid-management job sheets can be found at the [Indiana NRCS CRP web
site](http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphomepage.html).

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # SAFE CP38E: Rare and Declining Habitat                              |
|                                                                       |
| # SPECIFICATIONS SHEET                                                |
+=======================================================================+
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

<table style="width:100%;">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 16%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 15%" />
<col style="width: 5%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 10%" />
<col style="width: 1%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 16%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td><strong>Landowner:</strong></td>
<td colspan="5"><strong>     </strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>County:</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>     </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td><strong>Farm:</strong>      </td>
<td colspan="2">Tract:      </td>
<td colspan="2">Field(s):      </td>
<td><strong>Acres:</strong></td>
<td colspan="3"><p>Upland Grasses:      </p>
<p>Depressions:      </p>
<p>Firebreak:      </p></td>
<td><strong>Date:</strong>      </td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2"><strong>Soil Type(s):</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="3"><strong>Soil Drainage Class:</strong></td>
<td colspan="3"></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<table style="width:100%;">
<colgroup>
<col style="width: 17%" />
<col style="width: 9%" />
<col style="width: 7%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 10%" />
<col style="width: 16%" />
<col style="width: 8%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 6%" />
<col style="width: 0%" />
<col style="width: 10%" />
</colgroup>
<tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="12"><p><strong>Recommended Species and Seeding
Rates</strong></p>
<p><strong>All rates are in Pure Live Seed (PLS)</strong></p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="12"><p> <strong>Existing species diversity is sufficient to
naturally re-colonize the site after sufficient site preparation.
     </strong></p>
<p><strong>NOTE: Indiana Crop Improvement Association Yellow Tag seed
should be used.</strong></p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="5"><strong>Seed Required from the Prairie Grass Seed Mix
No.</strong> </td>
<td colspan="7"><strong>Seed from the Composite List (Min. 5
species)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2"><strong>GRASS SPECIES</strong></td>
<td><p>Rate</p>
<p>Units/acre</p></td>
<td><strong>Units</strong></td>
<td><p>Total =</p>
<p>(Rate X Acres)</p></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Composite Forb Species</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Rate</p>
<p>Units/acre</p></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Units</strong></td>
<td><p>Total =</p>
<p>(Rate X Acres)</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="5"><strong>GRASS SPECIES (Depressions only)</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td>plants</td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td>plants</td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="5"><strong>Seed from the Legume List (Min. 1
species)</strong></td>
<td colspan="7"><strong>Seed or Plants from Other Species List (Min. 2
species)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td>     </td>
<td></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">      </td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"></td>
<td><strong>0.00</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td rowspan="4"> <strong>Firebreaks:</strong></td>
<td colspan="5">Firebreak Species</td>
<td colspan="2"><p>Rate</p>
<p>Lb./acre</p></td>
<td colspan="4"><p>Total =</p>
<p><strong>(Rate X Acres)</strong></p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="5"></td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>Lbs.</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="5"></td>
<td colspan="2">     </td>
<td colspan="2"><strong>0.00</strong></td>
<td colspan="2">Lbs.</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td colspan="11"><p> Establish a Bare-Ground Firebreak by disking the
Fall &amp; Spring prior to Prescribed Burning</p>
<p>Disked areas will be re-seeded after each Prescribed Burn</p></td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td colspan="12">NOTES:      </td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

  --------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------------------------- ------------------
  **Site                                                                                  
  Preparation -                                                                           
  BEFORE Planting                                                                         
  in Year:**                                                                              

  **Herbicide                                                                             **Dates:      **
  (per label):**                                                                          

  **Herbicide                                                                             **Dates:      **
  (per label):**                                                                          

  **Herbicide                                                                             **Dates:      **
  (per label):**                                                                          

  **Tillage:**                **     **                                                   

  **Prescribed                            **     **                                       
  Burning:**                                                                              

  **Temporary                                                                             
  Seeding:**                                                                              

  **Existing                                                                              
  Woody                                                                                   
  Vegetation will                                                                         
  be removed:                                                                             
       **                                                                                 

  **Other:**      **     **                                                               

  NOTES:                                                                                  
  --------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------------------------------- ------------------

***Helping People Help the Land***

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

  -------------------------------------------- --------------------------
  **Planting Year:**                           

  **Planting Method for Grasses/Forbs:**       **Date:** See Seeding
                                               Dates on Page 2

  **Planting Method for Firebreaks:**          **Date:** See Seeding
                                               Dates on Page 2
  -------------------------------------------- --------------------------

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **If unforeseen circumstances prohibit planting by this date, please
  contact the local NRCS office as soon as possible.**

  NOTES:      
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+---------------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
| **            |                    |                                 |
| Post-Planting |                    |                                 |
| Maintenance** |                    |                                 |
+---------------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
| **Mowing:**   |                    |                                 |
| [BEFORE       |                    |                                 |
| ]{.underline} |                    |                                 |
| final Status  |                    |                                 |
| Review, or up |                    |                                 |
| to 3 years,   |                    |                                 |
| mow to a      |                    |                                 |
| [minimum      |                    |                                 |
| ]{.underline} |                    |                                 |
| height of six |                    |                                 |
| (6) to eight  |                    |                                 |
| (8) inches    |                    |                                 |
| high [when    |                    |                                 |
| the weeds are |                    |                                 |
| 12 inches     |                    |                                 |
| taller than   |                    |                                 |
| the planted   |                    |                                 |
| grasses       |                    |                                 |
| ]{.underline} |                    |                                 |
+---------------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
| > \*[AFTER    |                    |                                 |
| ]{.underline} |                    |                                 |
| > final       |                    |                                 |
| > Status      |                    |                                 |
| > Review, or  |                    |                                 |
| > up to 3     |                    |                                 |
| > years, mow  |                    |                                 |
| > to a        |                    |                                 |
| > [minimum    |                    |                                 |
| ]{.underline} |                    |                                 |
| > height of   |                    |                                 |
| > six (6) to  |                    |                                 |
| > eight (8)   |                    |                                 |
| > inches      |                    |                                 |
+---------------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
| Herbicide\*   |                    | Prescribed Burning\*: According |
| **(per        |                    | to an approved plan             |
| label)**:     |                    |                                 |
+---------------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
| **Other:**    |                    |                                 |
|               |                    |                                 |
+---------------+--------------------+---------------------------------+
| > **\*NOTE:   |                    |                                 |
| > [After      |                    |                                 |
| ]{.underline} |                    |                                 |
| > the final   |                    |                                 |
| > Status      |                    |                                 |
| > Review has  |                    |                                 |
| > been        |                    |                                 |
| > issued, or  |                    |                                 |
| > three (3)   |                    |                                 |
| > years       |                    |                                 |
| > (whichever  |                    |                                 |
| > comes       |                    |                                 |
| > first),     |                    |                                 |
| > weed        |                    |                                 |
| > control and |                    |                                 |
| > other       |                    |                                 |
| > maintenance |                    |                                 |
| > activities  |                    |                                 |
| > will be     |                    |                                 |
| > conducted   |                    |                                 |
| > outside the |                    |                                 |
| > nesting     |                    |                                 |
| > season of   |                    |                                 |
| > [April 1 -  |                    |                                 |
| > August      |                    |                                 |
| > 1]          |                    |                                 |
| {.underline}, |                    |                                 |
| > and on a    |                    |                                 |
| > "spot"      |                    |                                 |
| > basis       |                    |                                 |
| > [only]      |                    |                                 |
| {.underline}, |                    |                                 |
| > unless      |                    |                                 |
| > prior       |                    |                                 |
| > approval is |                    |                                 |
| > granted by  |                    |                                 |
| > the FSA     |                    |                                 |
| > County      |                    |                                 |
| >             |                    |                                 |
|  Committee.** |                    |                                 |
+---------------+--------------------+---------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Mid-Contract Management Starting In Year:**                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Prescribed Burning:** according to an approved burn plan Burning    |
| will not occur more than once every three (3) years on the same       |
| acreage.                                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **Strip Spraying** **Strip Disking** **Inter-seeding**                |
|                                                                       |
| Treat . Treatment will not occur more than once every three (3) years |
| on the same acreage.                                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **The Specific Mid Contract Management Activity will be decided by    |
| the participant in the scheduled year**                               |
|                                                                       |
| **based on condition of the vegetation, site considerations,          |
| capabilities of the participant, etc.**                               |
|                                                                       |
| Treatment will not occur more than once every three (3) years on the  |
| same acreage. Reimbursement will be dependant on the activity(s)      |
| performed based on local FSA Not-To-Exceed rates.                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **1**                                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| **See [Indiana NRCS CRP Mid-contract Management job                   |
| sheets](http://www.in.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/CRP/crphomepage.html)    |
| for additional information.**                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  **Additional Information**

       
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------