Easier grown species will be planted in DNR mixed species production fields for future harvesting. The grant challenged Iowa PF chapters to provide matching funds and to determine a method to establish additional conservation buffer practices in their county. This assistance may take the form of reimbursement of seed costs, provision of approved seed and other costs. Funds were also used to hire technicians through SWCD offices to promote and to work individually with landowners in establishing CCRP practices. See Pheasants Forever handout for more details.
Applications are available from DNR wildlife biologists and NRCS district offices.
Projects are reviewed and recommended by the wildlife biologist and district conservationist, based on site suitability, location, and proximity to other wildlife habitat. Cooperators are required to sign a 10 year contract agreement. Applications are accepted annually from October 1 through February 15. In recent years, this program has been used to purchase standing corn next to landowners with depredation complaints or next to public areas to provide additional food. Requests for plots are selected by the local wildlife biologist.