PRIVATE LANDS — Hunters have a stake in the Conservation Reserve Program signup scheduled for May 20-June 14. The federal government expects the contracts to be highly competitive. The corresponding boost to wildlife habitat depends on the quality of the bids made by landowners.

Nationwide, 27 million acres are enrolled in CRP. The program is capped at 32 million acres. The signup will also cover acreage included in contracts that are expiring on Sept. 30.

Idaho has 622,570 acres enrolled in CRP, with 68,332 acres set to expire. The state has 2,722 farms enrolled in CRP, receiving more than $31.725 million in annual rental payments at an average of about $51 per acre.

Washington has 1,453,481 acres enrolled in CRP, with more than 253,600 acres set to expire. The state has 5,305 farms receiving more than $83.631 million in annual rental payments, averaging more than $57 per acre.

CRP contracts typically span 10 years and offer payments for growers to manage land for environmental and wildlife benefits rather than planting crops. Growers' contract offers are chosen based on scores derived from plans they offer to make enduring environmental improvements and benefit wildlife habitat, water quality, erosion control, farm soil health and air quality.

Interested landowners already are meeting with specialists from farm and fish and wildlife agencies to help groom their bids for maximum points.

UPLAND BIRDS — The Conservation Reserve Program has been a boost for wildlife in many areas, but everyone agrees that the type of vegetation planted in the retired farmlands is critical to its subsequent value to wildlife.  Some plantings have left cover, but little food value for birds such as pheasants.

On Tuesday, Joey McCanna, Washington Fish and Wildlife Department upland game bird specialist, will present information from his research project “Invertebrate Population Response to Native and Non-Native Forb and Legume Improvements to Existing Conservation Reserve Program Lands.” 

In other words, will a different mix of plants in CRP improve the production of bugs that will boost the nutrition and survival of upland birds, such as pheasants?

Check it out:  Tuesday, 7 p.m., at the Inland Northwest Wildlife Council’s general meeting, 6116 N. Market St.