AGFC’s Waterfowl Habitat Program Featured in Latest USDA Grant Approvals
AGFC’s WRICE program was established in 2018 with the focus on leaving waste rice in fields and flooding those areas through landowner incentive payments. During the 2019-20 waterfowl season, WRICE was expanded to include hunting opportunities on these qualifying lands through a managed draw system on weekends during hunting season.
“Arkansas received an identical grant to this one during the 2020-21 waterfowl season, enabling us to expand the hunting opportunities and habitat, from 11 fields to more than 50,” Schoenrock said. “With the help of the VPA grant, we expanded flooded wetland habitat for migrating ducks, geese and shorebirds by more than 3,000 acres, and did so while giving the Arkansas duck hunter more opportunities to enjoy a flooded rice field hunt than ever before. With this new grant, we hope to extend this valuable program well into the future for hunters, landowners and the ducks and geese that have made Arkansas famous.”
In a video update from the USDA, NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley specifically highlighted the AGFC’s WRICE program as an example of these grants meeting the needs of the farmer, landowner, wildlife and enthusiasts who enjoy America’s Great Outdoors through hunting as well as birdwatching and nature-based recreation.
“These 19 projects mean more opportunities for hunters, more outdoor access, and ultimately more income streams for American producers in the rural communities,” Buckley said. “We’re proud to put farmers and landowners first while expanding wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone.”
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
