Landreneau

Landreneau said "this is a financial assistance program, not a subsidy -- meaning NRCS shares the expense of installing the conservation practice with the landowner."

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

Catfish producers and others willing to flood fields and pastures have also signed up for the program, while sugarcane growers don't practice flooding and aren't participating, Landreneau said.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

As Louisiana landowners begin flooding fields for habitat, shorebirds and early-season, water fowl have been spotted there, with many more expected, Landreneau said.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

When asked about possible growth in weeds and blackbird populations from the flooding program, Landreneau of NRCS said participating farmers might see more aquatic weeds, but he added that weed treatment is a standard, farming practice.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

Landreneau said $40 million has been earmarked from three USDA, NRCS sources -- the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) -- to pay landowners in eight, "flyway states" to develop or enhance migratory bird habitat.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

"Farmers and landowners have signed contracts through either EQIP, WHIP or WRP to cover expenses" to implement practices needed to develop habitat, Landreneau said.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

Landreneau said "this is a financial assistance program, not a subsidy -- meaning NRCS shares the expense of installing the conservation practice with the landowner."

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

Catfish producers and others willing to flood fields and pastures have also signed up for the program, while sugarcane growers don't practice flooding and aren't participating, Landreneau said.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

When asked about possible growth in weeds and blackbird populations from the flooding program, Landreneau of NRCS said participating farmers might see more aquatic weeds, but he added that weed treatment is a standard, farming practice.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010

Landreneau said $40 million has been earmarked from three USDA, NRCS sources -- the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) -- to pay landowners in eight, "flyway states" to develop or enhance migratory bird habitat.

Susan Buchanan: Rice And Crawfish Farmers Paid To Host Birds After Spill 2010