Conservation Practice (CP) 33
The Northern Bobwhite Quail Habitat Initiative was established in 2004 to counteract the rampant decline in quail populations across the nation. Bobwhite quail populations have plummeted from an estimated 59 million in 1980 to 20 million birds in 1999. The reason for this population plunge is simple - a massive loss of habitat suitable to quail. The main causal factors in quail population's massive decline are urban sprawl, loss of native grasslands, intensive agriculture and a transitioning of grassland into forestland.
CP - 33, commonly referred to as "bobwhite buffers," is a 250,000 acre practice for establishing bobwhite quail habitat through the creation of buffer strips along fields, streams and other areas. The practice encompasses 34 states and is overseen by the Farm Service Agency. Landowners are eligible to receive up to $100 per acre to place their land in a 10-year contract. Program sign-up is continuous until all acres are enrolled or till December 31, 2007.
QUOTES:
"Practice CP33 represents an outstanding opportunity for producers to retire marginally productive cropland on the perimeter of crop fields and dramatically improve small game habitat without sacrificing farm income," said Billy Dukes, small game project supervisor with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
"Bobwhite buffers and other cost-share programs now give landowners the tools they need to make quail conservation successful."
John McGonigle - Lancaster Newspapers, Inc. (PA) - "Losing ground in battle to restore quail habitat" - March 13, 2005
Fast Facts:
- Projected to increase quail numbers by 750,000 annually
- Will also benefit reptiles, amphibians, and aquatic species, in addition to numerous upland birds species
- Protects against soil erosion
- Traps field sediments and nutrients protecting water quality
- 80 percent of bobwhite quail have disappeared in the last 25 years
Timeline:
1980 - Bobwhite quail population at 59 million nationwide
1999 - Bobwhite quail population at 20 million nationwide
2003 - Bobwhite numbers down 60 to 90 percent across the US bobwhite range
2004 - Establishment of the CP-33 enrolling 250,000 acres
2005 - Quail Forever launched by Pheasants Forever to address the quail habitat losses and subsequent bobwhite population declines
2007 - Final enrollment for CP-33
