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Why Early Vegetation Establishment Matters for Solar Projects
How Pre-Construction Soil Stabilization and Temporary Seeding Save Time, Money, and Headaches Utility-scale solar projects face a variety of logistical, regulatory, and environmental hurdles. Among the most overlooked (yet critically important) is early vegetation establishment. Long before solar panels are installed and power is generated, the groundwork, literally, must be laid. That groundwork starts with
How CRP Helps Protect Endangered and At-Risk Species
The Role of Conservation Land in Preserving Biodiversity and Supporting Threatened Wildlife As habitat loss and fragmentation continue to threaten biodiversity across the United States, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) stands as a critical line of defense for many endangered and at-risk species. By converting marginal agricultural land into ecologically valuable habitat, CRP not only
The Importance of CRP in Supporting Monarch Butterflies
How Milkweed and Other Native Plants Provide Crucial Habitat for Monarchs The iconic monarch butterfly, with its striking orange and black wings, is more than just a symbol of natural beauty; it’s a vital pollinator and an indicator of ecosystem health. Unfortunately, monarch populations have seen a dramatic decline over the last several decades due to
Creating Bird-Friendly Habitat with CRP
How CRP Plantings Support Upland Birds, Songbirds, and Migratory Species Grasslands are among the most threatened ecosystems in North America, and as they disappear, so too do the birds that depend on them. Fortunately, the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a powerful tool for reversing this trend. Through the establishment of native grasses, forbs, and
When and How to Mow CRP Fields for Weed Control
Understanding USDA Mowing Regulations and How to Use Mowing as a Management Tool Mowing is one of the most widely used techniques for establishing and managing vegetation in Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. While mowing can be an effective tool for weed control and habitat maintenance, it
How to Prevent and Control Woody Encroachment in CRP Fields
Best Practices for Keeping Trees and Shrubs from Overtaking CRP Grasslands One of the most common long-term threats to the health and integrity of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) plantings is woody encroachment, the gradual invasion of trees and shrubs into grassland habitats. If left unmanaged, woody species can drastically alter the structure and function of