Impact of the Conservation Reserve Program on natural habitats in Jefferson County, WI

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between CRP and adjacent land use in Jefferson County, Wisconsin. The CRP data were analyzed using aerial photographs to determine their spatial relationship to six land cover classes. Of these six land classifications, water and wood are more likely to increase natural habitat. The expansion of the existing habitat due to adjacent CRP may increase the habitat patch size which would enhance the value of the parcel as wildlife habitat. Areas that showed an increase in natural habitat were evaluated to determine the amount of expansion. The results enabled us to identify where the CRP program has the most positive effect on habitat expansion in Jefferson County, and also evaluate the overall value of the CRP program for wildlife.