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Farmland Wildlife Policy -

February 1994

The mission statement of the Lincoln Conservation Commission states the Commission is to "foster stewardship of Lincoln's land and natural resources" and this will be accomplished through "preservation of the fields, forests and streams" that have been entrusted to conservation use. However, conservation policy must take into consideration further refinement to place in proper perspective the need to protect the land and wildlife as well as the practical aspects of good farming practices. This policy statement is a basic guideline for balancing the needs of both farmers and wildlife to allow them to co-exist in relative harmony. This policy is intended only for conservation farmland and does not have any impact on that conservation property which is not farmed.

Farmland is to be leased in minimum five-year increments in order that farmers have adequate time to make an investment in the property in line with good farming practices. A five-year strategy for land improvements is to be submitted to the Conservation Commission with the lease application. Prior to the growing season, annual plans should be submitted identifying pesticides proposed for use and any changes in the five-year plan. The standards for establishing the types of pesticides will be governed by the State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines (see attached) and reviewed annually.

Diversity of wildlife is a critical factor since farmland nurtures many different species of living creatures. Species designated as endangered over-ride all other concerns and may prevent farming in that specific location. A species of concern, or one which is not considered endangered, but has experienced a reduction in population, should be given careful consideration to encourage its proliferation. A plan of action should be agreed upon between the farmer and Commission as part of the annual plan submitted before the growing season although situations may arise during the growing season requiring modification to the plan. Farmers should submit plans for approval by the Conservation Commission of methods for dealing with animal pests for causing crop damage (or seriously damage the land). These plans would be submitted on a case-by-case basis, quantifying the potential damage, and establishing an action plan. In the context of good farming practices, actions least invasive to the wildlife are the preference of the Commission.

Monitoring the use of farmland is a key concern of this subcommittee. We propose this committee provide oversight by reviewing the five-year strategic plans, the annual action plans, and the proposed actions made during the growing season which impact the wildlife.

In addition, the Conservation Commission should begin to conduct an annual review of the flora and on-going evaluation of the wildlife to ensure proper stewardship of the farmlands.

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