The Iowa chapter of Pheasants Forever and the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) have formed a new joint project to promote the creation of pheasant nesting habitat near hog farms and to protect water quality.
“This is a win-win,” says Scott Tapper, IPPA president and pork producer from Webster City, IA. “It will help producers beautify their farm sites while making them more environmentally acceptable.”
Habitat projects are being developed at 10 pilot farms. Sites must include at least two acres of land.
Producer participants will receive financial contributions from both Pheasants Forever and IPPA. Pheasants Forever will also provide the technical assistance in planning, maintenance and follow-up work on each farm.
“The goal of this project is to create some additional habitat around swine barns without disrupting the operation of the facility,” explains Dave Van Waus, a regional wildlife biologist for Pheasants Forever. “We are excited to form this new partnership with farms throughout Iowa.”