Tricolored Blackbird RCPP Update
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service has announced that the payment rate for harvest delay (Practice 645 Upland Wildlife Habitat Management, Scenario #46 – Delayed Harvest, Silage-Corn Rotation) under this year’s Tricolored Blackbird Regional Conservation Partnership Program will be $945.70 per acre. While this figure is shy of the EverAg estimated impact rate of $1,019, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife may supplement this rate depending on current costs for replacement grain. CDFW will determine any supplemental rate based on current year’s costs by mid-April. NRCS and CDFW pay compensation directly to farmers, and payments may be received within three to four weeks after completion of contract requirements. To ensure this payment timeline, it is important for landowners to call and/or visit their local NRCS field office as soon as they learn about the program. As a reminder, harvest delay is needed only on the portion of the field with tricolored blackbirds, including a small buffer zone of approximately 100 feet.
Audubon began conducting road surveys two weeks ago, and surveys are ongoing. Very little breeding activity has been detected other than two sites. However, it will likely accelerate with the onset of warmer weather.
Staff contact: Richard Filgas, rfilgas@cfbf.com.
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