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TENNESSEE PARTNERS PROJECT
The Tennessee Partners Project is a private lands program designed
to establish or improve waterfowl and wetland habitat. The program began in
1993, and is a cooperative effort between the Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS), Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), Ducks Unlimited
(DU), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Tennessee Department of Agriculture
(TDA), University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service (UTAES), and
the landowner.
Under the program, landowners are provided water control structures and technical
assistance for the design and installation of waterfowl impoundments. The
TDA and DU also may provide some cost-share assistance toward the construction
of the project. In return, landowners sign a minimum 10-year agreement to
flood croplands and other designated areas from October 1 or immediately after
crops are harvested until March 1 each year, and limit waterfowl hunting to
mornings only. At the end of the agreement period, the landowner retains ownership
of all water control structures. The cooperating agencies expect the practice
of holding water during the winter months to continue after the contract period
ends primarily due to the anticipated benefits.
Benefits to landowners from the flooding of crop fields may include:
Inhibited weed growth
Increased soil moisture at crop planting
Personal recreation opportunities
Financial return from duck hunting leases
Benefits to the environment may include:
Sediment trapping and reduced sedimentation to water courses
Water quality improvements due to reduced pesticide applications
Increased waterfowl and shallow water habitat for wildlife
Reduced disease potential from dispersal of waterfowl
As of May 1, 2004, approximately 9,660 acres of shallow water have
been developed under Tennessee Partners Program agreements, primarily in West
Tennessee. This habitat has benefited waterfowl, wading and shorebirds, and
other wildlife associated with aquatic habitats.
For more information contact:
Tim Willis
Regional Biologist
235 Oil Well Road
Jackson, TN 38305
731.668.0700 (ext. 107)
twillis@ducks.org
Tennessee Habitat Projects
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Tyson Foods, Inc. Donates $65,000 to Wetlands Restoration Project
Open Letter to Tennessee Sportsmen
Tennessee Partners Project: Awarded for Excellence
Tennessee Partners Project: 2005 Annual Report
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