Do you own at least five acres in Barnwell, Allendale or Bamberg County that has a history of crop planting? If so, your property may be eligible for a cost-sharing program that will basically pay you to plant and maintain turkey habitat.

The following is a press release explaining the program:

The USDA Farm Service Agency is now offering the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) Initiative under the Conservation Reserve Program to enhance high priority wildlife habitat in Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell Counties. The SAFE Habitat Initiative will provide technical and financial assistance to install and maintain up to 2,300 acres of wildlife habitat. Habitat establishment will require planting a mix of three types of native warm season grasses along with two types of forbs while managing for natural vegetation diversity.

To enroll in the program, land must be located in Allendale, Bamberg or Barnwell counties, contain a minimum of five acres and have a history of crop planting. The program potentially pays rental rates, sign-up bonuses incentive payments and cost share. Contracts run between 10 and 15 years, and require active management including light discing, herbicide application and prescribed fire, all of which are eligible for cost share.

For more information on the SAFE program see the attached pdf or contact the Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Service offices in the participating counties:

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