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Note: Session titles beginning with an asterisk (*) have student presenters.
ABSTRACT: The Eastern Hellbender is among the many at-risk species for which the USFWS must soon issue a listing decision. This aquatic salamander, once widespread across the Eastern US, has suffered at least 90% population declines across much of its range. It is affected by siltation and water quality degradation resulting from stream bank erosion, loss of riparian habitat, and run-off from various sources.Approximately 75% of the land base of the Southeastern US is devoted to farming, ranching and forestry. Privately owned working lands play a crucial role in the provision of water quality and quantity, connectivity, and habitat availability, which are essential to the survival of aquatic species. Hellbender population declines cannot be reversed without active restoration and management of habitat on agricultural lands. Fortunately the Farm Bill has dedicated billions of dollars to voluntary, incentive based programs designed to advance private lands conservation. _x000D_
Defenders of Wildlife is spearheading an initiative to utilize various Farm Bill programs to benefit both producers and hellbenders on agricultural lands in the Southeast. If our efforts are successful, NRCS funds will be directed to producers to help stabilize stream banks, restore riparian vegetation, and improve soil and water health in important hellbender habitat. Over twenty partner groups would also come together to facilitate outreach, education, implementation and monitoring through direct investments and in-kind services. Our initiative provides an opportunity to foster new partnerships and innovative techniques, and can address the root cause of dwindling hellbender populations to benefit both landowners and wildlife.
Wednesday November 1, 2017 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Carroll Ford