Randy Soileau, district conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Ville Platte, encourages agricultural producers to consider enrolling a portion of their land in NRCS’ Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (MBHI).

Through MBHI, the NRCS is offering technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers in portions of 22 parishes to develop and enhance habitat for migrating birds.

“NRCS is offering an incentive to eligible producers to manage eligible agricultural land to provide habitat for a variety of waterfowl and wading birds,” said Soileau. “Evangeline Parish is one of the eligible areas for MBHI, and I encourage any ag producers who are interested in this opportunity to visit our office as soon as possible - applications for the first ranking period must be received by May 18.”

Funding for the 2012 MBHI will be provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Applications for EQIP funding are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year; however, to be considered in the first MBHI ranking pool, applications must be received by close of business on May 18.

NRCS will work with the producers to create or enhance shallow water, mud flat and moist soil habitats to benefit a variety of migratory birds. MBHI projects provide: food and critical habitat for bird populations; much-needed water during drought; support for local economies by attracting hunters and bird watchers; and new opportunities to improve wildlife management.

Interested producers should contact their local NRCS office at 205 Court Street, Ville Platte, or call (337) 363-6602, ext. 3, for more information. More information on MBHI can be found at http://www.la.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/MBHI/index.html.