Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-22.7

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 11, December 11, 2024

Rule 571-22.7 - [Effective until 6/5/2024] Pheasant and quail restoration practices

This rule delineates eligibility and procedures for establishing pheasant and quail restoration practices.

(1)Eligibility. The program is available statewide. To be eligible for cost assistance, landowners must enter into a written agreement with the department specifying the obligations of both parties.

(2)Applications for assistance. Applications will be accepted only from those who are eligible as noted above.

a. Applications must be submitted on forms furnished by the department.

b. Applications and contracts must be received by June 1 to provide adequate time for site inspection and practice design. The application period may be extended indefinitely, or until all available funds have been committed. Landowners will be notified within 30 days of their acceptance or rejection.

(3)Project review and selection.

a. Projects will be reviewed by the department wildlife biologist, who will then recommend that the commission enter into agreements with the successful applicants.

b. Projects will be selected on the basis of habitat potential, site suitability, priority locations, and other habitat factors, to determine those projects with the greatest chance of benefiting wildlife populations.

(4)Contract agreements. The director is authorized to enter into agreements with landowners to carry out the purposes of this program.

a. Agreement forms will be provided by the department, and they shall explicitly state the terms of the agreement including restoration practices.

b. Cost-sharing assistance will not be provided unless an agreement has been signed by both parties.

c. Contracts may be amended by mutual agreement of both parties.

(5)Restoration practices. Pheasant and quail restoration practices will be guided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office technical guide (FOTG).

a. Approved practices include: brush management (314), conservation cover (327), critical area planting (342), early successional development/management (647), forage harvest management (511), pasture and hay planting (312), prescribed burning (338), prescribed grazing (528A), tree/shrub establishment (612), upland wildlife habitat management (645), wetland enhancement (659), wetland restoration (657), wetland wildlife habitat management (644).

b. Deviation from these practices or new practices must be approved by a department wildlife biologist.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 571-22.7