Bison are a staple in Stevens Village. And CRP payments help to support the staple. In 2004, this Alaskan Native Village purchased a farm through FSA's Indian Tribal Land Acquisition Program. Thanks to an existing CRP contract elsewhere on the farm, the village can pay operating expenses while they establish the herd. And CRP's managed haying and grazing option can be used to supplement grazing for the bison during allowed periods.

Steve Hjelm, onsite manager of the bison range, explained that bison provide a traditional, healthy meat source for the people here.

CRP has helped Stevens Village reintroduce bison and work towards financial independence. Villagers are seeing even more benefit: songbirds, upland birds, waterfowl, and moose flourish from the cover and wildlife food source offered by the CRP acreage.

Stevens Village CRP in Delta County, Alaska, where CRP contract payments help support a traditional bison range for an Alaska Native Village.

A wire fence separates two of the Alaska Natives' most valuable resources: CRP land and bison.

According to onsite range manager Steve Hjelm, the bison project is meant to provide a healthier, traditional source of meat for Alaska Natives.

CRP contract acres on the farm purchased by Stevens Village.

Bison are maintained by Stevens Village on other acreage on their farm not enrolled in CRP.