"I didn't realize how fast we would see the changes in the land when we began establishing the Shallow Water Area for Wildlife practice in October of 2002," said landowner Dennis Jacobson. The practice, completed in November of the same year, quickly provided habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife birds.

The marginal farmland is adjacent to Horseshoe Lake, with the Ouachita River located just east of the farm. It provides habitat to waterfowl such as Wood Ducks and Gadwalls. Along the border of Horseshoe Lake, Dennis planted about five acres of hardwood trees, creating a CRP Riparian Buffer. The buffer keeps sediment from entering the lake.

The Shallow Water Area for Wildlife was placed in a drainage area of the farm not far from the Riparian Buffer. Water entering the drainage area eventually empties into the Ouachita River, and the CRP practices greatly benefit water quality. Dennis, seeing the benefits of the first two practices, has since planted additional hardwood trees and established the remainder of the farm in native cover.

According to Dennis, wildlife and water fowl have been increasing on the old farm area, and he has already enjoyed hunting waterfowl in the shallow water area.

Installed in November 2002, this CRP Shallow Water Area for Wildlife quickly attracted waterfowl and other wildlife.

In addition to providing wildlife habitat, these CRP Shallow Water Areas for Wildlife help to improve water quality in the Ouachita River.

Wildlife and waterfowl populations have increased since installation of CRP Shallow Water Areas for Wildlife on this Caldwell Parish farm.