Solving the most delicate conservation issues takes collaboration among partners who bring their unique talents to the table. Such it is with a caring Louisiana landowner, FSA, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service who teamed up in 1998 to improve habitat conditions for the Louisiana black bear, listed as a threatened species.

At USFWS' recommendation, landowner David Olvey entered into a CRP contract to plant a corridor of hardwood, oak, and pecan trees for the bears. David's farm is located between a wildlife refuge and private woodlands. The corridor serves as a passageway for the bears, connecting two large hardwood tracts.

USFWS assumed the cost of the tree planting, while the FSA contract reimburses the landowner with annual rental payments. The corridor has allowed the bears to move freely and expand their territory in wooded areas, resulting in a population increase.

A trail monitor camera catches a Louisiana black bear on David Olvey's land.

A black bear corridor of Hardwoods, Willow Oak, Cherry Bark Oak, Water Oak and Sweet Pecan trees.