Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative Offered By USDA

Reporter asks, "When do you start to see the ducks and other waterfowl out in this area?”

East Carroll Parish Farmer, Jason Kirkland, responds, “Starting in late August and Early September."

But for Kirkland, the land brings into focus the need to help birds migrating south toward the coast.

Kirkland says, "This oil disaster is going to last several years so anything I can do up this way to keep water on my property for the shorebirds, the water fowl and other birds coming down to keep them from going to the gulf that's a benefit."

That’s why Kirkland is filling out an application to take part in the Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative.

If chosen, The USDA will work with him to manage portions of his land to provide food, shelter, and water to the shore birds and water fowl in hopes they will use it as an alternate habitat-instead of heading to the coastal wetlands. 

He says the initiatives include portions of Louisiana and seven other states. 

Norton says, "It's a critical thing. The impact of the oil in the marsh could be devastating. We can't wait until we see if the oil does impact the marsh. We really need to start now getting that habitat in place."