8095

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 8095
• Author: National Research Council.
• Title: Impacts of Emerging Agricultural Trends on Fish and Wildlife Habitat.
• USFW Year: 1982.
• USFW - Doc Type: Washington, D.C.
• Copyright Material: NO

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The agricultural and forest industry is the largest modifier of the
lands and waters that provide habitats for fish and wildlife. The
size, scope, and nature of agricultural practices such as cultivating
cropland, grazing rangeland, and harvesting forests have profoundly
affected the quality of these habitats.

TRENDS IN AGRICULTURE

Agricultural land use and practices are changing. An increased demand
for food and forest products is placing pressure on agricultural
production and thus on our land and water. These pressures will
remain high. The rising costs of production and declining net returns
per unit of product place pressures on farmers to increase
productivity further. In response, changes in farm size, production
'practices, and ownership patterns may occur that will affect wildlife
habitats.

NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE

These changes will have both positive and negative impacts on fish and
wildlife habitats. Agriculture and wildlife each have specific needs,
and the direct relationship between agricultural practices and
wildlife habitats must be more widely recognized. The value of fish
and wildlife to society must be considered as well as the value of
maintaining a productive agriculture. These values are not
necessarily in conflict. They can be brought into better balance
through careful planning, consistent policy, and appropriate
incentives to landowners.
Political, social, economic, scientific, and technological trends
greatly influence agricultural practices. Changes in some of these
practices will increase habitat quality for fish and wildlife, whereas
changes in others will decrease habitat quality. The trends and
practices along with the impacts on habitats are summarized below.

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