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<br />I <br /> <br />CROPLAND AND PASTURE <br /> <br />Despite the diversity in types of crops and agricultural practices in <br />the united States, several agricultural trends are apparent that could <br />affect existing fish and wildlife habitats. The three major trends <br />are as follows: (1) more intensive and efficient use of existing <br />cropland, (2) conversion of lands currently in pasture, range, and <br />forest into cropland, and (3) loss of prime farmland to other uses. <br />The use of agricultural chemicals, irrigation and drainage, <br />double cropping, increased field size, and the improvement of plant <br />species have led to more intensive and efficient use of cropland. <br />These practices often have negative effects on habitats. Agricultural <br />chemicals are toxic to many species and can disrupt ecosystems by <br />eliminating certain plants or animals necessary to support wildlife. <br />Replacement of wild pastures with tame pastures and widespread <br />monoculture reduce the diversity of plant life and thus the diversity <br />of wildlife. DOuble cropping and increased field size reduce <br />habitats. More efficient use of pesticides, fertilizers, and water <br />may reduce some of these effects. Integrated pest management and less <br />tillage of land can improve fish and wildlife habitats. <br /> <br />FOREST LAND <br /> <br />Forest land is expected to be more intensively managed in the future <br />as demands for timber products increase. The major forest land <br />management practices that affect wildlife habitats are (1) those that <br />alter the diversity of forest land, including conversion from one type <br />of forest to another, (2) those that increase public or private access <br />to remote forest land, and (3) those that create off-site impacts. <br />Forestry practices that often decrease plant species diversity <br />include the conversion of hardwood forests to conifers, short <br />rotations where trees are harvested at younger ages, and intensive use <br />of new techniques for site preparation, planting, and culture of <br />genetically superior planted stock. Increased grazing by livestock <br />will accelerate degradation of forests for wildlife. In some regions <br />there will be continued loss of forest land to agriculture or to <br />reservoirs and other developments that reduce wildlife habitats. <br />Zoning that protects streams, steep slopes, and other sensitive <br />areas and silvicultural treatments planned to retain a variety of <br />vegetation zones will enhance habitats and result in a greater <br />diversity of wildlife. <br /> <br />RANGELAND <br /> <br />LOsses of habitats for fish and wildlife will occur through more <br />intensive use of rangeland, conversion of rangeland to cropland and <br />pasture, and fence-building in areas that are winter grazing lands for <br />large mammals. Overuse of rangeland for recreation and intensive <br />grazing of livestock in competition with wildlife will result in a <br /> <br />xvi <br />