Corn Ethanol and Wildlife – How increases in corn plantings are affecting habitat and wildlife in the Prairie Pothole Region, 01-13-2010. Rebecca Brooke, Gregory Fogel, Aviva Glaser, Elizabeth Griffin and Kristen Johnson.
“Government incentives have led to skyrocketing growth in the U.S. corn ethanol industry over the past five years. This has contributed to major increases in corn prices and corn demand, ultimately resulting in increased corn plantings across the country. Total U.S. corn acreage increased 19 percent between 2006 and 2007, to a level not seen since the Dust Bowl. About one-third of the nations corn crop is now diverted to ethanol plants. Farmers have shifted land into corn production from other crops, idle agricultural land, and native prairie, thereby causing wildlife habitat loss and degradation. Given that current legislation mandates increases in corn ethanol production through 2015, these patterns are likely to continue. This study analyzes the current and potential impacts of increased corn ethanol production on wildlife and habitat in four Midwestern states: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In addition to experiencing dramatic increases in corn plantings over the last five years, these states encompass the majority of the U.S. portion of a unique wetland/grassland ecosystem known as the Prairie Pothole Region. This region contains important native prairie and wetland habitat, and thus holds special importance for a variety of wildlife species.”
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