Purdue leads $2.7M USDA-funded conservation project
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Purdue University is receiving $2.7 million through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program. Purdue says Professors Rod Williams and Nick Burgmeier will use the funding to lead a conservation project, called Farmers Helping Hellbenders, aimed at improving hellbender habitat in the south central Indiana region.
The four-county region is home to the only remaining habitat for Eastern hellbenders in the state, which are a species of aquatic giant salamander.
According to the university, Williams, a professor of forestry and natural resources, and Burgmeier, a wildlife specialist with Purdue Extension, plan to improve the hellbender habitat by decreasing sedimentation in local rivers by expanding agricultural conservation practices. sedimentation is a major cause of hellbender decline as they breathe through capillaries near the surface of their skin, absorbing oxygen directly from the water.
“Through this initiative, focused on Crawford, Floyd, Harrison and Washington counties, we expect to improve water quality and aquatic wildlife habitat,” Burgmeier said. “Simultaneously, we hope to improve soil retention and nutrient availability to crops by helping farmers implement practices such as cover crops, riparian buffers, grassed waterways, etc. Additional benefits will include increases in riparian and pollinator habitat and increased protection for karst habitat through the selected targeting of sinkholes.”
The project will also address soil and nutrient loss, which Purdue says are also concerns for agricultural producers. Purdue says 14 partners are assisting in the project, including Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Gardens, Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo, and the Indianapolis Zoo.
“Wildlife conservation, as a science, is complex,” Williams said. “This RCPP project builds upon 16 years of partnerships, from university researchers to Extension educators, zoos, nongovernmental organizations and state agency professionals. Each partner brings a special talent, community asset, and passion to Eastern hellbender conservation. This project will highlight how conservation professionals can pair with landowners to the benefit of all. We are very excited about moving forward.”
Purdue says Williams’ hellbender lab is also working with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife, as well as several others, on conservation projects and educational opportunities.