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Description of LESA Criteria for Grasslands Reserve Program - Connecticut (2005)

Criteria based on National Policy and Connecticut-specific information.

  1. Farm Bill language prioritizes parcel size to 40 acres or larger. In Connecticut, areas of 20 acres or greater have significant value for grassland birds. Smaller clusters and fields in the vicinity of clusters are also of value to raptors. Ideally, parcels are contiguous grassland. In Connecticut, due to our small field size, incidental areas of hedgerows, riparian corridors, narrow forest areas, and corner woodlots often make up a definable area for the rental agreement or easement. Farm infrastructure for grassland agriculture can be included.
  2. No more than 20% of the areas can be incidental lands in a rental agreement or easement.
  3. Prime and important farmland soils indicate the productivity of the grassland agriculture. Parcels with a higher percentage are a higher priority to protect.
  4. The focus of the GRP Program is to maintain grasslands-based agriculture and, where viable and important, protect and restore habitat for grassland-based plant and animal species. Parcels managed for both receive a higher score.
  5. Parcels currently in well-managed grasslands received the highest score. Restoration needs might include removal of invasive species, or conversion of cropland or shrubland back to grasslands. Clearing woodland is not considered restoration.
  6. Active farmland/grasslands surrounded by similar landuses is the most viable for agriculture and grassland habitat.
  7. Conversion to development is considered the greatest threat in Connecticut to both agriculture and habitat. Grassland conversion to cropland is a threat on protected lands (by towns, land trusts, DEP, DOA), and on prime farmland soils. (This factor used for rentals only.)
  8. Compatible adjacent land uses are important to keeping agriculture viable and free of vandalism, complaints, and lawsuits. Residential development is also not compatible for habitat due to invasive species and predation from house pets.
  9. The level of commitment of the applicant to long-term agriculture is indicated by the length of rental agreement/easement.
  10. Indicates areas in Connecticut with the greatest threat and/or highest priority for habitat.
  11. Keeping agricultural lands with multiple non-market values is a high priority. All concerns that apply are totaled.

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