Corn Ethanol and Wildlife: How are Policy and Market Driven Increases in Corn Plantings Affecting Habitat and Wildlife

Abstract

Since 2005, government incentives have driven massive growth in the corn ethanol industry, increasing demand for corn for ethanol by 200%. Corn prices have risen to reflect increased demand, and farmers have responded by planting more acres of corn. The amount of corn planted in the United States grew by 12 million acres from 2005 to 2008. New acres for corn have come from crop switching, loss of conservation program land, and native prairie conversion, all of which affect habitat quantity and quality. This study used GIS software to map “hotspots” of corn plantings and habitat loss in the Prairie Pothole Region of four Midwestern states: Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. These maps informed a statistical analysis that quantifies grassland bird population changes in areas experiencing high increases in corn plantings. A review of current legislation and market data revealed that government incentives are the main driver of corn ethanol expansion. We interviewed over 30 conservation practitioners to assess the potential of federal and state conservation policies and programs to mitigate the adverse effects of increased corn plantings on habitat and wildlife. Our results show that dramatic loss of habitat is occurring in the ecologically unique Prairie Pothole Region, and that populations of sensitive bird species are declining significantly in hotspots in this area. Principal among our recommendations is that government incentives for corn ethanol production be reduced; in particular, we recommend a reduction in blending requirements, which drive demand for corn ethanol. Unless changes are made, corn plantings for ethanol production will continue to expand until at least 2015, resulting in further declines of sensitive wildlife populations in one of the nation’s most ecologically important regions.