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HABITATPLANPRO
AI-Powered Habitat Planning
Generated April 14, 2026
PDF Blueprint — $75
Habitat Roadmap
Johnson Creek Farm
12450 County Rd 6, Wykoff, MN 55990 · 120 acres
Trophy Buck DevelopmentFood Plot Expansion
Current HSI Score
51/100
Baseline assessment
Projected HSI Score
84/100
After 3–5 year plan
Score Improvement
+33 pts
Potential gain
Habitat Suitability Index — Subscore Breakdown
Table of Contents
1Cover & Property Overview
2Property Assessment & AI Insights
3Deer Herd Assessment & Wildlife Intelligence
4Access Routes & Hunting Strategy
55-Year Action Calendar
6Recommended Products & Budget
7AI-Suggested Property Map
8Regulations, Glossary & Data Sources
🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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Property Assessment & AI Insights
AI Analysis
Johnson Creek Farm presents a solid mid-tier habitat base with significant upside potential. The primary limiting factors are soil pH deficiency in food plot zones, insufficient bedding structure in the mature timber block, and absence of reliable year-round water in the core hunting area. Addressing these three issues in sequence will move this property from a 51 HSI to a projected 84+ within 3–5 growing seasons.
The 120-acre parcel has exceptional structural diversity — mature oak timber on the northwest block, open agricultural ground on the east, and a natural drainage corridor running northeast to southwest. This diversity is the foundation of high-quality whitetail habitat; the work ahead is connecting these elements with intentional bedding, food, and water improvements.
AI Habitat Insights (4)
CRITICALSoil pH Correction — Do This First
Soil samples indicate pH averaging 5.4 across food plot zones — significantly below the 6.2–6.8 optimal range for clover, brassica, and corn. Lime application at 2–3 tons/acre is required before any seed investment. Without correction, even premium seed blends will severely underperform.
HIGH PRIORITYBedding Complex — Hinge Cut TSI Program
The 18-acre mature oak stand on the NW corner lacks understory structure due to full canopy closure. A targeted TSI hinge-cut program opening 30–40% of the canopy will generate immediate thermal bedding cover and day-bed satellite sites within 2 growing seasons. Target trees 4–8" DBH on south-facing aspects.
HIGH PRIORITYPerennial Water Development
No year-round water source exists within the core 80 acres. The NE topographic low near map pin WS1 shows classic watershed convergence — ideal for a 0.3–0.5 acre impoundment. A properly designed pond here closes the single largest HSI gap on this property, adding an estimated +25 points to the Water Access subscore.
MEDIUMEdge Feathering & Travel Corridor Development
Hard agricultural field edges provide no transition habitat between timber and food sources. A 30–40 ft native grass and shrub buffer planted along the east field edge will create thermal bedding transition zones, natural funneling corridors, and additional screening from the county road.
Property Photos — AI Analyzed (4 of 12)
BD1
NW Timber Stand
Full canopy closure confirmed — zero understory regeneration. Hinge-cut TSI recommended across 10–12 acres.
Cover Score: 61 → 84 (projected)
FP1
Food Plot Zone — FP1
Sparse stand with visible soil pH stress — yellowing clover and brassica failure. Lime application required before reseeding.
Soil Score: 68 → 88 (projected)
WS1
Johnson Creek Drainage
Seasonal flow only — creek bed dry in August photos. Topographic low at WS1 confirms pond site viability with minimal earthwork.
Water Score: 44 → 79 (projected)
TR1
East Field Edge
Hard ag field edge with no transition cover. Switchgrass / native grass buffer planting along 600 ft of field edge will create thermal bedding strip.
Connectivity: 31 → 71 (projected)
🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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Deer Herd Assessment & Wildlife Intelligence
Current Herd Condition
Based on 120 acres of mixed timber/ag habitat with a current HSI of 51, this property likely supports 8–12 deer at current carrying capacity — a density consistent with central Minnesota agricultural fringe habitat. The absence of year-round water and limited bedding structure is compressing the resident herd and reducing the property's ability to hold mature bucks through the hunting season.
🦌Buck Age Goal
Pass all 1.5 and 2.5-year-old bucks for the first 3 years of the program. Harvest only 3.5+ year class bucks — identifiable by deep chest, swayed back, Roman nose, and heavy tarsal staining. This is the most important and most difficult rule to follow.
⚖️Doe:Buck Target Ratio
Target a 1.5:1 to 2:1 doe-to-buck ratio. Current estimated ratio on this property class is 3:1 to 4:1. Harvest 2–3 antlerless deer per season for the first 3 years to rebalance the herd and reduce competition for food resources.
🎯Harvest Guidelines
Year 1–3: Harvest 2–3 does annually. Pass all bucks under 3.5 years. Year 4+: Begin selective buck harvest once age structure improves — target 1 mature buck (3.5+) per year. Never harvest more than 30% of your estimated doe population in a single season.
📊Carrying Capacity
Current estimated carrying capacity: 8–12 deer per square mile. After full habitat improvements (water, bedding, food plots): projected 16–20 deer per square mile — a 60–80% improvement driven primarily by year-round water access and bedding structure.
Trail Camera Strategy
📷
Place cameras at TR1 (main corridor), FP1 (food plot entry), and WS1 (water site once developed). Check cameras every 7–10 days maximum — over-checking is the #1 cause of mature buck pattern disruption. Pull all cameras from bedding areas (BD1) by August 15. Run cameras on 24-hour video burst mode during Oct 15–Nov 20 peak movement window.
Expected Deer Behavior — Johnson Creek Farm
🌿Velvet / Early Season (Aug–Sept)
Bucks in bachelor groups using FP1 and FP2 evening feeds. Predictable but pressure-sensitive — one blown entry can shift patterns for 2 weeks. Does and fawns in open areas near field edges.
📷 Best cameras: FP1 entry trail, TR1 midpoint. 24hr video mode recommended.
🍂Transition / Pre-Rut (Oct)
Bachelor groups dissolve. Bucks begin making scrapes along TR1 corridor and field edges. Expanding range — may use all of BD1 sanctuary. Mast crop (acorns in NW oak block) becomes primary afternoon food source.
📷 Check TR1 and scrape lines. Expect 30–40% drop in daylight activity in late October.
🦌Rut (Nov 1–20)
Maximum movement. Bucks cruising between doe bedding areas, using the NE-SW drainage corridor heavily. Expect mature bucks during daylight hours at ST1 pinch point. Does in FP1 draw bucks from neighboring properties.
📷 All cameras active. Check weekly — don't over-pressure. Expect 5–8 unique bucks on camera during peak rut.
❄️Late Season (Dec–Feb)
Strict food-to-bed movement. FP2 brassica plot (turnips/radishes) becomes the primary afternoon destination once temps drop below 25°F. Deer conserving calories — minimal daytime movement except in severe cold.
📷 Pull all cameras from BD1 by Dec 1. Maintain food plot cameras only.
🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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Access Routes & Hunting Strategy
Johnson Creek Farm is a pressure-sensitive property flanked by county road hunting pressure to the east. Success here depends on disciplined access management and reserving the NW timber block as a true sanctuary — enter it only for the peak rut and specific high-wind conditions. Prioritize evening food plot sits early season and transition to pinch points and funnels once October frosts push bucks into predictable movement patterns.
Property Access Routes
AR1West Ditch Entry (ST1 Primary)Best winds:NWWSW
Park at the SW field corner off County Rd 6. Walk the west fenceline ditch heading north — this keeps you below the ridge thermals and out of the NW bedding block entirely. Approach takes 12 minutes.
SERVES:
ST1
NOTE:
Morning thermals rise off the ridge by 9am — exit before thermals shift or bucks will smell you from the bedding block. Best used for 2-hour morning sits during rut.
AR2South Field Road Entry (ST2 Primary)Best winds:NNWNE
Drive to the south access road along the property line. Walk the east field edge north using the brassica plots as cover — deer won't associate vehicle noise with danger if you park off the main road.
SERVES:
ST2
NOTE:
Best evening entry. The south road keeps you completely downwind of the SE funnel. Don't use this route on S or SW winds — you'll blow deer out of FP1.
AR3Creek Bottom Approach (Rut Only)Best winds:SSEE
Wade or walk the Johnson Creek drainage from the south property line. This is a wet-feet route — rubber boots required. The creek corridor completely masks your scent approach to the NW pinch point.
SERVES:
ST1
NOTE:
Reserve this route for November 5–18 only. The creek approach burns the corridor if used too early.
Stand Playbook
ST1NW Ridge Pinch Point
NWWSW
Entry
Enter by 5:45am via AR1 (west ditch). The NW timber block should be completely undisturbed on approach. Check wind at property line before committing — abort on any S or SE component.
Exit
Wait until 10am minimum before exiting. Bucks bed in the NW block until midday. Exit the same ditch route — never walk through the open field after a morning sit.
ST2SE Funnel (Secondary)
NNWNE
Entry
Evening entry only from AR2 south road. Enter 3 hours before shooting light — deer are already staged near FP1 by 4pm. Walk quietly along the field edge, not through the timber.
Exit
After dark exit only — use red headlamp. Wait until you hear deer moving away from the field before climbing down. Exit south along field edge.
Phase-Based Hunting Calendar
Early Season (Sept 1–Oct 1)→ ST2
Hunt food sources only — no pressure on bedding areas. Bucks are in velvet recovery patterns, highly predictable but easily bumped. One blown entry ruins the stand for 2 weeks.
Evening-only sits at ST2 overlooking FP1Leave by headlamp — no early exits that blow deerPull trail cams from bedding areas — let BD1 rest
Pre-Rut (Oct 2–Nov 1)→ ST1, ST2
Bucks begin making scrapes and expanding range. Transition from food-only sits to travel corridor and pinch point hunting as daylight movement increases.
Morning sits at ST1 on NW/W winds via AR1Hang mock scrape near TR1 corridor midpointHunt ST2 evenings when ST1 wind is wrongCheck trail cams every 5 days — don't over-pressure
Rut (Nov 2–20)→ ST1
All-day sits are now warranted. Bucks are moving unpredictably but consistently using the NW pinch point to check doe groups using FP1. This is the highest-value window for ST1.
All-day sits Nov 5–18 at ST1Use AR3 creek entry on S/SE windsGrunt calls and light rattling in NW timber edgeDon't hunt ST2 during peak rut — it pressures the bedding block
Post-Rut (Nov 21–Dec 15)→ ST2
Bucks are exhausted and returning to food. Shift back to food plot hunting as deer repair condition. Secondary rut around Dec 1 can produce mature buck movement.
Evening food plot sits at ST2Watch for secondary rut scrape activity Dec 1–7Rattle sparingly — bucks are burned out and won't respond aggressively
Late Season (Dec 16–Feb)→ ST2
Energy conservation mode. Deer are on a strict food-to-bed pattern. Hunt only on high-quality food and only when temperatures drive them out. Minimize pressure — every unnecessary entry now affects next fall.
Hunt only on 20°F or colder days when deer must feed heavilyEvening sits only — get in and get out cleanlyLet ST1 rest completely through February
Pressure Management
This property's greatest asset is the NW sanctuary block — protect it at all costs. Limit total intrusions into BD1 to twice per year (one TSI work session in winter, one post-season camera pull). Treat every ST1 entry as a rut-only event. ST2 can absorb more pressure given its food-adjacent positioning, but still limit to every 4–5 days maximum. When in doubt, stay out.
Thermal Current Notes
The NW timber block sits on a ridge that generates reliable thermals — cool air drains into the creek bottom by midnight and warm air rises off the south-facing slope by 9–10am. Morning sits at ST1 must end before thermals shift or scent carries directly into the bedding block. Evening hunting at ST2 benefits from cool air draining east toward the field, keeping your scent away from the timber.
🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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5-Year Action Calendar
Seasonal tasks are sequenced to build on each other. Complete Year 1 critical items before investing in Year 2 enhancements.
Year 1 — Foundation (2027)
Winter
Apply pelletized lime — all food plot zones (2–3 tons/ac) Scout & flag hinge-cut TSI zones in NW timber block Contact Fillmore County SWCD re: EQIP pond cost-share Finalize wind maps & stand placement priorities Spring
Execute hinge-cut TSI — NW timber block (10–12 acres) Disk & seed clover/chicory blend in FP1 & FP2 (pH ≥ 6.2) Begin pond site prep at WS1 — install water control structure Plant switchgrass / big bluestem buffer along east field edge Summer
Spray broadleaf invasives in food plots (targeted herbicide) Install mineral sites × 2 (confirm MN DNR baiting regs) Install fence exclusion cages to monitor browse pressure Pull soil tests — verify pH lift from lime application Fall
Overseed brassica blend into FP1 clover plots (Sept 1–15) Hang trail cams on all travel corridors (TR1 priority) Install hang-on stand ST1 — NW ridge pinch point Begin post-season cam pull — inventory buck age structure Year 2 — Infrastructure (2028)
Winter
Complete pond construction at WS1 (0.3–0.5 ac impoundment) Pull trail cams — evaluate hinge-cut browse & bedding response Order Year 2 seed & soil amendments based on retest results Scouting — map new scrape lines from expanded buck range Spring
Pond spillway & shoreline stabilization — native sedge planting Food plot rotation: rest FP1, expand FP2 brassica to 2.5 ac Phase 2 TSI: edge-feather north boundary screen (spruce/dogwood) Lime reapplication — confirm pH target zones before seeding Summer
Mow FP1 clover at 8" — prevent canopy closure Trail cam survey — doe:fawn recruitment ratio baseline Assess hinge-cut regeneration — document understory growth Install second stand location ST2 — SE funnel Fall
Selective doe harvest — target 2–3 does (herd balance) All-season cam deployment — catalog individual bucks Hang mock scrape at TR1 corridor midpoint (Oct) Document food plot species utilization rates Year 3 — Maturation (2029)
Winter
Buck age-class audit — identify 3.5+ yr candidates for harvest Phase 3 TSI — extend hinge-cut zone 2 additional acres south Native shrub corridor — connect NW timber to FP1 (elderberry) Plan Year 3 food plot rotation & cover crop strategy Spring
Plant native shrub corridor TR1 — dogwood, hawthorn, elderberry Food plot rotation: FP1 back in clover (rested 1 yr) Soil test all zones — Year 3 pH baseline Assess pond water quality & shoreline vegetation Summer
Mow & fertilize clover plots — mid-season stand maintenance Spray invasive competition in native shrub corridor Trail cam survey — evaluate doe bedding location changes Review buck age files — update individual buck histories Fall
Begin targeted buck harvest — 3.5+ yr class only Continue doe harvest (target 1:1.5 buck:doe ratio) Document stand productivity — log sits, sightings, harvest Assess TR1 corridor usage post-shrub planting Year 4 — Optimization (2030)
Winter
Full property HSI re-assessment — benchmark improvement Evaluate pond for waterfowl enhancement (nesting boxes) Year 4 food plot design — introduce warm-season grasses Scouting — document new travel corridors created by habitat work Spring
Plant warm-season grass block — switchgrass sanctuary strip Add third food plot site (FP3) if carrying capacity allows Evaluate north boundary screen effectiveness — fill gaps Install wood duck nesting boxes at pond shoreline Summer
Routine food plot maintenance — mow, spray, fertilize Mid-season camera rotation — cover all food & water sources Evaluate switchgrass sanctuary for immediate deer use Review 4-year herd trend data — adjust harvest strategy Fall
Targeted mature buck harvest — reward program discipline Doe harvest per adjusted herd data Document HSI subscore improvements vs. Year 1 baseline Begin Year 5 planning — long-range habitat goals Year 5 — Sustained Management (2031)
Winter
Full 5-year program review — HSI target vs. actual comparison Plan long-term timber rotation — identify next TSI candidates Evaluate EQIP/WHIP renewal opportunities for cost-share Document complete property history — photos, data, harvest log Spring
Ongoing food plot program — rotation by soil test Native shrub corridor Year 5 audit — fill mortality gaps Third-cycle TSI — continue understory improvement Consider CRP or state habitat program enrollment if eligible Summer
Routine maintenance — plots, screens, corridors, water Mid-year camera deployment — verify herd composition Evaluate habitat improvements for potential easement value Update property map with all improvements placed Fall
Harvest framework — mature bucks + balanced doe harvest Document 5-year harvest outcomes vs. QDM benchmarks Share results — contribute data to MN DNR habitat program Begin Year 6+ planning — set next 5-year HSI targets 🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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Recommended Products, Equipment & Budget
Items are sequenced by Year 1 priority. Purchase soil inputs before seed — pH correction must precede any planting investment.
Soil
| Item | Qty / Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Pelletized Lime | 240–360 bags (50lb) | pH 5.4 → 6.5 target |
| Soil Test Kits (retest) | 6 zones | Confirm pH improvement in Year 2 |
Seed
| Item | Qty / Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Whitetail Clover / Chicory Blend | 12 lbs | Alice white clover + Puna chicory |
| Brassica Blend (Trophy Radish + Turnip) | 8 lbs | Overseed Sept 1–15 |
| Switchgrass / Big Bluestem | 5 lbs | East edge buffer planting |
Equipment
| Item | Qty / Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Chainsaw (16–20" bar) | 1 | Hinge-cut TSI program |
| Trail Cameras | 6–8 | All corridor pinch points |
| Fence Exclusion Cages | 4 | Monitor browse pressure in plots |
Structure
| Item | Qty / Amount | Notes |
|---|
| Hang-On Tree Stand | 1 | ST1 — NW ridge pinch point |
| Mineral Block / Site Stakes | 2 sites | Confirm MN DNR regs before placing |
Investment Summary
Year 1 Estimated Investment
$3,200–$5,800
Before cost-share programs
5-Year Total Investment
$11,000–$22,000
Cumulative habitat buildout
Top Cost Drivers
Lime application (240–360 bags + spreading)$1,200–$2,400
Pond construction (0.3–0.5 ac impoundment)$4,000–$8,000 (EQIP may offset 50–75%)
Trail cameras (6–8 units)$600–$1,200
Seed (clover, brassica, native grass blends)$280–$480
Hang-on stand + accessories$200–$400
Cost-Share Opportunity
Fillmore County SWCD administers USDA EQIP and WHIP programs — pond construction and native grass buffers may qualify for 50–75% cost-share. Contact the Fillmore County NRCS office (Preston, MN) before breaking ground. The MN RIM program also offers permanent easement payments for habitat improvements on agricultural land.
Important Notes
- Always verify MN DNR regulations before installing mineral sites or bait — rules vary by season and zone.
- Consult your county SWCD office before breaking ground on any water impoundment project.
- Soil pH recommendations are based on standard agronomic targets — retest after Year 1 lime application.
- Budget estimates are ranges — actual costs vary by contractor, region, and materials pricing.
🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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AI-Suggested Property Map
Pin placements are AI-generated recommendations based on GIS soil data, topography, and your stated goals. Adjust locations in the field based on actual scouting and wind patterns.
BD1 — HINGE-CUT ZONE (18 ac)
FP1 — 3.2 ac Clover/Chicory
← AR1 WEST DITCH ENTRY
AR2 SOUTH ROAD ENTRY →
N
© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap
Map Pin Legend
FP1 — Food Plot
3.2 ac Clover/Chicory
FP2 — Food Plot
1.8 ac Brassica Blend
BD1 — Bedding Area
NW Hinge-Cut Zone (18 ac)
WS1 — Water Source
Proposed Pond Site
ST1 — Stand Location
NW Ridge Pinch Point
ST2 — Stand Location
SE Funnel (Secondary)
TR1 — Travel Corridor
Main Corridor (N-S)
MS1 — Mineral Site
Mineral Station
Note: This map is illustrative. Pin coordinates are approximate and derived from GIS terrain analysis. Log in at habitatplanpro.com to view the interactive satellite map, adjust pin locations, and add your own markers.
🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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Regulations, Glossary & Data Sources
State Regulation Callouts — Minnesota
IMPORTANTCWD Management ZoneMN DNR 2026 Deer Hunting Regulations
Fillmore County is within Minnesota's CWD Management Zone. Hunters must register harvested deer at a DNR registration station or online within 48 hours. Carcass transport restrictions apply — bone-in meat, hides with attached heads, and skulls with attached vertebrae may not be transported out of the zone.
IMPORTANTBaiting & FeedingMN DNR CWD Rules — Minn. Stat. 97B.667
Baiting and feeding deer is prohibited in Fillmore County (CWD zone). This includes salt/mineral blocks placed within 300 feet of a stand or blind. Mineral sites (MS1 on your map) must be placed outside the legal 300-foot buffer from any hunting area and removed before September 1.
NOTEAntler RestrictionsMN DNR 2026 Deer Hunting Regulations
No statewide antler point restrictions in Minnesota. Hunters may harvest any antlered deer with a valid license. However, voluntary QDM programs are strongly encouraged — passing small-racked 1.5 and 2.5-year bucks is a management choice, not a legal requirement.
NOTESeason Dates (Zone 3 — SE MN)MN DNR Zone 3 Season Schedule
Firearms: Nov 8–23, 2026. Early Archery: Sept 17 – Dec 31. Late Archery: Jan 1–31, 2027. Muzzleloader: Nov 26 – Dec 14. Antlerless-only firearm season: Dec 26–Jan 1. License required for each season — archery and firearm licenses are separate.
NOTEDoe Tag AvailabilityMN DNR Antlerless Permit System
Antlerless permits in Fillmore County (Zone 238) are available over-the-counter. No lottery required. Hunters may purchase up to 2 additional antlerless licenses. Use this to accelerate doe harvest in Years 1–3 of your management program.
Disclaimer: Regulation summaries are provided for reference only and are current as of the plan generation date. Always verify current rules directly with the MN DNR before hunting. Regulations change annually.
Glossary of Terms
HSI (Habitat Suitability Index)
A 0–100 score measuring how well a property supports whitetail deer based on soil quality, cover, water, and connectivity.
TSI (Timber Stand Improvement)
Selective removal or manipulation of trees to improve habitat quality — includes hinge cuts, girdling, and invasive removal.
Hinge Cut
Cutting a tree at 18–36 inches above ground so it falls but remains connected to the stump, creating immediate bedding cover and browse.
DBH (Diameter at Breast Height)
Tree trunk diameter measured at 4.5 feet above ground — used to select appropriate hinge-cut candidates (target 4–8" DBH).
QDM (Quality Deer Management)
A philosophy of passing young bucks and managing doe harvest to improve age structure and buck-to-doe ratios over time.
EQIP
USDA Environmental Quality Incentives Program — federal cost-share program that can fund pond construction, native plantings, and erosion control.
SWCD (Soil & Water Conservation District)
County-level office that administers state and federal conservation programs — your first call for pond permits and cost-share funding.
Scrape
Bare dirt area where a buck urinates and rubs overhead branches — primary rut communication tool. Concentrated scrape lines indicate core buck travel routes.
Pinch Point
Narrow strip of cover connecting two larger habitat areas — natural funnels where deer movement concentrates, ideal for stand placement.
pH (Soil Acidity)
A 0–14 scale measuring soil acidity. Most food plot species require 6.0–7.0 pH. Below 6.0, lime application is required before planting.
Data Sources Used in This Plan
| Data Source | Used For |
|---|
| USDA SSURGO Soils Database | Soil series, pH, drainage class, slope gradient |
| USGS National Elevation Dataset (NED) | Elevation, topographic analysis, watershed delineation |
| USDA NLCD Land Cover | Land cover classification (forest, crop, grass, wetland) |
| USGS NHD (National Hydrography Dataset) | Streams, waterbodies, watershed boundaries |
| USDA PADUS (Protected Areas Database) | Public land boundaries, hunting pressure assessment |
| USDA Hardiness Zone Map | Planting zone assignment for species recommendations |
| Mapbox Satellite Imagery | Aerial analysis of canopy cover, field cover, water features |
| Claude AI Vision + Analysis | Satellite image interpretation, plan generation, species matching |
🦌HabitatPLANPRO
Johnson Creek Farm · April 14, 2026
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