Sportsmen’s Conservation Funding at Risk

[LifeNRA]

Sportsmen’s Conservation Funding at Risk

Senate considers Farm Bill

November 9, 2007 (National)

Sportsmen’s grassroots action is needed to ensure that recently-proposed federal conservation funding will not be diverted from habitat-improvement programs.

The 2007 Farm Bill, provisions of which will provide funding for important wildlife programs that benefit sportsmen and wildlife, faces an uphill battle in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The U.S House of Representatives approved a version of the bill that will provide $4.5 billion in new conservation monies, but Senate Agriculture Committee members want to divert the funding away from conservation to other priorities.

Sportsmen view the House proposal as a strong starting point, and are advocating that the Senate equal the House level on the conservation programs. Sportsmen should contact their U.S. senators and ask that they fully fund and support Farm Bill conservation programs. Encourage them to leave all funding associated with conservation within the Conservation Title so that programs such as Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program remain viable.

The Conservation Reserve Program helps farmers and ranchers protect valuable wildlife habitat and enhance forest and wetland resources. It promotes the conservation of vegetative cover, wildlife plantings, and riparian buffers. Similarly, the Wetlands Reserve Program helps landowners with wetland restoration efforts. It offers opportunities to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection.

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is supporting the efforts of conservation organizations to ensure support for key elements of the Farm Bill that are critical to improving wildlife habitat and hunting opportunities.

Take action! Your help is needed to secure vital conservation funding from the federal government. Contact your senators and ask them to fully fund and support Farm Bill conservation programs. Call (202) 224-3121 or use the Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org.