Guaranteeing Public Access For Hunting And Fishing Through “Open Fields”“It is entirely in our power as a nation to preserve large tracts of wilderness... as playgrounds for rich and poor alike, and to preserve the game. But this end can only be achieved by wise laws and by a resolute enforcement of the laws. Lack of such legislation and administration will result in harm to all of us, but most of all harm to the nature lover who does not possess vast wealth.” –Theodore Roosevelt, 1903
 Dwindling access to quality hunting and angling opportunities is a trend that slowly is pulling apart the American sporting tradition. Urban sprawl and other factors are making it more difficult for the average sportsman to access private land, especially land with good wildlife habitat. Several TRCP partner organizations helped develop the “Open Fields Bill,” which directly tackles the access problem while supporting and encouraging better wildlife habitat management.
Officially titled the “Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program of 2007,” this legislation, which has the potential to make millions of additional private lands available for hunting and fishing, was introduced in the Senate as S. 1502 by Senators Kent Conrad of North Dakota and Pat Roberts of Kansas and in the House of Representatives as H.R. 2473 by Congressmen Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota and Jerry Moran of Kansas on May 24, 2007.
“Open Fields” calls for modest Department of Agriculture funding to bolster existing state access programs and encourages the establishment of new “walk-in” programs, as they are often called. Through these programs, states offer rural landowners small per-acre payments to voluntarily open their acreage, improve habitat and expand huntable land. These walk-in programs that would be eligible for “Open Fields” funding have succeeded not only because they expand opportunities for sportsmen, but also because they deal effectively with landowner liability, provide local community benefits, and promote better wildlife management.
Potentially, "Open Fields" can open millions of new acres to hunters and anglers because it is designed to prioritize funding to the states with existing or newly developed access programs that fit the needs of both sportsmen and landowners. It does not place mandates or restrictions on how each state designs and implements its own program. The $20 million in funding each year would come from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Commodity Credit Corporation. Many state access programs also encourage landowners to make improvements to their acreage that attract wildlife.
Open Fields Included in the 2007 Farm BillEvery 5 years, Congress reauthorizes what is known as the “Farm Bill.” Last authorized in 2002, this important bill shapes more conservation programs than any other suite of legislation. The 2007 Farm Bill, is being discussed and written in Congress this year. Because of the broad bi-partisan Congressional support for “Open Fields” and because “Open Fields” requires land management practices conducive to healthy fish and wildlife populations, the TRCP and its 2007 Farm Bill partner organizations are recommending that “Open Fields” be incorporated into the Conservation Title of the 2007 Farm Bill. So far, we have had some success in getting legislators to take notice of this important legislation. Open Fields was included in the House-passed version of the Farm Bill on July 27, 2007. It has also been included in the working version of the Senate bill passed out of committee on October 25th. The full Senate is expected to debate and vote on the Farm Bill as soon as November 5th. Successful passage of Open Fields is within reach but we have more work ahead to see this through to final passage and enactment. Call your Senators and Representatives today and express your support for Open Fields in the 2007 Farm Bill. What Can You Do to Help?The battle for access to millions of additional acres of private land is far from over. Because of severe budget constraints, new farm bill programs will have an uphill battle to get authorized and funded. Soon after the 110th Congress convenes, another “Open Fields” campaign will get underway. This campaign will focus on successfully incorporating “Open Fields” into the 2007 Farm Bill.
Watch your e-mails and check the TRCP website often to keep up with the latest on “Open Fields” for 2007. Helpful Links to further information:- TRCP’s Union Partners Support Open Fields and Farm Bill Recommendations More>>
- States with Walk-In or Access Programs More>>
- Frequently Asked Questions More >>
- Letter of Support to Senators Conrad and Roberts More >>
- Model legislation for establishing a state private land access program More >>
Learn about successful access programs in these states: To find out how your group can be included in this list of groups supporting "Open Fields" or more about the issue, please contact:
Geoff Mullins, Initiative Manager
Terry Riley, Vice President of Policy
Jim Klatt, Great Lakes Field Representative
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