The TRCP is working alongside partner groups to ensure the 2012 Farm Bill authorizes and funds conservation programs that can sustain America’s hunting and fishing heritage. Photo by Meateater.com .
Leaders in the conservation community celebrated the enrollment of almost 4 million acres of privately owned agricultural lands in the federal Conservation Reserve Program. The move promises to bolster fish and wildlife populations, aid landowners and boost the economy.
“The success of this most recent CRP signup means that fish and wildlife, sportsmen – and rural America’s recreation-based economies – all stand to gain,” said Steve Kline, director of the TRCP Center for Agricultural and Private Lands. “The conservation of close to 4 million additional acres of our nation’s agricultural land is an accomplishment worth applauding – and it underscores the need for congressional support of CRP in the next Farm Bill.”
A component of the federal Farm Bill, the CRP encourages farmers and ranchers to improve habitat for waterfowl, upland birds and wild turkeys. Through the CRP, landowners have restored millions of acres of fish and wildlife habitat, resulting in the annual production of 13.5 million pheasants nationwide and 2.2 million ducks in the Prairie Pothole region. Currently, 29.6 million total acres are enrolled in the program.
Sportsmen, however, expressed concern about declines in CRP acreage in areas critical to waterfowl and upland birds. Northern Plains states will lose more than 1 million acres of CRP lands during the 2012 re-enrollment process, a development that could dramatically impact pheasant and waterfowl populations, harm critical habitat, diminish water quality and reduce hunting and angling opportunities.
The TRCP is working alongside partner groups, like Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever, to ensure that the 2012 Farm Bill authorizes and strongly funds conservation programs that can sustain America’s hunting and fishing heritage.
Learn more about the TRCP’s private and agricultural lands conservation work.
Steven Rinella emphasizes the importance of funding for conservation programs in the next Farm Bill. Read More
The TRCP condemned Congress’ decision to defund “Open Fields,” which encourages landowners to adopt land management practices that promote conservation and public access for activities such as hunting and angling. Read More
Following passage of the 2012 Farm Bill in the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, prominent sportsmen's groups urge swift action by the full Congress to expedite passage of this key legislation. Read More
Programs aimed at increasing sportsmen’s access and conserving fish and wildlife habitat on agricultural and private lands recently received additional funding through the “Open Fields” program. Read More
While conservation title of wide-ranging legislation maintains key programs, the TRCP and others push Congress to implement critical revisions Read More
Featuring the latest policy updates, staff adventures, top conservation leaders and much more, the TRCP Blog is a must read. Learn More
