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The Wildlife Society Releases 2007 Farm Bill Policy Statement |
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BETHESDA, MARYLAND, Jun. 27 -/E-Wire/--
As Congress moves toward reauthorization of the Farm Bill, The Wildlife Society (TWS) recently released a policy statement titled "Conservation Recommendations for the 2007 Farm Bill."
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"The Wildlife Society, as the scientific society representing professional wildlife managers and conservationists, has a responsibility to address important national and international policies that affect the current and future status of wildlife in North America and throughout the world," stated Dr. Michael Hutchins, executive director of TWS. "The Farm Bill is a major source of funding for conservation practices related to farming and ranching activities in the U.S. and as such we have carefully reviewed the Bill and are providing our recommendations for the 2007 reauthorization to Congress."
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TWS' major recommendations are that:
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Funding for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP), a voluntary federal program for landowners to develop and improve wildlife habitat, should be increased to $100 million per year, so that the program can continue to provide fish and wildlife benefits, particularly on land that is not in agricultural production.
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The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides technical and financial assistance to eligible farmers and ranchers to address soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on their lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. CRP should be authorized at an acreage cap of 45 million acres, with continued enrollment opportunities for eligible landowners.
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The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), which offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands, should be increased to 10 million acres, to continue to maintain dwindling native grassland communities, especially in the Great Plains.
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The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), which offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands, should be reauthorized at a level of 250,000 acres per year.
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Sodsaver provisions should be implemented, providing that any non cropland that is converted to cropland is not eligible for any federal benefits.
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Swampsbuster and Sodbuster compliance should be linked to all federal farm program benefits. Conservation compliance provisions for highly erodible land (HEL) are commonly referred to as sodbuster and wetland conservation (swampbuster) compliance provisions, the objectives of which are to: reduce soil erosion on croplands, protect long-term capability to produce food and fiber, reduce sedimentation and improve water quality, and preserve and protect the Nation's wetlands.
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Biofuels production should be additive to and not replacements for the objectives of Farm Bill conservation programs.
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The Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP), a multi-agency effort to quantify the environmental benefits of conservation practices on private land, should be continued and expanded to specifically address fish and wildlife effects and benefits.
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State Wildlife Action Plans, comprehensive conservation plans recently developed by each state, should be considered in assigning priorities to conservation programs or practices within the state.
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"These are the recommendations of wildlife professionals TWS will continue to work with Congress to ensure that their views are considered as the reauthorization process moves forward," stated Laura Bies, TWS Associate Director of Government Affairs. "Wildlife has a lot riding on this legislation."
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About The Wildlife Society - TWS is a scientific and educational organization dedicated to enhancing the ability of wildlife professionals to conserve diversity, sustain productivity, and ensure the responsible use of wildlife resources for the benefit of society. TWS also is an advocate for science-based wildlife policy. For the complete document "Conservation Recommendations for the 2007 Farm Bill," visit www.wildlife.org Contact Info:
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Laura Bies
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Tel : 301-897-9770 ext. 308 Website : the Wildlife Society
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