04-20-2007, 06:10 PM
WASHINGTON - Presenting the views of 41 hunting, fishing and conservation groups, Dave Nomsen, Pheasants Forever Vice President of Government Affairs, today urged Congress to pass a Farm Bill update with strong funding for conservation programs benefiting fish and wildlife.
"While many people don't realize it, the Farm Bill is of huge importance to the conservation of our wildlife and natural resources," Nomsen said. "It has compiled a legacy of success that presents a crystal-clear rationale for expanding many of the conservation programs it empowers. We must seize the opportunity now before us to build upon this progress."
Nomsen, who spoke today at a hearing before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture, continued, "Most of these programs succeed in protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat because they pursue them as complimentary goals to production on working farms and ranches. And, as we all know, it's not just fish and wildlife that need clean air and water - people need it too. Farm Bill conservation programs deliver a remarkably broad slew of benefits across the American landscape to a wide spectrum of the American public, including farmers and ranchers, sportsmen and beyond."
Nomsen delivered his testimony (included on the following pages) on behalf of two coalitions, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership's Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group and the American Wildlife Conservation Partners.
"There are several strong champions of conservation on this committee and we look forward to working with them in the future in the hopes of crafting the most fish and wildlife friendly Farm Bill ever," Nomsen said.
TESTIMONY OF
DAVID NOMSEN, PHEASANTS FOREVER
BARTON JAMES, DUCKS UNLIMITED
JEN MOCK SCHAEFFER, ASSOCIATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES
PRESENTED BY:
DAVID NOMSEN, PHEASANTS FOREVER
PRESENTING THE VIEWS OF:
AGRICULTURE AND WILDLIFE WORKING GROUP
AND THE
AMERICAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARTNERS
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSERVATION, CREDIT, ENERGY, AND RESEARCH
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ON
2007 FARM BILL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
APRIL 19, 2007
LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC
Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, my name is Dave Nomsen. I am the Vice-president of Governmental Affairs for St. Paul, MN based Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever. In my role with PF I serve as co-chair for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) led Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group (AWWG), as well as the current Vice-chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP). I am joined here today by my two fellow co-chairs Jen Mock Schaeffer from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Bart James from Ducks Unlimited of the AWWG to offer recommendations on the 2007 Farm Bill conservation programs on behalf of these two large coalitions. Collectively, our members and supporters represent a sizable cross-section of our nation's citizenry, and we appreciate the increased role and importance of conservation in agriculture and its role in private land stewardship that has led to consensus and partnerships among government and private interests, including farm and commodity groups, individual farmers and ranchers, and hunters and anglers.
Over the past two years AWWG partners made up of 16 of our country's leading hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations outlined goals and made deliberations about the future of agriculture conservation programs. We received input from America's farmers, ranchers, foresters, US Department of Agriculture personnel, Congressional staff, and resource professionals with state and federal agencies. As a result of this effort, participating organizations in AWWG reached consensus on a set of recommendations, and released a report entitled Growing Conservation in the Farm Bill. Organizations represented by the AWWG include:
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies * American Sportfisheries Association * Ducks Unlimited * Izaak Walton League of America * Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation * North American Grouse Partnership * National Wildlife Federation * Pheasants Forever * Quail Forever * Quail Unlimited * Ruffed Grouse Society * The Nature Conservancy * The Wildlife Society * Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership * Trout Unlimited * Wildlife Management Institute
AWCP is a coalition of our nation's leading wildlife conservation and hunting organizations. 36 AWCP member organizations have reached consensus on recommendations for 2007 Farm Bill conservation programs. These recommendations are complementary to those presented by the AWWG and were recently communicated to Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Goodlatte. As you can see, the vast majority of our nation's wildlife conservation and sporting organizations signed this correspondence supporting a comprehensive array of conservation policies and programs as part of the 2007 Farm Bill.
Archery Trade Association · Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies ·
Bear Trust International · Boone and Crockett Club · Bowhunting Preservation Alliance ·<br />
Campfire Club of America · Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation ·<br />
Conservation Force · Dallas Safari Club · Delta Waterfowl ·<br />
Ducks Unlimited · Foundation of North American Wild Sheep ·<br />
Houston Safari Club · Izaak Walton League of America · Mule Deer Foundation ·<br />
North American Bear Foundation · North American Grouse Partnership ·<br />
National Rifle Association · National Shooting Sports Foundation ·<br />
National Trappers Association · National Wild Turkey Federation ·<br />
Orion The Hunters' Institute · Pheasants Forever · Pope and Young Club ·<br />
Quail Forever · Quail Unlimited · Quality Deer Management Association ·<br />
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation · Ruffed Grouse Society ·<br />
Safari Club International · Texas Wildlife Association ·<br />
The Wildlife Society · Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership ·<br />
US Sportsmen's Alliance · Wildlife Forever ·<br />
Wildlife Management Institute
April 6, 2007
The Honorable Collin C. Peterson<br />
Chairman<br />
House Committee on Agriculture<br />
1301 Longworth House Office Building<br />
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Bob Goodlatte<br />
Ranking Member<br />
House Committee on Agriculture<br />
1301 Longworth House Office Building<br />
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Goodlatte:
The following organizations offer these recommendations as top priorities for inclusion in the conservation title of the 2007 Farm Bill. We are all members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) and collectively we represent millions of our Nation's sportsmen and sportswomen. Farm Bill conservation programs represent the opportunity to properly manage lands for soil, water, and wildlife resources. We appreciate the Committee's long history of support for conservation programs which benefit wildlife, and we are mindful of the unprecedented competition for dollars as you develop this farm bill. With this in mind, the organizations listed below would appreciate your consideration of these priorities should funding resources allow:
American Wildlife Conservation Partners
Conservation Priorities for the 2007 Farm Bill
"¢ Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - Reauthorize USDA's most successful conservation program and ensure the competitive viability of the program. Overall CRP acreage should expand to 45 million acres.
"¢ Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) - Increase America's number one wetlands restoration program to 300,000 acres per year to improve wetlands conservation, mitigate wetlands loss, provide migratory bird and fisheries habitat and improve water quality.
"¢ Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) - Increase GRP to 2 million acres per year. Require that a minimum of 60 percent of the agreements are long-term easements of 30 years or more. Provide incentives for large tract non-cropland native grasslands.
"¢ Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) - Gradually increase the WHIP funding from $100 million to $300 million over the course of the 2007 Farm Bill with a significant portion of new funds targeted for aquatic restoration activities, including instream habitat improvement projects. Enhance conservation partnerships and program benefits by incorporating the assistance of states, municipalities and non-government organizations to deliver and manage WHIP.
"¢ Access - Include a provision based upon "Open Fields" legislation, S. 548/H.R. 1351 in 109th Congress, to provide $20 million per year in grants to fund state-managed voluntary access programs. Program funds shall be used to enhance wildlife management and improve recreational opportunities on land enrolled in Farm Bill conservation programs.
"¢ Forestry - Increase technical, education, and outreach to forest landowners through existing programs such as the Forest Stewardship Program and others. In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress provided $100 million for cost-sharing of forest management practices on private lands and promote long-term healthy forest ecosystems. We urge the Committee to, at a minimum, support restoring this funding in the upcoming Farm Bill. This will enhance management for fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, recreation and timber production. Increase funding for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program and modify it to include options for permanent easements.
"¢ Conservation Security Program (CSP) - Reauthorize CSP and ensure it provides increased measurable and consistent benefits for fish and wildlife conservation. CSP should require fish and wildlife habitat improvement components for all program tiers and require that NRCS engage federal and state fish and wildlife agencies and non-government conservation organizations when developing fish and wildlife and habitat criteria and assessments. CSP should enhance other USDA conservation programs and not replace or reduce their funding.
"¢ Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) - Reauthorize at $300 million per year. Allow transfer of water rights on enrolled land consistent with state law. Allow landowners the right to prohibit non cropland conversion on land subject to the easement.
"¢ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - Reauthorize EQIP, increase allocation percentages for fish and wildlife practices, and increase opportunities for private forestland owners.
"¢ Biofuels and Renewable Energy. Research and development funding should promote the next generation of biofuels and renewable energy technology based on sustainable polycultures that are consistent with fish, wildlife, soil, nutrient management and water conservation goals. Taxpayer investment in conservation and wildlife gains accomplished during the past 20 years under farm bill conservation programs should not be sacrificed or diminished.
"¢ "Sodsaver" or Non-cropland Conversion - Any land that does not meet the definition of cropland, as determined by the USDA/Farm Service Agency, converted from non cropland status to cropland should be made ineligible for any federal benefit, including but not limited to price and income support payments, crop insurance, disaster payments, conservation program enrollment, and FSA farm loan benefits. To preserve its identity, non cropland converted to cropland shall be reconstituted as a separate farm by FSA.
"¢ Conservation Compliance - Sodbuster/swampbuster compliance should be linked to all federal farm program benefits including crop insurance and disaster program eligibility. A farm shall be ineligible to receive federal benefits for the year noncompliance is discovered. Following year eligibility may be approved if noncompliance is rectified and restoration certified within 6 months of discovery.
"¢ Conservation Performance Measures - Identify and authorize specific mechanisms for tracking the success of conservation measures.
We look forward to working with you toward a strong array of federal farm conservation programs as part of the 2007 Farm Bill. We respectfully request your support for the priorities we have outlined. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.
Archery Trade Association<br />
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies<br />
Bear Trust International<br />
Boone and Crockett Club<br />
Bowhunting Preservation Alliance<br />
Campfire Club of America<br />
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation<br />
Conservation Force<br />
Dallas Safari Club<br />
Delta Waterfowl<br />
Ducks Unlimited<br />
Foundation of North American Wild Sheep<br />
Houston Safari Club<br />
Izaak Walton League of America<br />
Mule Deer Foundation<br />
North American Bear Foundation<br />
North American Grouse Partnership<br />
National Rifle Association<br />
National Shooting Sports Foundation<br />
National Trappers Association<br />
National Wild Turkey Federation<br />
Orion The Hunters' Institute<br />
Pheasants Forever<br />
Pope and Young Club<br />
Quail Forever<br />
Quail Unlimited<br />
Quality Deer Management Association<br />
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation<br />
Ruffed Grouse Society<br />
Safari Club International<br />
Texas Wildlife Association<br />
The Wildlife Society<br />
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership<br />
US Sportsmen's Alliance<br />
Wildlife Forever<br />
Wildlife Management Institute
Mr. Chairman, collectively these organizations represent millions of American's that use, support, and enjoy the vast benefits of federal farm bill conservation programs. Many of our organizations staff and volunteer members work hand in hand with farmers, ranchers, and foresters on wildlife habitat projects and many of those projects include federal conservation programs. Our members enjoy the tremendous recreational opportunities that are associated with hunting, fishing, and other recreation on these lands, and our country benefits substantially from the investment taxpayers have made in private lands conservations as well. 82 million US residents participate in these wildlife-related recreation activities and spend $108 billion a year that promote healthy rural economies and development as well as create jobs (data from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation by the USFWS).
On behalf of my fellow co-chairs we thank you for the opportunity to share with you our collective desires for the future of conservation. We look forward to working with you and the other members of the Committee to develop and support a comprehensive array of strong conservation policies and programs in conjunction with the 2007 Farm Bill that will continue and build on the legacy and framework of federal policies and programs supporting natural resource conservation that has been started. Thank you for the opportunity to testify here today.
Media Contact:<br />
Tim Zink, 202-654-4625, tzink@trcp.org
"While many people don't realize it, the Farm Bill is of huge importance to the conservation of our wildlife and natural resources," Nomsen said. "It has compiled a legacy of success that presents a crystal-clear rationale for expanding many of the conservation programs it empowers. We must seize the opportunity now before us to build upon this progress."
Nomsen, who spoke today at a hearing before a subcommittee of the House Committee on Agriculture, continued, "Most of these programs succeed in protecting and enhancing fish and wildlife habitat because they pursue them as complimentary goals to production on working farms and ranches. And, as we all know, it's not just fish and wildlife that need clean air and water - people need it too. Farm Bill conservation programs deliver a remarkably broad slew of benefits across the American landscape to a wide spectrum of the American public, including farmers and ranchers, sportsmen and beyond."
Nomsen delivered his testimony (included on the following pages) on behalf of two coalitions, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership's Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group and the American Wildlife Conservation Partners.
"There are several strong champions of conservation on this committee and we look forward to working with them in the future in the hopes of crafting the most fish and wildlife friendly Farm Bill ever," Nomsen said.
TESTIMONY OF
DAVID NOMSEN, PHEASANTS FOREVER
BARTON JAMES, DUCKS UNLIMITED
JEN MOCK SCHAEFFER, ASSOCIATION OF FISH AND WILDLIFE AGENCIES
PRESENTED BY:
DAVID NOMSEN, PHEASANTS FOREVER
PRESENTING THE VIEWS OF:
AGRICULTURE AND WILDLIFE WORKING GROUP
AND THE
AMERICAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PARTNERS
BEFORE THE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CONSERVATION, CREDIT, ENERGY, AND RESEARCH
COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ON
2007 FARM BILL CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
APRIL 19, 2007
LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC
Mr. Chairman, members of the Committee, my name is Dave Nomsen. I am the Vice-president of Governmental Affairs for St. Paul, MN based Pheasants Forever (PF) and Quail Forever. In my role with PF I serve as co-chair for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) led Agriculture and Wildlife Working Group (AWWG), as well as the current Vice-chairman of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP). I am joined here today by my two fellow co-chairs Jen Mock Schaeffer from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and Bart James from Ducks Unlimited of the AWWG to offer recommendations on the 2007 Farm Bill conservation programs on behalf of these two large coalitions. Collectively, our members and supporters represent a sizable cross-section of our nation's citizenry, and we appreciate the increased role and importance of conservation in agriculture and its role in private land stewardship that has led to consensus and partnerships among government and private interests, including farm and commodity groups, individual farmers and ranchers, and hunters and anglers.
Over the past two years AWWG partners made up of 16 of our country's leading hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations outlined goals and made deliberations about the future of agriculture conservation programs. We received input from America's farmers, ranchers, foresters, US Department of Agriculture personnel, Congressional staff, and resource professionals with state and federal agencies. As a result of this effort, participating organizations in AWWG reached consensus on a set of recommendations, and released a report entitled Growing Conservation in the Farm Bill. Organizations represented by the AWWG include:
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies * American Sportfisheries Association * Ducks Unlimited * Izaak Walton League of America * Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation * North American Grouse Partnership * National Wildlife Federation * Pheasants Forever * Quail Forever * Quail Unlimited * Ruffed Grouse Society * The Nature Conservancy * The Wildlife Society * Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership * Trout Unlimited * Wildlife Management Institute
AWCP is a coalition of our nation's leading wildlife conservation and hunting organizations. 36 AWCP member organizations have reached consensus on recommendations for 2007 Farm Bill conservation programs. These recommendations are complementary to those presented by the AWWG and were recently communicated to Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Goodlatte. As you can see, the vast majority of our nation's wildlife conservation and sporting organizations signed this correspondence supporting a comprehensive array of conservation policies and programs as part of the 2007 Farm Bill.
Archery Trade Association · Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies ·
Bear Trust International · Boone and Crockett Club · Bowhunting Preservation Alliance ·<br />
Campfire Club of America · Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation ·<br />
Conservation Force · Dallas Safari Club · Delta Waterfowl ·<br />
Ducks Unlimited · Foundation of North American Wild Sheep ·<br />
Houston Safari Club · Izaak Walton League of America · Mule Deer Foundation ·<br />
North American Bear Foundation · North American Grouse Partnership ·<br />
National Rifle Association · National Shooting Sports Foundation ·<br />
National Trappers Association · National Wild Turkey Federation ·<br />
Orion The Hunters' Institute · Pheasants Forever · Pope and Young Club ·<br />
Quail Forever · Quail Unlimited · Quality Deer Management Association ·<br />
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation · Ruffed Grouse Society ·<br />
Safari Club International · Texas Wildlife Association ·<br />
The Wildlife Society · Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership ·<br />
US Sportsmen's Alliance · Wildlife Forever ·<br />
Wildlife Management Institute
April 6, 2007
The Honorable Collin C. Peterson<br />
Chairman<br />
House Committee on Agriculture<br />
1301 Longworth House Office Building<br />
Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Bob Goodlatte<br />
Ranking Member<br />
House Committee on Agriculture<br />
1301 Longworth House Office Building<br />
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Chairman Peterson and Ranking Member Goodlatte:
The following organizations offer these recommendations as top priorities for inclusion in the conservation title of the 2007 Farm Bill. We are all members of the American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP) and collectively we represent millions of our Nation's sportsmen and sportswomen. Farm Bill conservation programs represent the opportunity to properly manage lands for soil, water, and wildlife resources. We appreciate the Committee's long history of support for conservation programs which benefit wildlife, and we are mindful of the unprecedented competition for dollars as you develop this farm bill. With this in mind, the organizations listed below would appreciate your consideration of these priorities should funding resources allow:
American Wildlife Conservation Partners
Conservation Priorities for the 2007 Farm Bill
"¢ Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) - Reauthorize USDA's most successful conservation program and ensure the competitive viability of the program. Overall CRP acreage should expand to 45 million acres.
"¢ Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) - Increase America's number one wetlands restoration program to 300,000 acres per year to improve wetlands conservation, mitigate wetlands loss, provide migratory bird and fisheries habitat and improve water quality.
"¢ Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP) - Increase GRP to 2 million acres per year. Require that a minimum of 60 percent of the agreements are long-term easements of 30 years or more. Provide incentives for large tract non-cropland native grasslands.
"¢ Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) - Gradually increase the WHIP funding from $100 million to $300 million over the course of the 2007 Farm Bill with a significant portion of new funds targeted for aquatic restoration activities, including instream habitat improvement projects. Enhance conservation partnerships and program benefits by incorporating the assistance of states, municipalities and non-government organizations to deliver and manage WHIP.
"¢ Access - Include a provision based upon "Open Fields" legislation, S. 548/H.R. 1351 in 109th Congress, to provide $20 million per year in grants to fund state-managed voluntary access programs. Program funds shall be used to enhance wildlife management and improve recreational opportunities on land enrolled in Farm Bill conservation programs.
"¢ Forestry - Increase technical, education, and outreach to forest landowners through existing programs such as the Forest Stewardship Program and others. In the 2002 Farm Bill, Congress provided $100 million for cost-sharing of forest management practices on private lands and promote long-term healthy forest ecosystems. We urge the Committee to, at a minimum, support restoring this funding in the upcoming Farm Bill. This will enhance management for fish and wildlife habitat, water quality, recreation and timber production. Increase funding for the Healthy Forests Reserve Program and modify it to include options for permanent easements.
"¢ Conservation Security Program (CSP) - Reauthorize CSP and ensure it provides increased measurable and consistent benefits for fish and wildlife conservation. CSP should require fish and wildlife habitat improvement components for all program tiers and require that NRCS engage federal and state fish and wildlife agencies and non-government conservation organizations when developing fish and wildlife and habitat criteria and assessments. CSP should enhance other USDA conservation programs and not replace or reduce their funding.
"¢ Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) - Reauthorize at $300 million per year. Allow transfer of water rights on enrolled land consistent with state law. Allow landowners the right to prohibit non cropland conversion on land subject to the easement.
"¢ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - Reauthorize EQIP, increase allocation percentages for fish and wildlife practices, and increase opportunities for private forestland owners.
"¢ Biofuels and Renewable Energy. Research and development funding should promote the next generation of biofuels and renewable energy technology based on sustainable polycultures that are consistent with fish, wildlife, soil, nutrient management and water conservation goals. Taxpayer investment in conservation and wildlife gains accomplished during the past 20 years under farm bill conservation programs should not be sacrificed or diminished.
"¢ "Sodsaver" or Non-cropland Conversion - Any land that does not meet the definition of cropland, as determined by the USDA/Farm Service Agency, converted from non cropland status to cropland should be made ineligible for any federal benefit, including but not limited to price and income support payments, crop insurance, disaster payments, conservation program enrollment, and FSA farm loan benefits. To preserve its identity, non cropland converted to cropland shall be reconstituted as a separate farm by FSA.
"¢ Conservation Compliance - Sodbuster/swampbuster compliance should be linked to all federal farm program benefits including crop insurance and disaster program eligibility. A farm shall be ineligible to receive federal benefits for the year noncompliance is discovered. Following year eligibility may be approved if noncompliance is rectified and restoration certified within 6 months of discovery.
"¢ Conservation Performance Measures - Identify and authorize specific mechanisms for tracking the success of conservation measures.
We look forward to working with you toward a strong array of federal farm conservation programs as part of the 2007 Farm Bill. We respectfully request your support for the priorities we have outlined. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.
Archery Trade Association<br />
Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies<br />
Bear Trust International<br />
Boone and Crockett Club<br />
Bowhunting Preservation Alliance<br />
Campfire Club of America<br />
Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation<br />
Conservation Force<br />
Dallas Safari Club<br />
Delta Waterfowl<br />
Ducks Unlimited<br />
Foundation of North American Wild Sheep<br />
Houston Safari Club<br />
Izaak Walton League of America<br />
Mule Deer Foundation<br />
North American Bear Foundation<br />
North American Grouse Partnership<br />
National Rifle Association<br />
National Shooting Sports Foundation<br />
National Trappers Association<br />
National Wild Turkey Federation<br />
Orion The Hunters' Institute<br />
Pheasants Forever<br />
Pope and Young Club<br />
Quail Forever<br />
Quail Unlimited<br />
Quality Deer Management Association<br />
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation<br />
Ruffed Grouse Society<br />
Safari Club International<br />
Texas Wildlife Association<br />
The Wildlife Society<br />
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership<br />
US Sportsmen's Alliance<br />
Wildlife Forever<br />
Wildlife Management Institute
Mr. Chairman, collectively these organizations represent millions of American's that use, support, and enjoy the vast benefits of federal farm bill conservation programs. Many of our organizations staff and volunteer members work hand in hand with farmers, ranchers, and foresters on wildlife habitat projects and many of those projects include federal conservation programs. Our members enjoy the tremendous recreational opportunities that are associated with hunting, fishing, and other recreation on these lands, and our country benefits substantially from the investment taxpayers have made in private lands conservations as well. 82 million US residents participate in these wildlife-related recreation activities and spend $108 billion a year that promote healthy rural economies and development as well as create jobs (data from the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation by the USFWS).
On behalf of my fellow co-chairs we thank you for the opportunity to share with you our collective desires for the future of conservation. We look forward to working with you and the other members of the Committee to develop and support a comprehensive array of strong conservation policies and programs in conjunction with the 2007 Farm Bill that will continue and build on the legacy and framework of federal policies and programs supporting natural resource conservation that has been started. Thank you for the opportunity to testify here today.
Media Contact:<br />
Tim Zink, 202-654-4625, tzink@trcp.org