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State Representative Rick Hansen
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-6828
For more information contact: Christina Gosack 651-296-5524
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More Conservation Reserve Program Acres Needed For Minnesota
What can improve water quality, enhance wildlife and help diversify agriculture? The federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a proven answer. The CRP has earned the broad support of farmers, hunters, anglers and people who enjoy the outdoors since it began in 1985. The CRP allows farmers to rent a portion of their land for long-term conservation and receive annual payments from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The benefits of planting this land with native grasses, legumes and other resource-conserving vegetation creates critical habitat for ducks, pheasants and large game, reduces soil erosion, and improves water quality.
Despite the success of CRP in Minnesota, we still face land conservation challenges. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently estimated that it might take an additional 1 million acres of wetlands and 1 million acres of grassland to restore the state's duck population. Of the lakes and rivers tested so far in Minnesota, 40% were found compromised. And the topsoil of our state's cropland continues to be eroded away by wind and water, threatening long-term agricultural productivity. Why is it, then, that 4 million acres of CRP land Congress authorized nationwide in the 2002 Farm Bill has yet to be enrolled?
We would like to see the federal government increase the enrollment of CRP acres available nationwide to the 39.2 million acres authorized by the Farm Bill. Minnesota would benefit from enhanced enrollment. We have the experience in putting conservation on the ground. Enrollment should also be made easier. There has been no general sign-up for new enrollments in over a year, with none likely until 2006. With harvest starting now, the USDA can prepare for a general sign-up before the end of the year.
We have an opportunity to create a legacy of conservation in Minnesota that will help improve our agriculture, wildlife habitat, and water quality. Let's take it now.
Sincerely,
Representative Rick Hansen
Representative Frank Moe
Representative Andy Welti
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