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U.S. senator and turkey hunter Thad Cochran |
Sen. Thad Cochran promotes conservation cooperation
I gained an early appreciation for wildlife, hunting and the lands that support both. As a hunter, I know that farmers and landowners, regardless of scale, are among our nation's most conscientious conservationists. They understandably expect an economic return on their land, but know the return is even greater with good stewardship.
This knowledge has helped me promote public policies that foster cooperative initiatives to improve habitats where landowners and others can enjoy the natural beauty and resources in states like my native Mississippi. And with almost 80 percent of the land area in the United States held by private landowners (excluding Alaska), it just makes sense to encourage cooperation on conservation projects.
Hundreds of thousands of acres across the country have been improved for wildlife through voluntary, incentive-based programs like the Conservation Reserve Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program. They enable landowners to improve wildlife habitat on their property without the government dictating what, how or when to do it.
These programs succeed because their collaborative characteristics give landowners incentives to make improvements that benefit wildlife and the environment. Research has shown that developing and enhancing wildlife habitat on private lands can be economical, enhance crop yields and provide long-term environmental benefits.
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee has begun reviewing policies to consider in developing a new 2012 Farm Bill, the primary legislative vehicle for advancing conservation programs that are critical for wildlife habitat.
I expect support for continuing WHIP, a cost-share initiative I authored as part of the 1996 Farm Bill, which effectively targets conservation funding for wildlife habitat without using expensive land retirement. Since its creation, federal cost sharing of up to $85 million per year has been made available to implement conservation practices and structures that enhance wildlife habitat.
The EQIP program, created in the 2008 Farm Bill, is used to improve the primary habitat for wild turkeys. I'm proud to have helped lead the effort to make forestry an equal purpose of this program.
These are just threads in the fabric of programs that support valuable wildlife habitat needs. And I am committed to seeing that Congress funds conservation programs as part of the annual appropriations process.
I, once again, recently requested funds to support the NWTF's Operation Oak program. Since its inception in 2000, more than 600,000 oak seedlings have been distributed for hardwood stand restoration on public and private lands. I also support NWTF efforts to share the outdoors with women, children and the disabled.
As a hunter, I have experienced the wonderful natural beauty of Mississippi and appreciate the benefits of federal funding for conservation. I will continue to do my part to preserve wild turkey habitat and the hunting tradition for future generations to enjoy. — U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-Mississippi)