Insights - In Jeopardy

By Don Young, Executive Vice President

If support falls short, the future looks dim for CRP and WRP, both of which are critical to wetlands and waterfowl conservation

Two of the most successful conservation programs in history-the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)-are facing termination. This is an unfortunate circumstance that we hope to see averted. The continued well-being of waterfowl and other wildlife may hang in the balance.

The varied agricultural programs administered by the federal government fall under the broad-reaching umbrella of what has become known as the Farm Bill. This includes myriad rules, regulations, and financial incentives involving farming, ranching, and forestry. Ducks Unlimited and its membership have a vested interest in agricultural legislation and its impact on wetlands and waterfowl habitat conservation.

CRP has created millions of acres of high-quality nesting habitat for a variety of grassland-nesting birds, including ducks and pheasants. The Prairie Pothole Region of the northern Great Plains produces tens of millions of migratory birds every year. CRP lands, studies have shown, yield high waterfowl nest success rates, sometimes triple that of other habitat.

WRP also plays an important role in the life cycle of migratory birds. Here, the focus is primarily on wintering and migration habitat. WRP has restored nearly one million acres of habitat throughout the nation. How? By compensating farmers for retiring croplands that were prior wetlands.

CRP and WRP are both popular within the agricultural community. Payments derived from these programs have provided many cash-strapped farmers the wherewithal to keep their operations going. Indeed, for every person currently approved to enroll land in WRP, there are five individuals waiting in line for the opportunity to enroll their own acreage. Demand to enroll in CRP and WRP currently exceeds enrollment ceilings imposed by Congress.

Ducks Unlimited has joined dozens of the nation's wildlife conservation organizations to express support for CRP and WRP. You, too, can help by letting your congressional representatives know of your support for these important programs. Votes speak loudly. To do your part, simply go here on the DU Web site and click on the "Take Action" button. We will help you from there. To learn more about how these programs affect wildlife, see the story on page 40. Our elected leaders will listen if enough voices chorus together.