Ducks Unlimited volunteers in Michigan used August recess as an opportunity to highlight the importance of conservation programs with some of our nation's top leaders and policymakers. Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, who is the chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, recently hosted a town hall to discuss the top issues facing the nation. One issue discussed was the upcoming 2012 farm bill reauthorization. Part of the discussion featured a presentation by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Dave White, which provided information on how the farm bill benefits wildlife, farms and people across the country. 

"Our volunteers understand how important it is to let their members of Congress know that their constituents care about conservation programs," said DU Director of Public Policy for the Great Lakes/Mid-Atlantic Region Gildo Tori. During the town hall, Tori also mentioned that both Sen. Stabenow and Chief White remarked on the important role DU plays in conserving wildlife habitat. 

Prior to the town hall, Tori and several other conservation leaders met with Senator Stabenow and Chief White to discuss farm bill priorities. During the meeting, the group highlighted ways that farm bill conservation programs have yielded strong benefits to wildlife, sportsmen and farms. "During these austere budget times, it will be important that innovative conservation programs that benefit both conservation and farmers are properly funded," said Tori. "By supporting programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program and Wetlands Reserve Program we can ensure that America's waterfowl resources are conserved."