Ducks Unlimited is working with The Nebraska League of Conservation Voters and other conservation groups on several important public policy issues being considered by Nebraska’s legislature. Among top priorities for the coming biennial legislature in Nebraska is promotion of a tax incentive for conservation easement donations. This legislation could significantly enhance DU’s efforts to protect important waterfowl habitat along the Platte River.
“This proposal makes sense for agriculture and wildlife both, helping address the need to protect both wildlife habitat and agricultural lands, particularly in areas where competition for water to irrigate is the greatest. Voluntary conservation easements allow landowners to participate in solutions to both issues, and a tax credit recognizes the value of the donation to everyone in the community over time,” said Mary Harding, NLCV Executive Director. Ducks Unlimited is able to use the value of donated conservation easements as “match” to secure Federal wetlands grants through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. “Any incentives that increase our ability to secure donated conservation easements not only protects important habitats, but allows us to secure federal grants to restore and protect additional areas,” said Steve Donovan, DU’s Manager of Conservation Programs. Other issues for the session include funding of the Platte River recovery program and water quality assessments. The NLCV has developed a “Conservation Agenda” for the current legislative session. Their complete Conservation Agenda can be found at www.nlcv.org/issues.php
In preparation for the 101st Legislature, NLCV was active in the 2008 elections for unicameral seats, endorsing candidates from both parties across the state. The League PAC provides financial support to endorsed candidates, but more importantly communicated directly with members and voters in the district. “Candidates appreciate the opportunity to exchange views before the election, and the source for information afterwards,” said Harding, “but the true value is to our members who want good information about candidates’ viewpoints before they vote.”
The NLCV will coordinate a coalition of conservation organizations on legislative action on Conservation Agenda issues. Ducks Unlimited is one of the conservation organizations involved in this effort. According to Donovan, the cooperation and participation of many conservation groups will ultimately have more impact on public policies favorable to waterfowl habitat conservation. For more information on this DU partner, visit www.nlcv.org or call Mary Harding at 402-438-9341.
If you would like to get involved with DU’s public policy efforts, please go to www.ducks.org and click on “Governmental Affairs Team Member”. As a member of this team, you will be kept informed of pressing public policy issues and have the chance to make a difference both locally and nationally.