Five Question Friday: Howard Vincent

Five Question Friday with Howard Vincent, QF's National President and CEO.

QF: How about a Farm Bill update?

HV: The House of Representatives passed a wildlife-friendly version in late July, and the Senate's version is expected to be introduced this month. The highlight of the House bill is the reauthorization of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) at its current level of 39.2 million acres. Maintaining CRP â the most successful conservation program in U.S. history â is crucial for the continued success of pheasant, quail and other wildlife populations. We're very excited about the House bill, but the battle's not over yet. Money is always the issue in D.C. and the (Senate) floor we've been busy this fall, but we'd like to get it through. If it doesn't happen, we look for the Administration to extend the (CRP contracts with landowners), like it did in '02, then we'll come back and make our fight again next year.

QF: How will the ethanol dilemma affect CRP?

HV: The biggest threat to the future of CRP is the growing demand for ethanol, which will reduce the country's dependence on foreign oil. Right now, the most efficient base product for making ethanol is corn. Over the next few years, a significant percentage of the ground currently covered by CRP grass will likely be converted to corn. That will have an adverse impact on many species of wildlife, and pheasants and quail will be among those hit the hardest.

QF: How far away are we from cellulosic ethanol?

HV: Cellulosic ethanol, which can be produced from a variety of feedstocks (including switchgrass), is a better option for wildlife. Unfortunately, it's not yet a viable choice. That science is still 4 or 5 years away, but the (ethanol production) plants that are operating now have the ability to be converted to cellulosic. The best scenario right now would be to not touch the core 39 million acres (currently enrolled in CRP), expand that to 45 million, and then add cellulosic test plots to see what impact they have on wildlife and fuel production. We have to reduce our reliance on Middle Eastern oil, but we have to be smart about it. With switchgrass, the chaff can be used to fuel the system. There will be other options besides corn or fossil fuels.

QF: Talk about the growth of Quail Forever, currently over 90 local chapters?

HV: We want to continue our expansion into the quail region. If we can get 100 new chapters, we think we can reverse that downward trend in quail.

QF: At Quail Forever, the most important thing isâ¦?

HV: Absolutely, our biggest assets at Quail Forever are the local volunteers in each community. They're the people who initiate the impact.

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