Down on the Farm: August 2007
At Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever we put a great deal of effort into bringing the concerns of America's conservationists, sportsmen and women to Washington D.C. Of particular note has been our work to strengthen the conservation programs within the Federal Farm Bill. The Farm Bill addresses land use practices on over 50 million acres of America's most environmentally sensitive lands; including the 39.2 million acres making up the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). CRP has been the nation's most successful conservation program in history. Since it's inception in 1982, it has prevented soil erosion, improved water quality, created habitat for pheasants, quail, ducks, and a myriad of other wildlife species, and stabilized rural farm economies. This year is a critical year for conservationists and wildlife as the 2007 Federal Farm Bill is debated. Down on the Farm will be a monthly up-date on the status of conservation in that debate.
Harvey Noyes: Becoming a Conservation Advocate
Harvey Noyes of the Lyon County (Minnesota) Chapter of PF, made a trip to Washington, D.C., in July where he and PF staff worked to influence the Federal Farm Bill, recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. In this month's edition of Down on the Farm, Noyes discusses how you - the citizen - can become an advocate for conservation.
How did you become an advocate of conservation?
I don't think I ever really thought of myself as an advocate for conservation, so I can't say how that happened exactly. I can say it was a natural transition from enjoying the outdoors and wanting to help others have the same experiences - understanding that we need natural areas for future generations to enjoy. There is one thing every outdoor enthusiast needs - a place to enjoy their passion. Let's help make that happen!
How important is the Federal Farm Bill to you?
The Farm Bill is IMMENSELY important. This is what decides if we have conservation programs like the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Wildlife is dependent on available habitat. Specifically, nesting and winter cover habitat. The Farm Bill can allow farmers the choice to set land aside for conservation - putting in buffer strips along waterways and planting native grass covers for nesting habitat, among others - and by doing so, holding soil in place and improving water quality. The Farm Bill is not just important for farmers, it has a major impact on water quality and wildlife.
How can the average person make a difference in national legislation?
Take the time to communicate your opinion. One letter can make a difference. If legislators understand what is important to their constituents, they can do a better job of supporting and helping them. Why should we assume our elected representatives know what is important to us? We need to communicate.
How rewarding is working on such federal policy?
I found it extremely rewarding. I also realized just how import Pheasants Forever's Legislative Action Fund (LAF) is. Dave Nomsen (PF's VP of Government Affairs) is doing an awesome job of staying connected with the legislature and ensuring they understand how important conservation is to us. Every chapter should consider supporting LAF, One stroke of the congressional pen is mighty powerful. We need to ensure the power is in favor of conservation!
If there is one thing every person who loves the outdoors should do, what is it?
Actually there are TWO. First, contact your congressmen and women to voice the importance of conservation and their support for it. Second, take the time to introduce youth to the outdoor. Get them excited about being outside.
If you have story ideas, dog photos, pre-1980 hunting photos and requests for future On The Wing consideration, please send correspondence to ahauck@pheasantsforever.org.
Return to On The Wing: August 2007"On The Wing" Archive
- On the Wing: July 2008
- On the Wing: June 2008
- On the Wing: May 2008
- On the Wing: April 2008
- On the Wing: March 2008
- On the Wing: February 2008
- On the Wing: January 2008
- On the Wing: December 2007
- On The Wing: November 2007
- On The Wing: October 2007
- On The Wing: September 2007
- On The Wing: August 2007
- On The Wing: July 2007
- On The Wing: June 2007
- On The Wing: May 2007
