Conservation, Hunting Access & America’s Rural Economy

This group of non-resident South Dakota hunters will spend money in restaurants, hotels, and even bowling alleys.

Last week, I attended USDA’s Rural Economic Summit in Hillsboro, MO.  While you might not recognize it from the title, much of the discussion centered on conservation policy and recreational opportunities, including hunting. 

Think about it; many of us have hunted in areas where small rural town motels are packed, restaurants crowded, and even local bowling alleys are busier.  Give hunters quality habitat to support good bird populations, add in plenty of access opportunities and we will come with our wallets in pocket.  It’s a big deal to many of our nation’s smaller rural towns. 

At the Summit, I was one voice among those of academic leaders, agency professionals, and a bunch of small business owners, plus numerous farmers and ranchers.  USDA Secretary Vilsack talked about the challenge of developing farm program policies that are complementary to strengthening rural communities.  I was a co-chair of a session led by UnderSecretary Harris Sherman where a group of about 50 discussed forest enhancement, private lands conservation and recreational opportunities.  It was good to hear so many voices supporting programs like CRP.  Strong proven programs like CRP and WRP are clearly part of the solution. 

Your voices are critical as we enter the next Congress and rewrite Farm Bill legislation.  It’s up to us to make sure a strong conservation title is included.  Get in the game by attending meetings in your area and taking the time to find out how your elected officials and candidates feel about your favorite conservation programs, like CRP.   Future generations of hunters will applaud your efforts.

–Dave

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010 and is filed under Pheasants Forever. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.