At last count, Ducks Unlimited could name forty groups that had officially voiced their support. That's ten million Americans. And the numbers are growing.

Jeff Nelson, who oversees Ducks Unlimited's work in the "duck factory" of the Great Plains, testified before the House Agriculture Committee during the summer.

"We are here today to pledge our support to work with you and this Congress as you establish agriculture conservation policy at the outset of the 21st century," said Nelson, on behalf of a broad spectrum of groups including The Nature Conservancy, Bass Anglers Sportsman's Society, Pheasants Forever, the National Rifle Association,the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The coalition has lined up in support of three existing programs and one new conservation program: The Wetlands Reserve (WRP), the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and the new Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP).

The WRP and CRP are widely viewed as two of the most effective conservation programs. Because of acreage and authorization limits contained in the current presiding law, these programs must be reauthorized or they will become extinct, as will their many benefits. "These programs have very broad appeal because they are the most effective tools for influencing the condition of our air, soil, water, plants and wildlife for private landowners that currently exist," said Dr. Alan Wentz, Group Manager of Conservation Programs at Ducks Unlimited.

The Wetlands Reserve Program, which is on the ground in 49 states, provides farmers with financial incentives to remove marginal lands from crop production, and in many cases, restore and protect wetlands.

"Benefits from this program are evident in regions along rivers, lakes, bays and estuaries throughout the country. In addition to the economic benefits for landowners, a myriad of wildlife species, several of them threatened or endangered, have gained improved habitat," said Nelson in his testimony.

"The people who value wildlife and open space, whether they are hunters, anglers, bird watchers or just outdoor enthusiasts, also are obvious beneficiaries of WRP." Nelson concluded with the coalition's recommendation to expand the WRP to accommodate the enrollment of 250,000 acres per year for the next five years.

The CRP, like WRP, is widely credited as being one of the most successful federal wildlife habitat programs in history, conserving millions of acres of critical wildlife habitat. Scientists estimate that from 1992 to 1997, CRP habitat in just three states (Montana, North Dakota & South Dakota) contributed 10.5 million new ducks to the migratory flight in the fall.

When CRP was originally established, Congress authorized enrollment of up to 45 million acres. That ceiling was later reduced to 36.4 million acres, most of which now have been completely enrolled. The 40 groups recommend reauthorizing CRP and restoring the enrollment caps back to 45 million.

Groups supporting Farm Bill Conservation Programs