Through the farm bill debate, we have been promoting the
Cooperative Conservation Partnerships Initiative. In our view, this provision should support farmers and ranchers who want to do special conservation projects to enhance natural resources AND assist rural community development efforts by allowing public access on their land.
The initiative has different names in the congressional versions of the farm bill. It is called Partnerships and Cooperation in the Senate and the Cooperative Conservation Partnerships Initiative in the House.
We aren’t wedded to either name, but we are wedded to how the provision should look and function in its final form. There are similarities and differences between the two versions. We are, of course, eternal optimists and believe that when they are joined during the Senate and House conference committee, we will end up with a good final product.
The similarities between the two versions are significant and will help in putting together a final bill. They include such things as allowing a majority of the funds to be set aside for special projects to be decided at the state level. This will enable each state to focus on local priorities and determine which cooperative conservation projects show merit and are worthy of investing federal conservation dollars.
The difference we are most concerned with is a loss of priority for projects that address both conservation and rural community development needs in the Senate’s version. The House version places a priority on such projects.
Public access to natural space can be a development asset for communities. It can draw young families to start businesses, populate schools, and revitalize communities. And it provides a basis for new tourism related self-employment opportunities involving bed and breakfasts, hunting, horseback riding, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and so forth.
So when the House and Senate get together to work out differences between their farm bills, let’s be sure and let them know we support placing a priority on projects that address conservation and rural economic development simultaneously.
Contact: Traci Bruckner for more information on conservation in the farm bill,
tracib@cfra.org or 402.687.2103 x 1016.
Dakota Rural Action has been a close ally of the Center for Rural Affairs since the South Dakota grassroots organization was established. In particular, Dakota Rural Action is a key ally in South Dakota on livestock market reforms, beginning farmer and rancher initiatives and on anti-corporate farming laws. Visit them online today. 
