Trout Unlimited Praises Reid/Leahy Farm Conservation Bill For Putting Fish In Farm Programs

Trout Unlimited Praises Reid/Leahy Farm Conservation Bill For Putting Fish In Farm Programs

Contact:
Steve Moyer , Vice President for Conservation Programs, TU (703) 284-9406
Vice President for Conservation Programs
TU
(703) 284-9406

11/15/2001 -- Arlington, VA --  Trout Unlimited (TU) today commended Senators Harry Reid and Patrick Leahy on the introduction of the most fish-friendly farm conservation proposal to date. The Senators announced introduction of their bill, the "Conservation Assistance and Regional Equity Act of 2001" (CARE), at a press conference on Capitol Hill today.

“Senators Reid and Leahy have been longstanding supporters of programs that have helped protect and restore trout and salmon habitat,” said Steve Moyer, TU’s Vice President for Conservation Programs. “With introduction of their bill today, they have again demonstrated their abiding commitment to conserving habitat and aquatic resources.”

TU praised the bill’s funding levels for existing conservation programs, and for the authorization of new, valuable programs, such as its water conservation program. TU has worked effectively with farmers throughout the nation to conserve habitat on agricultural lands. “Our efforts have been hindered by insufficient funds for landowners who are willing to work with us. This bill would help immensely,” said Moyer.

Agriculture Committee leaders Harkin and Lugar are working hard on a reauthorized Farm bill that would also improve conservation programs on agricultural lands. TU hopes that they will work with Senators Reid and Leahy to smoothly mesh the CARE bill provisions with those in the Committee bill.

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Date: 11/15/2001