Conservation Corner: August 7, 2000

Cochran, Lott Praised For Conservation Work
by James L. Cummins

The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation has voiced support for the efforts of U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott that resulted in funding of 100,000 acres for the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) and funding for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP).

The combined efforts of Senators Cochran and Lott that "rescued" both the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) drew praise from the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

According to Peyton Self, President of the conservation organization, "Senator Cochran's and Senator Lott's efforts have rescued the nation's two largest fish and wildlife incentive programs from being zeroed-out in the appropriations process. We are very blessed to have Senator Cochran and Senator Lott in Washington to provide the leadership to make sure we have sound conservation programs. They are to be strongly commended for their efforts to fund these two conservation programs."

Cochran and Lott teamed together and authored an amendment to the Agriculture Appropriations Bill that provided funding for an additional 100,000 acres of WRP and funding for WHIP.

WRP is one of the landmark environmental steps in the 1990 Farm Bill. It is a voluntary program that offers incentives to landowners to restore bottomland hardwoods and shallow water areas for wildlife. Mississippi, which ranks second in the nation in WRP enrollment, has restored over 89,000 acres since 1990.

WHIP is a voluntary program which was authorized in the 1996 Farm Bill and was authored by Senator Cochran. WHIP will help provide cover, nesting and brood rearing habitat for species like wild turkey and quail. The program can also improve aquatic habitats and establish much needed early water for waterfowl and shorebirds. WHIP can also create small openings in forest stands. Mississippi ranks second in the nation in WHIP enrollment. This funding for WHIP will develop habitat on over 650,000 acres.

Upon the passing of the amended Bill, Senator Cochran said, "These conservation funds provide technical assistance and cost-sharing for programs which help landowners protect our valuable natural resources. I am particularly pleased that the Senate approved additional acreage enrollments in the Wetlands Reserve Program and funds for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program."

According to Senator Lott, "I am pleased to join Senator Cochran in supporting the WHIP and WRP portion of the Agriculture Appropriations Bill. These cost-effective programs are important in preserving Mississippi's wildlife resources."

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.