CONSERVATION CORNER

Bush Announces Enhanced Wetland Policy

by James L. Cummins

President George W. Bush has been very supportive of wetland conservation. Two years ago he signed into law the reauthorization of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. Its purpose is to encourage voluntary partnerships among public agencies and the private sector to conserve wetlands.

According to President Bush, this legislation will "conserve North America's wetlands, which will help keep our water clean and help provide habitat for hundreds of species of wildlife." Through this legislation, the federal government will continue its partnership with landowners, conservation groups and states to save and improve millions of acres of wetlands. The law authorizes federal money to match donations from sportsmen, state wildlife agencies, conservationists and landowners. Since 1991, more than $462 million in federal grants have helped to encourage $1.3 billion in contributions from others."

In December 2003, the President reiterated his commitment to assuring no net loss of wetlands, following a Supreme Court ruling that removed federal regulatory protection of certain isolated wetlands. His FY 2005 budget includes an additional $5 million to help states address the gap created by the Court.

On Earth day, President Bush increased his support for wetland conservation by saying, "From the Gulf of Maine, to the Gulf of Mexico, Americans are blessed to live amid many incredible wonders of nature. Wetlands are among our most important natural resources. They provide a habitat for wildlife, trap pollution, reduce the impact of floods and provide recreational opportunities. For many years, our nation has sought to slow the loss of our wetlands. We've made tremendous progress. And on Earth Day, I was proud to announce a new goal: Instead of just limiting our losses, we will expand the wetlands of America. To accomplish this objective, my administration will work to restore, improve and protect at least 3 million acres of wetlands over the next five years. This new wetlands policy reflects an enduring national commitment, carried forward by both parties, to protecting the environment."

New figures show that, for the first time in history, America has reversed the annual net loss of wetlands on our farms. The United States was losing almost 500,000 acres of wetlands per year 30 years ago, but today, that loss is down dramatically.

To meet this goal, the President called on Congress to pass his FY 2005 budget request, which includes $4.4 billion for conservation programs that include funding for wetlands - an increase of $1.5 billion (53%) over FY 2001.

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. Their web site is www.wildlifemiss.org.