CONSERVATION CORNER
July 10, 2006
Cochran Praised For Conservation Funding
by James L. Cummins

Wildlife Mississippi has voiced support for the efforts of U.S. Senator Thad Cochran (R-MS) that resulted in increased funding for several of the country's most important conservation programs.

Senator Cochran's efforts to fund the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and the Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) drew praise from Wildlife Mississippi.

WRP is a voluntary program that offers financial incentives to landowners to restore bottomland hardwoods and wetlands. Mississippi ranks second in the nation in WRP enrollment, with over 150,000 acres entered since 1990. Senator Cochran included over $400 million for the WRP, which will restore 250,000 acres of wetlands. This is the same level as President Bush requested.

“The WHIP, which was authorized in the 1996 Farm Bill at Senator Cochran's request, is funded at $63 million, $8 million above the President's request. This level of commitment proves that the program is successful and will continue to provide Mississippi landowners with meaningful incentives to enhance wildlife habitats,” stated Cochran. WHIP cost-shares with landowners to provide cover for wildlife as well as nesting and brood habitat for species like quail. Nationally, it has already improved wildlife habitat on over 1.3 million acres.

The HFRP is a voluntary program established for the purpose of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species. Mississippi is one of three states selected to receive funding for HFRP, which is being implemented in 2006 as a “pilot” program. This program was funded at $5 million or twice the amount of the President's request.

Senator Cochran's is dedicated to making sure that cost-effective conservation programs are known throughout the nation. Senator Cochran is regularly referred to as the “voice of reason” on conservation in the U.S. Senate and we are very blessed to have him in Washington serving our nation as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee and provide the leadership to make sure we have conservation programs that are adequately funded.

As an active member of the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, he has also been influential in the establishment and acquiring additions to National Wildlife Refuges and National Forests that are benefiting a diversity of fish and wildlife species.

This valuable piece of legislation would not have been possible were it not for the efforts of Mark Keenum, Hunter Moorhead and West Higginbothom of Senator Cochran's staff. These dedicated people have gone beyond the call of duty to assist Senator Cochran to make sure we have well funded, sound conservation programs.