Cochran, Lott Praised for Support of Conservation

Stoneville, MS - The Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation has voiced support for the efforts of U.S. Senators Thad Cochran and Trent Lott that resulted in the 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 Foundation, "Senator Cochran's and Senator Lott's efforts have rescued the nation's two largest 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."

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

WRP is a voluntary program that offers financial incentives to landowners to restore bottomland hardwoods and shallow water areas for wildlife. Mississippi ranks second in the nation in WRP enrollment, with 89,000 acres entered since 1990.

WHIP, originally authored by Cochran in the 1996 Farm Bill, will provide cover for wildlife as well as nesting and brood habitat for species like turkey and quail on over 650,000 acres nationally.

After the amended bill passed the Senate, 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."

Lott said, "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."