Roberts Predicts Major Conservation Role

June 27, 2001

Sen. Pat Roberts predicts conservation programs will take a major role in the shaping of the next farm bill. "Our conservation programs should become more flexible, letting farmers and ranchers implement conservation ideas or plans that not only benefit their operations but benefit the environment without worrying about following rigid and strict rules," Roberts said during a visit to the McPherson (KS) Valley Wetlands complex.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, Ducks Unlimited, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy, Pheasants Forever and other private conservation organizations contributed to the success of the McPherson Valley Wetlands restoration.

"Instead of following the old conservation blueprint of having the federal government use eminent domain to protect significant environmental resources, we are celebrating today Kansas' continuation of voluntary partnerships to achieve similar results, but with strong community support," Roberts said.

The McPherson Valley Wetlands project works to restore portions of what was once more than 9,000 acres of shallow wetlands. At one time more than 200 species of birds were found nesting or stopping over on long migrations. In efforts to bring back the wetlands, the project has purchased more than 2,770 acres of the original wetlands and has restored up to 40%.

Roberts received the Kansas Conservation Legislator of the Year award from the Kansas Wildlife Federation for his role in directing USDA's compensation of farmers who plant grass on soil and water terraces. This voluntary best management practice improves water quality and provides crucial habitat for birds and other animals.