More Wetlands

As part his Earth Day 2004 celebration yesterday, President Bush commended farmers for their gains in wetland preservation, while pointing out they could be doing an even better job.

U.S. farmers and ranchers have produced a net gain of more than 130,000 acres of wetlands, through participation in programs such as the Wetlands Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Program and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.

The bad news is that while almost 183,000 acres were returned to wetlands, some 50,000 acres were lost last year, resulting in the net gain of approximately 130,000.

The President's goal is to restore, improve and protect at least three million additional acres of wetlands over the next five years.

Posted by Jim Langcuster at April 23, 2004 09:25 AM | TrackBack