AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION: Survey of USDA State Technical Committee Members
Abstract
Farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners own and manage more than two-thirds of the continental United States 1.9 billion acres and thus are the primary stewards of our soil, water, and wildlife habitat. Because of this important responsibility, how private land is used is increasingly being recognized as vital to the protection of the nation's environment and natural resources. For example, state water quality agencies report that agricultural production is a leading contributor to impaired water quality; similarly, habitat loss associated with agriculture has been a factor in the declining populations of many wildlife species, including many threatened or endangered native species. In recognition of the critical role played by private landowners, the Congress directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to implement the numerous programs aimed at improving the stewardship practices on these lands. USDA currently has over 70 million acres of privately owned land enrolled in programs that offer landowners financial incentives to implement conservation practices to protect or improve soil and water quality and wildlife habitat. USDA's conservation efforts are intended to address specific environmental concerns, target funding toward state and local environmental priority areas, and include partnerships with state or local entities to leverage limited funding. USDA's Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the federal government's largest single conservation program, has an enrollment of almost 34 million acres and makes annual payments of about $1.5 billion on these acres.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA400304
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office