Thune Announces Additional Conservation Acres for South Dakota

Press Release

Senator John Thune today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has allocated an additional 33,500 acres to South Dakota for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). This announcement is part of a 300,000 acre nationwide general CRP sign up. CRP, which was reauthorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, provides incentives for agricultural producers to preserve wildlife habitat.

"This increase in available acres will be very helpful for South Dakota's ongoing wildlife conservation efforts," said Thune. "Preserving wildlife habitat will help keep South Dakota's gamebird population strong, meaning more hunting opportunities for South Dakotans and visitors to our state. Conservation of wildlife habitat is good for the environment and good for our economy, and I am proud to support this successful program."

South Dakota will receive additional acres in the following programs on account of today's announcement:

* 18,000 acres for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative in West River
* 15,000 acres for Duck Nesting Habitat
* 500 acres for Upland Bird Habitat

Last year, Senator Thune sent a letter to USDA requesting that the agency award additional acres to South Dakota for the State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement program.

Senator Thune is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. As a member of the committee, he was instrumental in drafting the 2008 Farm Bill's conservation title. The committee continues to oversee USDA's administration of conservation programs.

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