2/18/04
It is crunch time for the Conservation Security Program (CSP).
As you know, CSP has been a major policy priority of the Land Stewardship Project since we helped develop the idea in 1999. CSP, as passed in the 2002 Farm Bill, is good policy, and embodies a long-term motto of our organization: Our Soil, Our Farmers, Our Future.
USDA has issued proposed rules for how the Administration intends to run the CSP. These rules strangle the program, making it virtually useless. Which means, now more than ever, we need to pile on the support for this innovative new farm program.
Between today and March 2, it is vital that everyone possible send in written comments about the USDA’s proposed rules for CSP. Providing written comments to address problems in USDA’s proposed rules can help shape and influence how CSP will work, and put the Administration on notice once again about the large and committed support for the CSP.
All Land Stewardship Project members where sent out a mailing earlier this week which should be arriving on your doorstep soon. The mailing includes three important pieces:
1) CSP Fact sheet # 5, which gives suggestions for fixing parts of the proposed rule;
2) A sample comment letter, which people can sign and add additional comments to, and mail to the USDA;
3) An envelope addressed to the Conservation Operations Divisions, the office that is collecting comments on the USDA’s proposed rule for CSP.
The fact sheet and sample letter are also both on LSP’s CSP Web page at http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/programs_csp.html.
It’s easy to use these materials to send in comments on how the USDA’s proposed rules for CSP need to be fixed. If you feel so moved, write your own comment letter and mail it in. If it’s more convenient, you can e-mail comments to david.mckay@usda.gov. No matter how you send in comments, whether you use the sample comment letter or write your own letter, please send in comments. We need to push hard for these changes.
This is a critical time in which the future of CSP hangs in the balance. This program is important not only for farmers, who should be rewarded for using good conservation practices on working farmland, but also for everyone who cares about our air, water, and land, whether you live in the city or country. CSP will work to reduce soil erosion and promote greater retention and quality of soil; produce better water quality in our lakes, streams and rivers; and provide more wildlife habitat and plant and animal diversity. But these great societal benefits can only be achieved if we the people are invested and demand a CSP that works for America’s working farmland—not the severely limited program the USDA would have us believe CSP should be. Send comments today!
To access the sample comment letter online (making it easy to send comments by e-mail) go to our Web page on CSP at http://www.landstewardshipproject.org/programs_csp.html.
Or, mail your comments on the USDA’s Proposed Rule for CSP to:
Conservation Security Program,
Attn: David McKay, Conservation Operations Division
P.O. Box 2890
Washington, D.C. 20013
If you have other questions or suggestions, contact LSP’s Policy Office at 612-722-6377 or e-mail Mark Schultz at marks@landstewardshipproject.org or Adam Warthesen at
adamw@landstewardshipproject.org.
Thank you! Remember, the deadline is March 2!
