PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
August 15, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Bobbie Kriz-Wickham (402) 471-6860

LINCOLN - More than 230 natural resources, wildlife and agricultural professionals from across the nation are at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln today attending the 2006 National Conservation Reserve Enhancement (CREP) Forum. The three-day event is highlighting the development of programs and partnerships that work in cooperation with the agricultural industry to address water quality, quantity and wildlife and fisheries benefits.

Governor Dave Heineman, United States Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, and U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel were among the speakers today.

According to conference organizers, the theme of the Forum is “CREP: Creative Solutions, Multiple Resources, Many Partners.” The Forum is featuring innovative solutions states are using to address multiple environmental resource needs.

Governor Dave Heineman opened the conference, noting Nebraska is an appropriate place for the event because the state features two CREPs. The Platte-Republican Resources Area CREP is the first CREP in the nation designed with the main goal of addressing water conservation challenges. The second program, called the Central Basins CREP, was created primarily to improve water quality and foster wildlife.

“Our agricultural industry is at the heart of Nebraska’s economy. While ensuring the strength of agriculture is vital to the continued success of our state, we also need to be mindful of the need to maintain opportunities for hunting, fishing and other recreational activities,” Gov. Heineman said in his opening remarks. “All these depend on the viability of our natural resources. Programs like CREP have proven very useful in helping preserve and protect those resources for the benefit of future generations of farmers, ranchers and outdoor enthusiasts.”

Secretary Johanns gave the conference keynote address during lunch. Johanns highlighted the 20th anniversary of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), which is the parent program of CREP, and talked about the conservation and wildlife gains made through programs of the 2002 Farm Bill.

“The voluntary safeguarding of environmentally sensitive properties by our producers through CREP is an important and ongoing part of USDA’s job to leave America’s farm and ranch lands in better shape than we found them,” said Johanns. “And from what I’ve heard, you are all doing a terrific job helping our farmers and ranchers understand what a great resource CREP can be for them, for the taxpayers, and for anyone who cares about our environment.”

Other USDA officials scheduled to participate in the Forum include Glen Keppy, who serves as Associate Administrator for Programs for the Farm Service Agency (FSA); John Johnson, who is the FSA Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs; and Tom Christensen, who is the Natural Resources Conservation Service Deputy Chief for Programs. Over 35 individuals, from Nebraska and across the nation, will speak during the three-day event.

Forum information is available on-line at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) web site, www.agr.ne.gov, under “What’s New Around the Department.” NDA assisted with organizing the event.