PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release
May 16, 2006 www.agr.ne.gov		Contact: Bobbie Kriz-Wickham (402) 471-6860

LINCOLN - Natural resources, wildlife and environmental professionals from Nebraska and across the nation are invited to attend the 2006 National Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Forum. The event will be held August 14-17 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Information and registration material was posted on-line today at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (NDA) web site, www.agr.ne.gov. NDA is assisting with organizing the event.

Officials from several State of Nebraska agencies are working in conjunction with United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) officials and others to plan and host the national event. USDA Secretary Mike Johanns has been invited to give the keynote address.

Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Acting Director Ann Bleed said USDA selected Nebraska as the 2006 host site because the state has two CREPs. Nebraska recently implemented the Platte-Republican Resources Area CREP, which emphasizes water conservation. The state has an additional program, called the Central Basins CREP, which was designed to focus on improving water quality and fostering wildlife.

"The Platte-Republican CREP was the first of its kind in the nation designed with an additional goal of water conservation," Bleed said. "USDA officials have told us that several western states are following in our footsteps and designing CREPs of their own that focus on water quantity.

"This event will allow natural resource and wildlife professionals to share information regarding CREP and other programs designed to assist farmers and landowners with natural resource issues."

Nebraska Farm Service Agency Executive Director Brian Wolford said Forum sessions will highlight the development of creative programs and partnerships that address natural resource issues such as water conservation, water quality improvement, and wildlife and fisheries benefits.

"Nebraska has been a great model for showing how federal, state, and local entities can partner with private groups to achieve success," Wolford said. "That's why groups such as Pheasants Forever are featured on the Forum agenda.

"We'll also showcase unique CREPs in several other states, including Minnesota, Idaho and Louisiana," Wolford said.

The event is open to the general public but is geared toward government and nongovernment professionals and academics who deal with natural resources, wildlife and agriculture programs. Registration is $200, and the registration deadline is August 3.

Details about the event, including a draft agenda, can be found at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture web site at www.agr.ne.gov under the 2006 National CREP Forum headline and button. A registration form also can be downloaded from the site.