HR0920 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0920 LRB100 21236 MST 37423 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The 2014 Federal Farm Bill boasted a strong Conservation Title, and the Farm Bill is up for reauthorization in 2018; and

WHEREAS, Provisions from the 2014 Farm Bill have helped support programs improving soil, water, fish, and wildlife conservation on farms, ranches, forests, and private lands through the United States; and

WHEREAS, These programs include the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), and the voluntary public access and habitat incentive program (VPA-HIC), which have all been key to managing and increasing the natural resources of the United States; and

WHEREAS, 2014 Farm Bill provisions have specifically benefitted Illinois; in 2017, a total of 895,410 acres, representing 43,802 farms in Illinois, were enrolled in CRP, with an investment of over $161 million; and

WHEREAS, In 2016, Illinois landowners held over $4 million in ACEP agreements; and

WHEREAS, Eight Regional Conservation Partnership Programs (RCPPs) invested nearly $27 million in the State from 2014 to 2017, leading to wildlife habitat conservation, improved pollinator habitats, and increased forest health; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Department of Natural Resources received over $2.2 million in VPA-HIP grants in 2014 and 2015, which it used to expand urban youth opportunities and increase public access to areas for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation throughout the State; this in turn helps protect the hunting heritage of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Illinois depends on the Farm Bill Conservation Title to help provide clean water, healthy soils, abundant wildlife and wildlife habitats, flood control, and outdoor recreation opportunities; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the U.S. Congress to include a strong Conservation Title in the 2018 Farm Bill, and ask the Illinois Congressional Delegation to pay special attention to this matter; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to President Donald Trump, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, and all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.