Ducks Unlimited (DU), the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership (TRCP) and other hunting and fishing conservation groups, expressed approval to the Senate for passing the bill. The benefits to wildlife and hunters look more encouraging than earlier versions of the bill which lacked key provisions and funding.

“We congratulate the Senate on passing the Farm Bill,” said Scott Sutherland, Director of the Governmental Affairs Office at Ducks Unlimited. “Ducks Unlimited appreciates the attention the Senate paid to conservation.”

Consider some of the sections DU highlighted, such as the Sodsaver program. A provision was added to the Senate version, providing even stronger protection for the last native prairie remaining in America, critical to waterfowl breeding habitats. Keep in mind most ducks harvested in Florida are born in the Prairie pothole region.

Also, take a look at the Open Fields program. The Senate established a new grant program to encourage landowners to provide public hunting and fishing access on their conservation lands.

There are also two additional initiatives of key importance to fish and wildlife, the Wetlands Reserve Program and Grassland Reserve Programs—both passed in the Senate Farm Bill.

“The Senate’s reauthorization of both Wetlands Reserve Program and Grassland Reserve Program continues our national commitment to preserving two fragile ecosystem types,” said Brad Redlin of the Izaak Walton League of America. “The community of American conservationists applauds them.”