Agricultural News
National Association of Conservation Districts Supports Improved Health of Chesapeake Bay
Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:41:05 CDT
National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) President Gene Schmidt sent letters to Congressmen Tim Holden (PA-17) and Bob Goodlatte (VA-6) in support of their bill, H.R. 4153, the Chesapeake Bay Program Reauthorization and Improvement Act (CBPRIA). H.R. 4153 seeks to improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay through a locally-led approach.
"Conservation districts are committed to making a difference in the Chesapeake Bay," Schmidt said. "With 127 districts in the six states covering the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the ability to work with landowners and local communities to implement conservation practices and address both rural and urban nonpoint source issues is unrivaled."
NACD strongly supports the passage of CBPRIA, which would create the Advisory Committee and the Chesapeake Bay Nutrient and Sediment Trading Commission, giving states the opportunity to strengthen the locally-led process. Furthermore, the Act would provide necessary transparency and accountability for federal funds in the Chesapeake Bay Program.
"As districts, we support the important role of state and local governments in the Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) process -- especially in regards to non-point sources," Schmidt continued. "States - rather than the federal government - are best equipped to determine the best methods of reaching water quality standards by effectively implementing TMDLs at the local level."
NACD is currently working with conservation districts and state associations on several Chesapeake Bay projects including obtaining better data on unreported conservation practices and systems. NACD and districts look forward to continuing to provide leadership and support towards ongoing Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts.
H.R. 4153 was introduced earlier this month and has been referred to the House Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy.
To view the full text of Schmidt's letter, click here.
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