State CREP funding bill called a tri-partisan effort

Officials thank governor,

Legislature

and Congress

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

MANKATO -- The 2001 Legislature's $51.4 million Minnesota River Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) funding was a tri-partisan effort, according to a conservation official.

"We're here today to thank the governor, Legislature and Congress for a true tri-partisan effort to fund a major conservation program and continue societal efforts to clean up the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers," Friends of the Minnesota River Executive Director Nelson French said at a news conference at the Holiday Inn Thursday morning.

Metropolitan and rural government units were part of a broad-based coalition of about 200,000 members of 100 state and local conservation groups and environmental organizations in the Minnesota River basin that helped the initiative pass by an overwhelming margin early last Saturday morning.

The initiative was the top environmental issue in the Legislature this year and was the biggest piece of the state's bonding bill.

District 23 Sen. Dennis Frederickson (R-New Ulm), who authored the bill, said the funding will enable 100,000 acres of flood and erosion-prone cropland to be retired plus creating buffer strips along watercourses in the Minnesota River watershed for conservation use.

Over the past three years, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated more than $80 million to match $163 million in federal funds for the program.

"It's a tremendous local, state and federal partnership," Frederickson said. "It's also a partnership between farmers and landowners in the river watershed. It's a win-win-win situation all the way around. It will improve water quality, habitat and give farmers a good economic alternative use for fragile farmland that will erode and add sediment and pollution to the river."

Frederickson said it was a tremendous feeling authoring a bill, knowing there was a room full of supporters in the committee hearing room supporting the program, calling legislators and media, letting them know the value of the program.

CREP acres and wildlife management areas will be even more valuable for wildlife since they will be connected with corridors thanks to more than $26 million in matching funds.

"We still have a conservation ethic in Minnesota," Frederickson said. "When there are good proposals to clean up water, save soil and improve forests, our citizens get behind them."

Rep. Elaine Harder (R-Jackson), said CREP funding will improve the quality of life for all Minnesotans, will have a 20 percent reduction of solids pollution in the Minnesota River, is voluntary for landowners and will create or restore significant wildlife habitat.

"It's something I'm very proud to have been a part of," Harder said. "In a long, drawn-out session, this was one initiative that got unified support."

Rep. Henry Kalis (D-Wells), a farmer himself, said CREP funding was a shining star in a dark (legislative) session.

"I can see the amount of silt and nutrients that buffer strips hold back on my own land," Kalis said. "None of this probably would have happened without the help of the federal government and (former) Congressman Minge years ago."

Second District Congressman Mark Kennedy (R-Watertown) said he doesn't think the program will ever fall apart and that he looks forward to directing pheasant hunters to Minnesota instead of South Dakota.

Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources Director Ron Harnack said he is excited about prospect of more trails and pheasants in the Minnesota River basin and the economic shot in the arm that the funding will provide.

"This is a partnership never before seen in the state that began in former Gov. Arne Carlson's days," Harnack said. "I hope to see an even bigger celebration when in September of next year."

Farmers will be paid an average of $110-$115 per acre perpetually for enrolled CREP acres. Sign-up bonuses average $510 per acre. Money to cover the cost of planting trees and grasses is also available.

Landowners are urged to contact their county Soil, Water and Conservation District office to learn more about the program.