STONEVILLE, MS -- The Mississippi River Trust has voiced support for the efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture for their efforts to designate the Lower Mississippi River Valley (LMRV) as a special area for conservation, making it eligible for additional funding and innovative conservation practices. This effort is through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which is one of the landmark conservation programs authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill.
The LMRV is a unique and special place since it provides jobs; revenue from timber harvest, farming and leases for recreation; agricultural products that feed and clothe our families; a variety of opportunities for hunting, fishing and other nature based activities; and an abundance of clean water for drinking, irrigation and recreation. It is also one of the most effective areas in North America for sequestering carbon.
According to James L. Cummins, president of the Mississippi River Trust, "We greatly appreciate Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsak's efforts that have resulted in this special designation for the Lower Mississippi River. This designation will greatly help this economically-depressed region of our nation with restoring black bear and waterfowl habitat, as well as improve water quality in the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. Secretary Vilsak and his team at USDA have regularly supported 'common sense' conservation programs and have been leaders in advancing conservation in the United States."
The Mississippi River Trust is a non-profit organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.