Yuba-Sutter Times

Congressmen Doug LaMalfa and Mike Thompson have introduced the Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act, a bill aimed at addressing wetland habitat concerns. The proposed legislation would allow the Secretary of Agriculture to enroll more agricultural lands in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, provided it is necessary for wetland habitat issues. It also encourages farmers to manage their croplands to support species dependent on wetlands by allowing seasonal flooding.

LaMalfa emphasized the importance of utilizing water resources efficiently: “The next drought is around the corner, and we need to use the water resources we get to the best mutual benefit of farms, people, and the environment. Even this year with better water availability, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimated that breeding duck populations have dropped by 30 percent, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by both farmers and wildlife due to poor water management policies."

Thompson highlighted how critical wetland habitats are for wildlife: "Many wildlife species rely on wetland habitat created by California’s farmers, including our rice growers. With the Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act, we can expand USDA support for our local growers."

Julia Peebles from Ducks Unlimited praised the bipartisan effort: “This bipartisan legislation will allow producers to enroll more working lands in the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.”

John Devney from Delta Waterfowl expressed appreciation for this legislative effort as an additional tool for conservation efforts: “We appreciate Rep. LaMalfa and Rep. Thompson’s Pacific Flyway Habitat Enhancement Act as an additional tool in the toolbox to reward stewardship.”

Congressman Doug LaMalfa represents California's First Congressional District.