[Pollinator] Pollinator Comments on NRCS Healthy Forests Reserve Program Interim Final Rule. Deadline for Comments August 15.

[R. Thomas Van Arsdall]

Dear Pollinator Supporters:

 

Action continues on a dual track of working to improve the next farm bill
for pollinators while continuing to "pollinate" current conservation
programs for the benefit of pollinators.  

 

The attached CoE pollinator comments on the NRCS Healthy Forests Reserve
Program Interim Final Rule were filed August 11.  Even though this is a
forestry program, NRCS was selected by the Secretary as the lead implementer
because of the agency's extensive conservation expertise and network and
experience in dealing with conservation easements and programs.

 

Comments were filed under the CoE banner since such statements cannot be
submitted under the auspices of NAPPC.  However, much of the information is
based on information developed earlier by NAPPC committees.  This builds on
earlier precedents in which CoE filed pollinator comments on the NRCS
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Conservation
Stewardship Program (CSP) and more recently selected Conservation Practices
Standards.

 

The deadline for comments is August 15.  Other pollinator supporters in a
position to do so are encouraged to file comments.   Feel free to
incorporate points from the CoE comments as appropriate. 

 

Even brief comments urging the agency to include pollinator-beneficial
provisions in the final rule would be helpful.   An excerpt from the CoE
comments is provided below for your convenience.

 

It is important to continue the ongoing effort to "pollinate" NRCS staff and
the suite of current conservation programs as such opportunities arise.  If
you become aware of additional opportunities to weigh in on behalf of
pollinators, please advise.

 

If you would like a copy of the interim final rule, I can e-mail a copy with
selected section highlighted; or you can access at:
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/HFRP/ProgInfo/HFRPFinalRule.pdf.  

 

NRCS signed up the first acreage under this new program in June-July (Maine,
Arkansas, Mississippi).
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/releases/2006/healthyforests.html. 

 

Excerpts from CoE Comments:

 

CoE recommends pollinator-related enhancements as vital components to
assisting landowners in restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote
the recovery of threatened and endangered species and improving
biodiversity.

 

The HFRP interim final rule can be easily 'pollinated' to-

*        Increase awareness among those in NRCS and the Forest Service
implementing the program, including State Conservationists and technical and
cost-share assistance providers, about the role that pollinators play in
agriculture and healthy ecosystems and about recommended pollinator-related
conservation practices and habitat changes that could be included in HFRP
restoration plans;

*        Encourage such providers to make landowners aware of pollinators,
and practices that can benefit pollinators and pollinator habitat;

*        Ensure that best management practices recommended for HFRP
restoration plans appropriately incorporate pollinator-beneficial
components; and 

*        Ensure that such practices and measures are eligible for cost-share
assistance if needed.

 

NRCS indicates the agency may consult with nonprofit conservation
organization.  CoE offers to explore ways that our organization can assist
NRCS and FS in implementing this important program.   

 

Sincerely Shared, 

 

 

R. Thomas (Tom) Van Arsdall, Public Affairs Representative for Coevolution
Institute/NAPPC

   Van Arsdall & Associates

   13605 McLane Place

   Fredericksburg, VA  22407-2344

   (540) 785-0949

   tom at vanarsdall.com 

 

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