Cramer: Solution for NRCS/NGO Dispute With Landowners Gains Momentum

Press Release

U.S. Representative Kevin Cramer (R-ND), says The Natural Resources and Conservation Service (NRCS) should embrace a concept recently proposed by several landowner and farm groups in his state. The idea was first proposed at a meeting Cramer facilitated in his Bismarck office last month in an attempt to "clear the air and brainstorm" a way out of a conflict between the NRCS, farmers and Ducks Unlimited (DU).

Last October, several farm and landowner organizations expressed concerns about a contractual arrangement where DU and fellow NGO Pheasants Forever, provide staff to the NRCS to provide conservation advice to farmers on behalf of the government, siting undue political influence by groups whose mission may be in conflict with the landowners.

Ducks Unlimited drew the ire of many agriculture groups when they advocated passage of Measure 5, the Clean Water Wildlife and Parks constitutional measure that would earmark a percentage of oil revenue for conservation spending without legislative oversight. The initiated measure was soundly rejected by North Dakota voters placing DU and other conservation groups out of favor with the state's citizens and political leadership. Cramer has been an outspoken advocate for landowners and farmers and a critic of NRCS use of DU and Pheasants Forever as contracted employees.

"Clearly trust has been broken which is why I have worked with the farm and conservation groups and the NRCS to find a solution to this situation," said Cramer.

Cramer sent a letter to NRCS Chief Jason Weller on March 31st asking about the details of the contracts between the agency and DU and Pheasants Forever. You can view of copy of the letter by clicking here. During his meeting in Bismarck last month it was revealed North Dakota Department of Game and Fish contracted with DU and Pheasants Forever for the same services. Recent news reports claim DU was paid $91,000 and Pheasants Forever was paid $505,000 since 2010 by the Game and Fish Department for contracted services at NRCS.

Recently, nine farm and landowner organizations wrote to NRCS Chief Jason Weller proposing the agency as well as DU and fellow Non-Government Organization Pheasants Forever adopt this proposal. You can view these letters by clicking here and here. Last Friday, Congressman Cramer contacted Chief Weller and Director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, Terry Steinwand, to express his strong support of the proposal and urged both of them to embrace the plan put forth by the North Dakota Farm and Landowner Groups.

The organizations propose working with Soil Conservation Districts (SCD) to manage these contracted employees in partnership with the NRCS. SCDs have a long history of working with landowners on conservation issues and their independently elected boards would ensure this new contracting process is conducted in a transparent and fair manner.

"This proposal gives all sides a "timeout' with the hope they may come back together in the future with restored trust and willingness to work together," commented Cramer. "It is in the best interest of all parties to find a solution and I believe the principles outlined in this concept provide the best chance for a successful outcome."

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