Why It Matter: The National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) is a unique network of pro-sportsmen state legislators from across the country. Given the connection that state legislators share directly with their constituents, opportunities to engage NASC in federal conversations provides an opportunity to further demonstrate support for our time-honored outdoor traditions at both the state and federal levels. Recently, NASC Caucus leaders from 41 states united in support of robust investments in the Farm Bill’s Conservation and Forestry Titles, highlighting a nationwide commitment to voluntary, incentive-based conservation opportunities.
Highlights:
- A letter from more than 70 state legislators representing 41 NASC-member states was submitted to the House Agriculture Committee and Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee to voice support for investments in the Conservation and Forestry Titles of the next Farm Bill.
- This unprecedented display of support from around the country demonstrates the importance of the Farm Bill’s conservation programs around the nation, as well as the leadership of the NASC network in supporting America’s sportsmen and women.
- After expiring last September, the 2018 Farm Bill received a one-year extension, and discussions surrounding the next full Farm Bill are ongoing.
In an unprecedented demonstration of support, more than 70 state legislators from 41 NASC-member states submitted a letter to Congressional leaders calling for robust investments in the next Farm Bill’s Conservation and Forestry Titles. Responsible for supporting many of the most well-known fish and wildlife habitat conservation and sportsmen access programs in the world – including the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and Voluntary Public Access – Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) – the Farm Bill’s Conservation Title’s voluntary, incentive-based private lands programs represent a top priority for sportsmen and women.
State legislators share a close connection with their local constituencies and are often well-positioned to engage with their colleagues in Congress as it relates to federal legislation. This is particularly true in the case of NASC members around the nation given their dedication to supporting the sportsmen and women in their districts. Leveraging this voice in recognition of the local, regional, and national benefits supported through the Farm Bill’s Conservation and Forestry Title programs further demonstrates the value that these programs provide on the ground and around the country.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) is proud to work with Congress, governors, and state legislators in support of our mission to protect and advance hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping. This mission also includes support for well-funded opportunities to provide quality fish and wildlife habitat and adequate access for sportsmen and women. Recognizing this, CSF is proud to support the NASC legislators who signed onto this letter and will continue to facilitate opportunities to elevate the voice of state legislators through CSF’s state-federal nexus.
