NCBA LEGISLATIVE ROUNDUP
Ranchers Praise Decision To Help Alleviate Wildfires
The National Cattlemen ’ s Beef Association ( NCBA ) and Public
Lands Council ( PLC ), released the following statement in response to the U . S . District Court for Western Virginia denying a preliminary injunction that would have blocked Trump Administration ’ s revisions to the National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA ) from becoming effective law .
“ These improvements create a better , faster NEPA process , that will help protect America ’ s natural resources . In a time where millions of acres have already burned due to delayed or canceled treatments bogged down as a result of inefficient NEPA processes , there is no time left to waste . That fact was recognized by federal courts , who ruled that these NEPA revisions will move forward . Ranchers will now be able to move faster in making range improvements that can prevent and reduce the impacts of wildfires ,” said NCBA Executive Director of Natural Resources and PLC Executive Director , Kaitlynn Glover . “ Let me be clear to anyone looking to bring any further lawsuits to delay this critical NEPA rulemaking ; NCBA and PLC will continue to fight for ranchers whose grazing practices mitigate wildfire and ensure the health and safety of thousands of communities across the West .”
Livestock and Sportsmen Groups Enter Historic Conservation Partnership
The National Cattlemen ’ s Beef Association ( NCBA ) and the Public Lands Council ( PLC ) signed a Memorandum of Understanding
( MOU ) with Ducks Unlimited ( DU ) and Safari Club International ( SCI ) to outline the groups ’ shared commitment to conservation of natural resources through sustainable multiple use . The MOU outlines these groups ’ efforts to cultivate healthier ecosystems , wildlife populations and economies through active management . Hunting , fishing and livestock grazing are all key components of successful , comprehensive management plans for our nation ’ s public lands and resources .
The MOU highlights decades of successful voluntary conservation programs and formalizes a partnership to allow these groups to coordinate multi-sector projects in the future . Cattle and beef producers , hunters and conservationists often engage in conservation partnerships that maintain open space , honor the cultural and historical value of landscapes , and empower local communities and rural economies . Signatories of the MOU are proud of the meaningful conservation achieved and reaffirmed their commitment to voluntary conservation .
“ One thing cattle producers and the sportsmen communities have in common is a shared commitment to being good stewards of the land . Combining efforts under this memorandum , will boost conservation efforts and management of wildlife habitat ,” said NCBA President Marty Smith . “ We want to thank everyone who has made this partnership possible .”
“ This MOU is a great step in putting the hard work from longstanding partnerships on paper ,” said PLC President Bob Skinner . “ Ranchers are true conservationists , and I am proud to partner with groups whose members also work to protect open spaces and manage our country ’ s natural resources for a better future .”
“ As sportsmen and cattle producers both know , land that is used , is land that is loved ,” said SCI CEO W . Laird Hamberlin . “ We are committed to prioritizing partnerships that help deliver results for conservation and cementing that with the signing of this MOU . SCI and its members look forward to working together in the future to ensure sportsmen , cattle producers and the American public can enjoy these lands for generations to come .”
“ DU members and ranching families alike know protecting wildlife habitat and working lands go hand in hand ,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam . “ The signing of this agreement solidifies the
64 • OCTOBER 2020