The Deputy Undersecretary for Natural Resources and Environment, USDA, is Ann Mills. Ann oversees the Natural Resources Conservation Service. During lunch on the Conservation in Action Tour she spoke to us about several initiatives under her oversight. She talked about her goals of getting 100 percent participation from Chesapeake Bay area land owners to help with the watershed cleanup efforts. She acknowledged farmers work on this and told people during the tour how much she was learning about the practices they employ. I think this shows how important it is to invite government officials out to the farm. If they’re going to regulate you it would be nice if they actually knew what you do!

Ann says that USDA has been conducting a series of America’s Great Outdoors Initiative Public Listening Sessions around the country to hear what people have to say. She encourages farmers to go to the website and make their views known. She also knows farmers have concerns about the Chesapeake Bay TMDL and she says NRCS is ready to provide resources to “put conservation practices on the ground that work.” Ann Mills Presentation

Conservation In Action Tour 2010 Photo Album

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