Enhancing the Farm Bill: NWF Honors Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry

Over half of the land in the lower 48 states is actively managed for farming, ranching, and tree production. Sustainable management of these “working lands” is critical to conserving wildlife and protecting water quality. At the 2015 National Conservation Achievement Awards Gala on May 14, National Wildlife Federation will present the Legislative Award to two members of Congress: Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry who took the lead in crafting the 2014 Farm Bill with important conservation provisions to achieve these goals of sustainability.

Senator Stabenow, a leading author of the 2014 Farm Bill, led the creation of a groundbreaking new conservation program, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, which empowers landowners, conservation groups and local communities to lead the way on conservation projects for water, air, and wildlife. She also led efforts to ensure the bill included conservation standards for all farmers and ranchers who participate in agricultural support programs, including protecting wetlands, soils, and native grasslands.

During the development of the 2014 Farm Bill, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry led support efforts in the House of Representatives and boldly championed provisions to protect our nation’s wetlands and prairies, as well as the wildlife that depend upon these ecosystems. Rep. Fortenberry has also used his role on the Appropriations Committee to advocate for full funding for Farm Bill conservation programs to help farmers, ranchers, and foresters restore grasslands and wetlands and to adopt conservation practices on their working lands, thus delivering clean water, healthy soil, and abundant habitat for wildlife.

Learn more about the 2014 Farm Bill and two of its main proponents by attending the National Conservation Achievement Awards.

Elected in 2000, Senator Debbie Stabenow of Michigan is currently the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Congressman Jeff Fortenberry of Nebraska was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2004 and has worked on two past Farm Bills. Both are outspoken conservation champions and strive to help farmers protect water quality and make a safe place for wildlife.

Join NWF in honoring Senator Debbie Stabenow and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry at the National Conservation Achievement Awards (now famously known as the Connies), on May 14, 2015 at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington D.C and meet these outstanding individuals for yourself!

Buy your Connies ticket today!