USDA Seeks Public Comments on Conservation Across the Nation – Lubbock Included

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Texas Farm Service Agency has announced a public meeting to solicit comments on a report that examines potential environmental impacts caused by changes to the Conservation Reserve Program enacted by the 2014 Farm Bill.

The Conservation Reserve Program encourages farmers and ranchers to establish long-term vegetative species, such as grasses or trees, on environmentally sensitive farmland to help reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat.

Meetings will be held nationally at only 5 locations. Lubbock has been chosen to host one such meeting. The meeting will be held at the Plains Cotton Cooperative Association located at 3301 East 50^th Street on August 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Stakeholders interested in farmland conservation are urged to attend. Farm Service Agency representatives will be available to field and questions or receive any comments.

The draft environmental analysis can be reviewed online here