DESMET, S.D. – Voluntary conservation efforts work best in ranch and farm country, according to NCBA President Todd Wilkinson, DeSmet, S.D.
Wilkinson and the NCBA are in support of the passage of two congressional resolutions that nullify the Endangered Species Act (ESA) listings of the lesser prairie chicken and northern long-eared bat. The action is seen as a significant victory for cattle producers and their voluntary conservation efforts, ensuring the federal government’s intervention does not overextend on cattle operations.
“The administration’s listing of the lesser prairie chicken and northern long-eared bat posed numerous challenges for cattle producers, disregarding their critical conservation work,” said Wilkinson. “The passage of these two joint resolutions, with bipartisan support, reflects Congress’s understanding of the need to address these concerns.”
S.J. Res. 9 aims to nullify the lesser prairie chicken listing, which impacted cattle producers by granting third-party review of grazing management plans. The rule failed to recognize livestock production’s impact on lesser prairie chicken habitat, which relies on conservation investments.
Since White Nose Syndrome, a naturally occurring disease unrelated to human activities, is to blame for the demise of these bats, 24 aims to invalidate the listing of the northern long-eared bat. The listing made it more difficult for cattle producers to appropriately manage their property, adding more difficulties to their operations.
The bipartisan support shown in nullifying these ESA listings is a positive step towards finding a balanced approach that protects both the cattle industry and endangered species, fostering a harmonious coexistence between agriculture and wildlife preservation.
