USDA Touts Conrad 'Open Fields' Program

Press Release

Senator Kent Conrad today applauded the Obama Administration's implementation of the senator's Open Fields program, which provides incentives to farmers and ranchers who voluntarily open their land to hunting, fishing and other wildlife-related activities.

"As a boy I loved to go fishing," Senator Conrad said. "But too often today our hunters, fishermen, and hikers find it difficult to access nature because it is on private land. Open Fields will help change that and offer another generation of America's youth the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors just like I did."

Senator Conrad's Open Fields program -- which he first introduced in 2003 with Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) - directs the USDA to back existing state based programs that support landowners who volunteer to make their lands accessible for outdoor recreational uses. The federal government would help provide funding, but the states would continue to manage the programs.

Though the bipartisan initiative enjoyed broad bipartisan support, it wasn't until today -- following the passage of the most recent Farm Bill Senator Conrad helped author -- that the program was put into practice. Open Fields has been endorsed by a long list of sportsman's, conservation, and farming groups, ranging from the National Rifle Association to Ducks Unlimited, the National Farmers Union, and Pheasants Forever.

Nearly 100 million Americans participate in wildlife-related recreation annually, spending in excess of $100 billion each year on their outdoor activities. Outdoor recreation is worth nearly $1 billion annually in North Dakota alone, and Senator Conrad noted that Open Fields should create an opportunity to further boost the state's nature-based industries.

"This program is a win-win situation for everyone. The farmers and ranchers who voluntarily enroll their land get an incentive payment. Hunters, fishermen and birders find more land available to enjoy the outdoors, and our rural communities get a tremendous economic shot in the arm," Senator Conrad said.

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