National Association of Conservation District leaders have submitted their formal conservation budget requests to the Senate and House Ag Appropriation Committees. NACD President Lee McDaniel says they’re asking for the same level for conservation the President outlined in his 2017 budget proposal.

McDaniel says the watershed rehabilitation includes the flood control dams, which haven’t been upgraded for 50 years. So they’ll need the additional $100 million in funding outlined in their request. He says it’s also important Congress recognize that conservation can help stabilize the rural economy.

He says their other funding request is for an extra $3 million for the state and private forestry program.

McDaniel says their conservation funding requests need to be fully funded to protect the nation’s natural resources and for the future security of the country’s food, feed, fuel and fiber.