Farmed Wetlands: A Balancing Act

Of all the environmental issues that confront our nation today, the relationship between wetlands and agriculture is one of the most important items on our public policy agenda. After all, farmers are primary owners of the nation's fish and wildlife habitat as well as providers of the food and fiber that supports life in the United States and abroad. However, with the national environmental spotlight now focused on wetlands, farmers are finding themselves being pushed in new and unexpected regulatory directions. We must find a balance between these competing interests so that we may both protect this important natural resource and prevent the collapse of our most essential national industry- agriculture.