Number: 1977-14
WHEREAS, the United States has entered into international treaties for the protection and management of migratory birds with both Canada and Mexico; and
WHEREAS, the United States has an obligation to provide suitable habitat, including feeding areas, for migratory birds, both game and non-game species; and
WHEREAS, privately-owned agricultural lands support significant numbers of wild creatures, including migratory birds, by providing the basic habitat components of food, water, and cover; and
WHEREAS, such wildlife produced on private agricultural lands provide important recreational and educational opportunities for the public;
WHEREAS, modern techniques of farming have reduced the amounts of food formerly available to migratory birds; and
WHEREAS, if sufficient food were available, many of these birds would not be lost through natural cases and could be saved for broodstrock; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 24-27, 1977, in Washington, D.C., hereby continues to support the establishment of long-term conservation practices benefiting wildlife populations and the general public by encouraging the use of acreage for approved food plots or wildlife cover established in conformity with standards developed cooperatively by the Department of Agriculture and the Interior and the wildlife agencies in the states affected; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that agricultural producers should be encouraged to devote specific acres to wildlife food and cover by additional payments made available through the Agricultural Conservation Program, or by specific donations of standing crops to tax-exempt wildlife organizations with similar goals.