The Pennsylvania State Council of Trout Unlimited, which represents more than 12,000 anglers across the Commonwealth, expressed their support for the proposed Resource Enhancement and Protection Act (REAP) that would give tax credits to farmers and other property owners who install best management practices that restore and protect aquatic habitats.

Writing to Gov. Rendell and key Senate and House members, Ken Undercoffer, President of the Council, said, “We believe farmers and property owners can play a key role in restoring (aquatic) habitats and are pleased to let you know that we support the REAP proposal.”

“This bipartisan initiative will help address the poor water quality found in more than 13,400 miles of Pennsylvania streams and rivers by providing farmers tax credits for installing best management practices on their farms.” Undercoffer added, “REAP would also provide tax credits to other landowners who install forested stream buffers and to businesses that sponsor on-farm projects.”

The proposal will be re-introduced this session as House Bill 100 by Rep. Stern (R-Blair) and co-sponsored by Rep. Daley (D-Washington). A companion Senate Bill is also expected to be introduced.

“Farmers are good stewards of our land and water, but they need the right tools and the resources to continue to improve their operations,” said Undercoffer. “REAP would provide producers who implement eligible conservation measures on their farms the help they need to make critical, cost-effective water quality projects affordable.”

“The REAP program will help Pennsylvania improve the health of its waterways, protect drinking water and meet our obligations to reduce sediment and nutrient pollution under the Chesapeake Bay 2000 Agreement. At the same time, it will support productive, profitable agriculture,” Undercoffer explained.

“REAP is a clear win for everyone,” said Undercoffer.

Other organizations supporting REAP include: Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Lancaster County Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania State Grange, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association, Pennsylvania Audubon Society, Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture, Pennsylvania Environmental Council, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Lake Erie-Allegheny Earth Force, Native Energy, Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited, Red Barn, Inc., Juniata Clean Water Partnership, LandStudies, Inc., Project Grass, Nature’s Best Organic Feeds, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, American Farmland Trust, Binkley & Hurst, Octoraro Native Plant Nursery, Cedar Meadow Farm, Pennsylvania League of Conservation Voters, Red Knob Farm, Inc., Brandywine Valley Association, Rettew, Tioga County Concerned Citizens Committee, Inc., TeamAg, Inc., Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Tioga Watershed Reclamation Project, Inc., Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, Muddy Creek Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Juniata Valley Audubon Society.

2/23/2007