Congressman Eric Sorensen Reintroduces Bipartisan Legislation to Conserve and Protect the Driftless Area
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) reintroduced bipartisan legislation with Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) to preserve and restore the Driftless Area between Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. By empowering farmers with voluntary conservation tools, the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative (DALCI) Act reduces flood risk, improves water quality, and expands recreation and tourism activities in the Driftless Area.
“The Driftless Area is unlike anywhere else in the country, and protecting it requires smart, locally driven solutions,” said Congressman Sorensen. “The DALCI Act puts farmers and landowners in the driver’s seat with the conservation help they need to reduce flooding, protect clean water, and strengthen unique rural lands. By reintroducing this bipartisan legislation, we’re building on a proven program that delivers real results for Northwestern Illinois and the entire region.”
“DALCI was a proven conservation success during its authorization—measurably reducing soil erosion and flood risk, helping wildlife, and enhancing water quality by empowering local farmers and landowners with conservation tools,” said Congresswoman Ashley Hinson. “We have an opportunity to build on these successes by reauthorizing this program—at no cost to the taxpayer—and recommitting USDA resources to conservation in the Driftless Area. I’m proud to work across the aisle and across the river with Rep. Eric Sorensen to preserve this natural treasure for years to come."
“The four-state Driftless Area is the Midwest’s most biologically rich landscape, containing the largest continuous fish and wildlife habitat in the region. The Driftless Area has wonderful outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a great place to live and enjoy, and providing significant economic value for the rural, small-town communities. The Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative will deliver significant benefits, including restored prairies and cold-water streams, healthier oak savannas and barrens, improved trout habitat, and reduced flood risk. Protecting the Driftless Area is a bipartisan priority, and we appreciate Rep. Hinson’s (R-IA) and Rep. Sorensen’s (D-IL) co-sponsoring this important legislation.” said Howard Learner, CEO & Executive Director, Environmental Law and Policy Center.
“Trout Unlimited thanks Rep. Hinson & Rep. Sorensen for re-introducing the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative. Trout Unlimited has been a supporter of the program from its beginning and has stretched the federal investments with millions of dollars in contributions from partners to double or triple the amount of work done on the ground. DALCI supports the unique conservation opportunities of the Driftless that bring private and public investments together to help producers and rural communities both improve farm operations and protect coldwater and habitat. The value of a healthy landscape that supports trout is an enormous benefit to the region, improving local recreation and providing tourism revenue to communities”. said Sara Strassman, Driftless Area Director & Driftless Area Restoration Effort Coordinator, Trout Unlimited.
“The Driftless area contains a plethora of unique habitats and is home to a rich diversity of plants, animals and insects. The area’s beauty and biodiversity is a draw to residents and tourists alike. As an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring habitats in the Upper Midwest, The Prairie Enthusiasts supports the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative. For over 35 years, we’ve worked with other organizations, government entities and private landowners to improve habitat in this important region. DALCI is an important investment to support landowners’ conservation efforts in the Driftless Area. And those conservation efforts are critical to the future state of the waters and wildlife in Wisconsin.” said Jessica Bizub, Acting Executive Director, The Prairie Enthusiasts.
The Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative (DALCI) was launched by the Department of Agriculture in 2012 to help farmers fight erosion and restore cold water stream corridors in the area. The program ended in 2017. The Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative (DALCI) Act will re-establish the successful DALCI program and provide farmers and landowners with the tools to improve water quality and flood resiliency while preserving the unique ecosystem of the Driftless Area.
The full bill text can be found below.