New Legislation Aims to Balance Groundwater Conservation and Agricultural Productivity

The Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act establishes a new voluntary groundwater easement program within the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program, operating under the Agriculture Department's Natural Resource Conservation Service.

This conservation easement program is fueled by an innovative approach modeled after the experience of Colorado Open Lands, a leader in conservation easements which signed the first groundwater easement in 2022 for the Rio Grande River Basin. As a result, it provides agricultural producers with increased options and flexibility to conserve and manage groundwater resources effectively.

“This Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act adds to the benefits of the traditional conservation easements that keep agricultural producers and agriculture in production, help recover declining aquifers and help provide for wildlife habitat,” NWTF Western Water Specialist Travis Smith said.

At its core, the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act aims to encourage voluntary, compensated reductions in groundwater consumption on agricultural land while also advancing local, regional and/or state groundwater management objectives. The act also offers additional benefits to participating producers, such as reimbursing their transaction costs and guaranteeing long-term management flexibility.

In addition, the act clarifies that easement funds will not be considered part of a farm's adjusted gross income, ensuring that farmers can fully benefit from participating in the program. High-income producers have the option to apply for a waiver to participate in the conservation easement program.

For more comprehensive information and specific details about the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act, read more here. 

This conservation easement holds immense significance as it plays a crucial role in conserving our natural resources and alleviating the strain on aquifers within these states. By doing so, water will be conserved for future generations, ensuring a sustainable supply for the farms and ranches that rely on it.

The NWTF acknowledges that this forward-thinking legislation will extend significant benefits to wildlife within the landscape. Declining aquifers have dried up these areas, taking important wildlife habitat with it. As private land constitutes a substantial portion of habitat for numerous wildlife species, the Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act will have considerable implications for wildlife conservation.

“Here in Colorado, more than 75% of the winter habitat for big game occurs on private land,” Smith said. “Elk and deer move off from the high country because of snow, and they move down on the ranches.”

The importance of this legislation is underscored by the emphasis on encouraging private farmers and ranchers to actively engage in conservation efforts. Their participation is crucial in ensuring the continuity of wild turkey and other wildlife populations on the landscape, safeguarding our hunting heritage for generations to come.

The Voluntary Groundwater Conservation Act has garnered extensive support from a wide and diverse range of partners who recognize its potential to bring positive impacts to communities, water users, ecosystem health and local economies. Overall, the legislation presents an innovative approach to protect our natural resources, promote agricultural productivity, and ensure the welfare of both human and wildlife communities for a thriving and resilient future.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has conserved or enhanced over 22 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The organization continues to drive wildlife conservation, forest resiliency and robust recreational opportunities throughout the U.S. by working across boundaries on a landscape scale.

2023 is the NWTF's 50^th Anniversary and an opportunity to propel the organization's mission into the future while honoring its rich history. For its 50^th Anniversary, the NWTF has set six ambitious goals: positively impact 1 million acres of wildlife habitat; raise $500,000 for wild turkey research; increase membership to 250,000 members; dedicate $1 million to education and outreach programs; raise $5 million to invest in technology and NWTF's people; and raise $5 million to build toward a $50 million endowment for the future. Learn how you can help us reach these lofty goals.