WASHINGTON – February 4th, 2004 - Congressman John Kline (R-MN) announced his support today for Governor Tim Pawlenty’s plan to protect the quality of water in Minnesota through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).

CREP is a voluntary federal-state-local contract and easement to set aside marginal agricultural lands along waterways for conservation purposes. Land enrolled in CREP is removed from production and restored with trees, shrubs, and grasses; resulting in improved water quality, reduced levels of erosion and sedimentation, and a reduction in the impact of recurrent flooding.

In a letter to Governor Pawlenty, Kline urged the swift resolution of the dispute regarding whether easement of land should be long term or permanent: “The current impasse in CREP negotiations needs to be quickly resolved so that CREP can move forward and we can continue the progress being made cleaning Minnesota’s waterways and preserving our sensitive wetlands.”

Kline has expressed his continued commitment to this vital conservation program: “I believe the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is an important step toward protecting the natural resources that are so important to Minnesotans,” said Kline. “This initiative provides farmers and conservation groups with the flexibility they desire and the funds they need to protect precious natural resources.”