The new paradigm of land use needs a new framework for action. Buried in the contentious debate over land use and property rights are some evolving answers. As in the early stages of any major conflict, the solutions are not yet well refined. The ability of government to intervene will be limited. Mechanisms for sharing the cost of stewardship of our natural resources between the private land owner and the public at large must be developed.
Private landowners have an inherent interest in land stewardship.
Assuming Congress follows through with its commitments, as commodity programs are phased out over the next six years, a comprehensive, well-balanced set of conservation programs built on the principle of shared responsibility will be phased in. The program authorizes the agriculture secretary to purchase conservation easements to protect farmland by matching state funding. Although a modest program, it represents the first significant step in providing federal assistance to local communities for farmland protection. The farm bill authorizes the establishment of a nonprofit private foundation to sponsor and advance innovative solutions for conservation and environmental problems through effective partnerships with state, local, and private organizations. The CRP pays farmers to take highly erodible land out of production.