Montana 3rd in prairie loss

September 26, 2007

Crop subsidies are contributing to a decline in native prairie grasslands, a government report says.

The Government Account-ability Office's report lists North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana as three of the top states with a drop in grassland acres. The report was ordered as part of the congressional debate over the federal farm bill.

"It makes no sense - and the report agrees - for taxpayers to fund growing crops on these lands," said Scott Stevens, Ducks Unlimited conservation director.

Full Story: http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2007/09/26/news/state/65-prairie.txt

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