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April 30, 2008

The Honorable Robert L. Venables
Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Capital Improvements
P.O. Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903

The Honorable Vincent A. Lofink
Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Capital Improvements
P.O. Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903

Re: Delaware Department of Agriculture FY09 Jt. Committee on Capital Improvements Comments from The Nature Conservancy

Dear Senator Venables and Representative Lofink:

Thank you for the opportunity to submit written comments on behalf of The Nature Conservancy with respect to the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s proposed FY09 budget.

The Nature Conservancy requests your consideration of a $1,000,000 appropriation to fund the Forestland Preservation program in the Department’s budget next year. This program was funded at $1,000,000 in the FY08 Bond Bill, but was not included in Governor Minner’s FY09 Bond Bill request.

One of the most important environmental challenges we face in Delaware, is the unprecedented loss of our forestland. If recent trends continue, Delaware could lose all of its remaining unprotected forest in the next 75 to 80 years. Healthy forests provide life support systems for you, me, and every living thing on our planet. Given the significant rate of loss and large number of applications received by private landowners to participate in the program, we believe a deeper investment is warranted at this time.

If it is not possible to fund this request at this time, I ask that you give this program consideration in future funding years. On behalf of the more than 3,200 members of The Nature Conservancy’s Delaware Chapter, we respectfully request your support for this request. Thank you for your consideration of our recommendations.

Sincerely,

Roger L. Jones, Jr.
Vice-President and State Director

cc: Members, Delaware Joint Committee on Capital Improvements
Mr. Michael T. Scuse, Secretary, Delaware Dept. of Agriculture
Ms. Jennifer Davis, Director, Delaware Office of Management and Budget
Mr. Mike Jackson, Director, Delaware Budget Development, Planning and Administration