Cedar Rapids Today

Washington, D.C. -  Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) introduced bipartisan legislation with Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) to preserve and restore the Driftless Area between Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. By empowering farmers with voluntary conservation tools, the Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative (DALCI) Act preserves the Driftless Area, reduces flood risk, improves water quality, and expands recreation and tourism activities.

“DALCI was a conservation success during its authorization – measurably reducing soil erosion and flood risk, helping wildlife, and enhancing water quality by empowering local farmers and landowners with conservation tools. We have an opportunity to build on these successes by reauthorizing this program – at no cost to the taxpayer – and recommitting USDA resources to conservation in the Driftless Area. I’m proud to work across the aisle and across the river with Representative Eric Sorensen to preserve this natural treasure for years to come." - Congresswoman Ashley Hinson 

"The Driftless Area is a source of immense pride for Northwestern Illinois. Conserving it is critical to the families and farmers who call it home and the visitors who come to see its wonders each year. This bipartisan legislation will continue the much-needed work to improve this unique region, providing cleaner drinking water to families and protecting residents from floods.” - Congressman Eric Sorensen

Background:

The Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative (DALCI) was launched by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2012 to help farmers fight erosion and restore cold water stream corridors in the area. The program ended in 2017. The Driftless Area Landscape Conservation Initiative (DALCI) Act will re-establish the successful DALCI program and provide farmers and landowners with the tools to improve water quality and flood resiliency while preserving the unique ecosystem of the Driftless Area.

Original source can be found here.