Corn ethanol plants are popping up across the Midwest so fast that the experts are predicting shortages of corn. The corn growers assure us that they can meet the demand with additional corn acres (most likely from currently enrolled Conservation Reserve Program acres) and advances in crop production science. However, this strategy does little to improve our impaired waters, improve wildlife habitat, and have a positive impact on climate change. We need more diversity on the landscape, and we can accomplish this goal by accelerating the transition from corn-based ethanol to cellulose-based ethanol. Additional research needs to be conducted before cellulosic bio-energy produced from native grasses and plants is an effective and efficient option. Native plants do well on marginal crop land areas and require virtually no inputs (fertilizer and weed control) after establishment. Along with the increase bio-energy research, we need additional acres of native plants strategically located in site-specific locations to maximize water quality improvements and wildlife habitat. One example would be establish native plant buffers along riparian and wetland areas. We can achieve the goal of increased native plant acres through a modified CRP policy in the next Farm Bill. CRP, a voluntary program for farmers, provides annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource conserving vegetation on eligible farmland. The new Farm Bill should provide an opportunity for farmers to enroll marginal crop land acres as CRP through the continuous sign-up with the option for biomass production. The acres enrolled in the new CRP-Energy program would be managed for both biomass and wildlife production. Annual CRP payments would decline only when native plants are harvested for bio-energy. Ultimately, this would result in motivation for production research leading to more diversified cropping system that would improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat; reduce dependence on foreign energy, and create economic development opportunities for rural communities. Dennis J. Fuchs, administrator Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District Waite Park, Minn. 56387
