Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 91.djvu/1441

 PUBLIC LAW 95-192—NOV. 18, 1977

91 STAT. 1407

Public Law 95-192 95th Congress An Act To provide for furthering the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the Nation's soil, water, and related resources for sustained use, and for other purposes.

Nov. 18, 1977 [S. 106]

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That this Act may Soil and Water be cited as the "Soil and Water Resources Conservation Act of 1977". Resources

Conservation Act of 1977. FINDINGS 16 USC 2001 note. SEC. 2. The Congress finds that: (1) There is a growing demand on the soil, water, and related 16 USC 2001.

resources of the Nation to meet present and future needs. (2) The Congress, in its concern for sustained use of the resource base, created the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture which possesses information, technical expertise, and a delivery system for providing assistance to land users with respect to conservation and use of soils; plants; woodlands; watershed protection and flood prevention; the conservation, development, utilization, and disposal of water; animal husbandry; fish and wildlife management; recreation; community development; and related resource uses. (3) Resource appraisal is basic to effective soil and water conservation. Since individual and governmental decisions concerning soil and water resources often transcend administrative boundaries and affect other programs and decisions, a coordinated appraisal and program framework are essential. DEFINITIONS

16 USC 2002. SEC. 3. As used in this Act: (1) The term "Secretary" means the Secretary of Agriculture. (2) The term "soil, water, and related resources" means those resources which come within the scope of the programs administered and participated in by the Secretary of Agriculture through the Soil Conservation Service. (3) The term "soil and water conservation program" means a set of guidelines for attaining the purposes of this Act. DECLARATIONS OF POLICY AND PURPOSE: PROMOTION THEREOF

SEC. 4. (a) In order to further the conservation of soil, water, and 16 USC 2003. related resources, it is declared to be the policy of the United States and purpose of this Act that the conduct of programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture for the conservation of such resources shall be responsive to the long-term needs of the Nation, as determined under the provisions of this Act. (b) Recognizing that the arrangements under which the Federal Government cooperates with State soil and water conservation agencies and other appropriate State natural resource agencies such as those concerned with forestry and fish and wildlife and, through conservation districts, with other local units of government and land users,

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