Dear Sir,
This letter is to express my thanks to two groups.

In regards to the article on page 12 of the January 21 Livestock Weekly, a very special thanks to those sheep producers that pushed for the upcoming ruling by the U.S. International Trade Commission. We can now just hope for a common sense follow-up by the ITC Board.

Also, in regards to the article on page 16 of the same issue, a special thanks to those cattlemen who have worked for the U.S. International Trade Commission ruling against Canadian beef imports.

Isn't it strange that our Extension Service gurus were not bothered by all the imports?

James Stotts
Llano, Texas

Dear Sir,
Hill Country Cattle Women have alerted me to the following information:

Certain members in the 106th Congress are currently preparing to re-introduce bills that would provide over $1 billion a year for government purchase of privately-owned lands. The Land and Water Conservation fund is used by state and federal agencies to purchase lands they have targeted as environmentally important, usually those rich in natural resources. In the past, Congress has allocated $200-$400 million dollars a year, but under the new bills, $1.5 billion would be automatic and not subject to annual congressional appropriation.

Most surprising about the proposals are the people supporting them. In the House it's Resource Committee Chairman Don Young, and in the Senate the original bill was filed by Minority Leader Dick Gephardt, supported by Majority Leader Trent Lott.

The fund has been highly criticized for its role in facilitating the removal of private lands into federal control and off the tax rolls. Communities, especially rural communities, will suffer because of removal of private property from tax rolls. With more than 30 percent of the nation's land mass already in federal control, many question the government's need for more. Also in question is the power the fund gives to federal and state agencies to pressure landowners whose land has been targeted.

As of January 19, 1999, this is S.25. Contact Don Young immediately at (202) 225-5765 and FAX (202) 225-0425; Senator Frank Murkowski (202) 224-3121 and FAX (202) 224-5301; Trent Lott (202) 224-6253 and (FAX) 202-224-2262 and your Congressman and Senators. Tell them to stop funding the erosion of private property in America. No more money to the Land and Water Conservation Fund.

Joan Bushong
Mountain Home, Texas