Federal Judge Upholds Swampbuster

Wildlife Management Institute Outdoor News

June 16, 2025

A federal judge in Iowa has ruled against a landholding company that sought to dismantle a long-standing wetlands law called Swampbuster. Starting in 1985, the Farm Bill put conditions on the receipt of federal subsidies: farmers must not drain wetlands (“Swampbuster”) or plant crops on highly erodible land (“Sodbuster”) if they want to receive the subsidies. Chief Judge C.J. Williams in the Northern District of Iowa dismissed CTM Holdings’ claims, saying Swampbuster falls within the spending power of Congress. Congress can attach conditions to federal funds “in pursuit of the general welfare and may require a recipient’s compliance with conditions to receive the funding.”

The lawsuit arose when CTM Holdings sought to farm a 9-acre portion of property that had previously been designated a wetland. The company, which rents the property to farmers, alleged in the complaint that the USDA “unconstitutionally” conditions its farm benefits through Swampbuster. The company also argued that the wetlands in question were dry, but the federal agency would not remove the wetland designation.

Under the Farm Bill conservation provision, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can withhold federal subsidies, like crop insurance and disaster payments, from farmers who clear, drain, or convert designated wetlands. CTM Holdings, a company that owns around 800 acres in Iowa, argued that the Swampbuster law unconstitutionally restricts what farmers can do with their property.

Liberty Justice Center, one of the law firms representing CTM Holdings, said in an X post that it will appeal the decision to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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NDA names MDC 2024 Agency of the Year

Missouri recognized for deer management, hunter recruitment and education, and stakeholder engagement.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The National Deer Association (NDA) named the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) its 2024 Agency of the Year Award winner. The award recognizes an agency that has practiced innovative and progressive deer management techniques; affected positive change in deer management regulations, hunter education, hunter recruitment, and/or involvement in youth hunting; and has engaged its hunters and other key stakeholders in the deer management process. MDC was presented with the award Friday, March 28 at Commission Headquarters in Jefferson City.

“We’re thankful to the National Deer Association for presenting MDC with this award,” said MDC Cervid Program Supervisor Jason Isabelle. “Deer management in Missouri is a team effort involving hunters, MDC staff, landowners, and partners like the National Deer Association, and we’re grateful for everyone’s contribution.”

According to NDA’s 2025 Deer Report, Missouri consistently ranks high in numerous deer management categories. MDC was also recognized for its Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), its targeted removal program to slow the spread of chronic wasting disease (CWD), and its collaborative efforts with key conservation partners and the public to revise its 10-Year White-tailed Deer Management Plan.

“Driven by science and with public input, MDC has a deer management program that benefits deer, deer habitat, and all Missouri residents,” said NDA Senior Director of Conservation Matt Ross. “We are proud to present this award to them and honored to have such a strong partnership with MDC.”

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First zoo-raised hellbender successfully reproducing in the wild

April 13, 2023 by MDC News

Missouri hits significant milestone in endangered hellbender population recovery.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces a significant milestone in population recovery efforts of the endangered Ozark hellbender. A zoo-raised hellbender has successfully reproduced within the Current River.

“We are very excited to announce this news,” said Missouri State Herpetologist Jeff Briggler. “This is the first documented event of a zoo-raised animal fathering a clutch of eggs in the wild.”

Rivers in southern Missouri and adjacent northern Arkansas once supported up to 27,000 Ozark hellbenders. Today, fewer than 1,000 exist in the world – so few that the Ozark hellbender was added to the federal endangered species list in October 2011.

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New Head of Wisconsin DNR

By Danielle Kaeding December 27, 2022

Gov. Tony Evers appointed Adam Payne on Tuesday to serve as secretary of the DNR. He replaces Preston Cole, who announced he was retiring from the role in November. 

“Adam has deep Wisconsin roots and understands that our vast and valuable resources — from our waterways to our farmlands — are core to who we are as a people and a state,” said Evers in a news release. “He is an outdoorsman, a conservationist, and has been a strong, successful leader for Sheboygan County. I know he will bring that same dedication and spirit of service to this role as secretary.”

Payne has been serving as the Sheboygan County administrator for the last two decades where he has overseen development of county budgets each year, as well as other programs and policy changes. Among them, he guided the county through the cleanup of the Sheboygan River and harbor, as well as a project to preserve 328 acres of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline at Amsterdam Dunes.

Before serving as the county’s administrator, Payne led the Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association as its executive director. He also spent five years working with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection from 1990 to 1995. Payne headed the Farmland Preservation Program as its director during that time.

Payne said it’s an honor to lead the agency.

“I have always had a passion for protecting and enhancing our natural resources and am an avid outdoorsman,” Payne said in a statement. “I look forward to working with a strong and diverse team of DNR staff, the Board and its many partners and stakeholders to problem-solve, protect, and enhance our natural resources for people today and for generations to come.”

Payne received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in communications and urban and regional planning.

He will begin serving as the DNR secretary Jan. 3.

However, his appointment is subject to confirmation from the Republican-controlled Senate. At least 150 Evers appointees were still awaiting confirmation as of September, according to data from the state’s nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau

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Northern Long-eared Bat Reclassified as Endangered

Date: November 29, 2022

Contact: Georgia Parham, Georgia_Parham@fws.gov, 812-593-8501

Ongoing spread of deadly white-nose syndrome is primary threat, increasing risk of extinction

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced a final rule to reclassify the northern long-eared bat as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The bat, listed as threatened in 2015, now faces extinction due to the rangewide impacts of white-nose syndrome, a deadly disease affecting hibernating bats across North America. The rule takes effect on January 30, 2023.

The growing extinction crisis highlights the importance of the ESA and efforts to conserve species before declines become irreversible.

“This listing is an alarm bell and a call to action,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams. “White-nose syndrome is decimating cave-dwelling bat species like the northern long-eared bat at unprecedented rates. The Service is deeply committed to working with partners on a balanced approach that reduces the impacts of disease and protects the survivors to recover northern long-eared bat populations.”

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