The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee approved their version of the 2012 Farm Bill on April 26, according to the Wildlife Management Institute. In an attempt to address federal deficit reduction, a number of changes to current agriculture programs were incorporated in the Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 including consolidation of 23 conservation programs into 13.

The Sportsmen's Heritage Act (H.R. 4089) passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 274 to 146 on April 17. Many groups are now pushing for action in the Senate, however, the bill's momentum has created a rift among some conservation organizations.

Over 300 scientists, managers and educators from three continents met in Missoula, Montana, on March 20 ? 22 for the Fourth Human-Bear Conflict Workshop, reports the Wildlife Management Institute.

On May 2, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper announced the release of a plan for the state's roadless areas.

A conference committee has begun work on developing a final Transportation bill after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a temporary extension that is conferenceable with the Senate-passed bill.