The U-S Department of Agriculture says Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsackwill be near Lewis Monday, to announce the allocation of additional conservation acres for 20 states, including Iowa, under programs to preserve grasslands and wetlands and accelerate protection of critical species and habitat around the country.

U-S Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack

Vilsack will speak near the Zimmerman Farm located  three-quarters of a mile east of the intersection of 525th Street and Idelwood Road, at 3-p.m., Monday.

The allocation includes new acres in Iowa to preserve Pheasant habitat, restore Iowa’s Pheasant population, and ultimately generate economic benefits across Iowa through increased outdoor recreation and hunting.  The Secretary will also highlight the importance of passing comprehensive, multi-year food, farm and jobs legislation, which officials say will provide America’s rural communities with the certainty that millions of acres of conservation lands will be there in the future to sustain and create jobs in the small businesses that reinforce the nation’s tourism and recreation industry.

Additional details are currently pending.