The Soil Conservation Service
In 1933, in response to the failing farms and drought in the Great Plains of the United
States, the federal government established
the temporary Soil Erosion Service (SES). The
SES worked to promote conservation farming techniques that had been shown to prevent
and combat soil erosion. While the program achieved some success, its director, Hugh
Bennett, felt that more
support was warranted. He believed that a permanent
government agency was necessary to achieve recovery and to prevent future farming
catastrophes. In numerous memos to Congress, he described the damage caused by soil
erosion and the importance of conservation farming. He also met with lawmakers to
discuss his concerns and even spoke with the president. In 1935, as a result of Bennett's
advocacy, Congress established the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), a permanent agency
within the United States Department of Agriculture. The SCS was renamed the Natural
Resources Conservation Service in 1994.
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. In response to drought in the Great Plains, the government set up programs
to combat soil erosion
B. Because of Hugh Bennett's efforts, the Soil Conservation Service was
established as a permanent federal agency.