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United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:
Contact:  Tanya Allemang, 208.454.8684, ext. 129 or
Dastina Johnson, 208.685.6978


wetland restoration project prompts scouts to react
 Scouts and Allemang (w/hat) pull apart dozens of native Creeping Spikerush plants from huge pile.
Caldwell, ID, November 22, 2006— As a Boy Scout from Meridian, 16-year-old Kyle Lewis was looking for a service project that would simultaneously benefit his community and the environment while allowing him to demonstrate leadership skills in order to achieve Eagle Scout rank.   After learning about an opportunity to restore wetlands with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Kyle immediately said yes for a piece in on the conservation action.  Eager to get started, he rounded up 14 Scouts from Troop 201 in Nampa to help restore three acres on two federal wetland restoration projects.

The Scouts met up with NRCS Soil Conservationist Tanya Allemang on a newly excavated wetland outside of Parma.  Allemang told the Scouts that the landowner wanted to convert his unproductive agricultural land into something more useful and their job was to help make it happen.  “Today, your work will help turn this land into a place that will not only benefit wildlife habitat, but also offer recreational activities for many,” said Allemang.  “So, let’s get started.”

Allemang explained to the Scouts that they would begin the restoration project by planting dozens of Creeping Spikerush.  The Scouts listened intently to the benefits of this native plant –cover for juvenile fish and small birds; a food source for many duck species, geese and others. 

Scout pulling apart native Creeping Spikerush from its mound.Under Lewis’ direction, the Scouts began unloading wheelbarrows and waders, and immediately put their tools to use.  Some scouts were tasked with pulling apart the native plants from their huge piles, while others strategically planted them in areas across the wetland.  Even when it started to sleet, the Scouts continued working--undeterred.  “I’m enjoying this project—it’s kind of cool and its work that needs to be done,” said Lewis.

“By getting involved early, these Scouts are becoming future wildlife stewards and potentially stewards for all natural resources,” says Allemang.  In Idaho, wetlands are critical to everyone. They filter out pollutants to help make the water safer, control erosion, and protect shorelines.  They also offer places to fish, hunt, and hike.  

NRCS offers financial assistance to help producers reduce the costs of restoration through the Wetlands Reserve Program.  For more information about restoring wetlands on your land, contact your local NRCS Service Center or visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov for more information.

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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