NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For More Information:

Bob Bartholomew, 208/378-5703 or
Dastina Johnson, 208/685-6978

The Natural Resources Conservation Service Celebrates Idaho's Wetland Wonders

BOISE, Idaho, May 8, 2007— State Conservationist Richard Sims of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that NRCS is encouraging all landowners to help celebrate and protect Idaho's wetlands during American Wetlands Month.

"Idaho's wetlands do so many things--not only for us, but for plants, wildlife and the land," said Sims.  "It is important that we understand their benefits and ensure they are protected and properly maintained."

Wetlands filter out pollutants to improve water quality.  Wetlands also reduce the impacts of flooding by acting as natural buffers to slow, absorb, and store significant amounts of floodwater.  Their ability to store and filter water helps to protect and replenish surface and underground drinking water sources.

Abundant vegetation and shallow water provide diverse habitats for fish and wildlife.  Idaho’s wetlands provide critical habitat for many threatened and endangered species including bald eagles, grizzly bears and bull trout.  In addition, they provide habitat for various species of concern such as sage grouse, redband trout, sandhill cranes, cutthroat trout, and trumpeter swans. 

What Can You Do?

Farmers and ranchers interested in creating, restoring, or enhancing wetlands on their property have the opportunity to receive financial and technical assistance through NRCS cost-share programs including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). These programs provide incentive payments to return farmlands that were previously wetlands back to their original state.  

Homeowners can help too, by constructing their own backyard wetland to serve as habitat for wildlife and as filters for excess pesticides and nutrients.  NRCS’ publication “Backyard Conservation” offers a guide to constructing backyard wetlands. Copies are available from your local NRCS office or by visiting www.id.nrcs.usda.gov.  NRCS does not offer financial assistance for backyard conservation.

Learn about more ways to protect against wetland loss and degradation in your area.  For information about NRCS conservation assistance, contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Information also is available online at http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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