NEWS

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite B
Boise, Idaho 83709

For more information:
Bob Bartholomew (208) 378-5703
Dastina Johnson, (208) 685-6978

July 3, 2006

NRCS Announces Sign-up for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)

BOISE, ID, November 6, 2006—The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in Idaho.  WRP is a voluntary conservation program that offers landowners financial and technical assistance to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property.  Farmers can sign up for WRP now until November 24, 2006.  

“Wetlands play a critical role in improving our environment- they filter out pollutants from our water, control erosion, and offer habitat for wildlife,” said NRCS Assistant State Conservationist Bob Bartholomew.  “We are serious about wetland restoration and enhancement in Idaho.  Our field staff is prepared to take on new applications immediately.”  

WRP offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection.  This program provides incentives to farmers and ranchers to return farmlands that were previously wetlands back to their original wetland state. To enroll into this program, landowners agree to restore wetlands on their property. 

Landowners can select one of the following three options:

• Short-term 10-year restoration-only cost-share agreements,
• Mid-term 30-year conservation easements, and
• Permanent easements.

NRCS provides easement payments, restoration cost-share assistance and technical guidance.  NRCS pays 75 percent of the total costs for restoration-only contracts and mid-term conservation easements and 100 percent of costs for permanent easements.

Landowners participating in WRP continue to control access, have use of non-developed recreational activities such as hunting and fishing, and maintain the right to lease the recreational uses of their land for financial gain. At any time during the contract period, landowners may request NRCS approval of other uses that are compatible with wetland and wildlife conservation objectives of the program.

The NRCS goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program.  For more information on WRP or other NRCS conservation programs and services, visit your local USDA Service Center.

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