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
 

Wetland Program Sign-up Offers Benefits to Landowners

A 2004 program sign-up offers landowners the opportunity to receive financial incentives while developing wildlife habitat on their land. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho will evaluate Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) applications and award new contracts twice this spring.  

WRP is a voluntary program providing technical and financial assistance to landowners for addressing wetland and wildlife habitat concerns on private lands. Eligible landowners receive payments to enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal land from agriculture.

“Several producers across Idaho have completed great projects through the Wetland Reserve Program,” says Rich Sims, NRCS state conservationist in Boise. “The program provides producers the chance to restore a wetland native to their property, enjoy the water birds and other wildlife it attracts, and even develop recreational opportunities if they want.”

To sign up for WRP, landowners and Tribes file an application with their local USDA Service Center. The program offers three enrollment options—10-year restoration agreement, 30-year easement and a permanent easement. Depending on the contract, NRCS pays 75 to 100 percent of restoration costs and other fees. Participating landowners retain private ownership of their land.

“This is an important conservation program,” says Frank Fink, NRCS state biologist. “We’ve lost well over 50 percent of our wetlands across the U.S. and wetlands provide critical fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality by filtering out sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding and recharge our groundwater.”

WRP applications for the first ranking period are due March 26. The second period applications are due June 11. Applicants interested in being considered for the first ranking period should contact their local USDA Service Center very soon. It may take up to one month to fully develop the application. There will be no division of available funds between the two ranking periods. If no funds remain for allocation during the June evaluation, applications will be held for consideration in 2005. Completion of the application requires a site visit by an NRCS biologist, arranged by the local NRCS office.

More information on WRP can be found on the NRCS website at www.nrcs.usda.gov under “Farm Bill.” Local USDA Service Center contact information can be found on the Idaho NRCS website at www.id.nrcs.usda.gov under “Find a Service Center.”


(Please Note: Feel free to use the accompanying “Why Are Wetlands Important?” factsheet, and the two color photos with captions.)

Find A Service Center
More Information on WRP
"Why Are Wetlands Important?"

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