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NRCS Announces Wetlands Reserve Program Workshop

Auburn, Ala. – March 2, 2009

State Conservationist Gary Kobylski today announced the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be hosting a workshop to inform landowners and Tribes about the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). WRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. Landowners that enter into WRP may be paid an easement payment in exchange for enrolling their land. To date, more than two million acres have been enrolled in WRP, nationally, helping exceed the Federal government’s 3-year goal of increasing the number and size of America’s wetlands.

The WRP workshop is free to the public.

March 19, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
Geneva County Farm Center
2765 E. State Highway 52
Geneva, Alabama
Contact: James Currington, NRCS District Conservationist
Telephone: 334-684-2235, Ext. 3

Wetlands support diverse populations of wildlife, plants and fish, and supply habitat for hundreds of species, including many listed as endangered or threatened. Often called "nature’s sponges," wetlands help protect water quality by filtering out pollutants and protecting towns and cities against floods and storm surges. Wetlands also buffer coastal areas from erosion. They offer aesthetic and recreational opportunities, as well.

Easement programs offer landowners the opportunity to receive cash payments for enrollment while retaining land ownership, establishing a legacy, and having cash to use for other needs. Payment rates for WRP permanent easement acres in 2008 were set at $1,800 per acre in Geneva, Coffee, Dale, and Houston Counties. Payment rates are currently being established for 2009.

NRCS also offers a 10-year restoration agreement where landowners can receive up to 75 percent of the costs for restoration work on dikes and water control devices. This enrollment option does not place an easement on the property.

Administered by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, the WRP provides eligible landowners the technical and financial assistance they need to address wetland, wildlife habitat, soil, water and related natural resource concerns on private agricultural land.

For additional information on WRP and other conservation programs available in Alabama visit: www.al.nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.


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