Wilcox and Marengo Counties Present WRP Program to Local Landowners

by Blake Garner, NRCS Soil Conservation Technician, Wilcox County, Camden, Alabama

On February 10, 2009, the Wilcox and Marengo County SWCD/NRCS teamed up to host a meeting for landowners interested in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

Twenty-two landowners attended and represented over 4,000 acres of potentially eligible land. 

The program featured a presentation by NRCS State Office Wildlife Biologist Jeff Thurmond.  An open forum was held for the landowners to ask questions.

When asked about the success of the meeting, Wilcox/Marengo District Conservationist Greg Dansby said, "I feel we had an outstanding turnout, especially considering we pulled this together on short notice. I have to commend the staff on an excellent effort in contacting landowners, giving them enough information to spark their interest in the program, and actually getting them to attend." "Based on the feedback following the meeting," Dansby continued, "I feel that our landowners are very excited about this opportunity; therefore, we can see endless potential for this program in these counties."

Following the meeting, 15 field visits were scheduled.  In the next step, Resource Soil Scientist Bob Beaty will determine if the problem soils meet the proper criteria.

Special thanks to the Wilcox and Marengo County SWCS for sponsoring the meeting, and to the Aroine Irby Educational Enhancement Enterprise for sponsoring the meal. Others who assisted in the success of the meeting include Wilcox County SWCD DAC Rita Dailey, Wildlife Biologist Bennett Moseley, FSA CED Alex Brand, Wilcox County TSP James Reeves, Marengo County SCT Duane Andrews, and Jeff Thurmond.

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