NRCS Accepting Applications for Wetlands Reserve Program Through Dec. 15

Little Rock, Ark. - Landowners in Arkansas with qualifying properties are being encouraged to consider applying for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).    This is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property.  Arkansas is currently ranked second in the nation in enrolled Wetlands Reserve Program acres. This equals approximately 190,000 active acres enrolled in the program since 1995.

The Wetlands Reserve Program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Funds are allocated annually for the purpose of purchasing easements and restoring wetlands on qualifying lands.  For 2006, applications received by December 15, 2005, will be ranked and considered for funding.

Interested landowners are encouraged to contact the local NRCS Field Service Center to file an application.  Applicants will be contacted by an NRCS employee who will complete an evaluation of the site for ranking purposes.  Those selected for funding will be notified in writing by the NRCS state office.  Applicants will have the right to withdraw their application at any time prior to actually closing the easement purchase, but may be asked to cover certain land survey or other expenses that may be incurred by NRCS after the initial offer is accepted by the applicant.  More information on WRP can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/

Restoring, protecting and enhancing the functions and values of wetland ecosystems remain the focus of Wetlands Reserve Program in Arkansas.  By placing agricultural lands into Wetlands Reserve Program, the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides resting, loafing and foraging habitat for migratory waterfowl, songbirds, shorebirds, wading birds and other wetland species. 

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Arkansas is a national leader in developing new techniques for restoring and managing wetland complexes, using the latest technology to annually reforest 8,000 acres of bottomland hardwoods and restore hydrology on more than 6,000 acres.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Arkansas takes great pride in contributing to the many species of water birds observed on Wetlands Reserve Program lands. Many of these species have not been reported since the turn of the century or have never been documented in the state.

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