Wetlands Reserve Program 2007

Unique projects increase wetland acreage

In the early 1800s, approximately 9.8 million acres in Arkansas were wetlands and bottomland hardwood forests. By the mid-1980s, only 2.8 millions acres existed – a 72 percent loss.

But thanks to programs like the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), Arkansas is regaining wetland acres throughout the state. Arkansas is second in the nation in WRP with 190,401 acres enrolled.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has wetland projects in 40 counties in each region of the state.

In southwest Arkansas about 30,000 acres have been restored in the area surrounding the Red River. Wetlands work in southeast Arkansas is playing an important role in reducing soil erosion and improving water quality. The northeast region, working in conjunction with the Fish and Wildlife Service, is reestablishing the bottomland hardwood forest that once covered the area. And, in northwest Arkansas, WRP is being used as a tool to address farm nutrient run off issues that have developed over the past decade.

These accomplishments also providing habitat for migratory birds and other native wildlife.

Currently, the largest project NRCS is working on is in Pulaski County, covering 11,281 acres owned by 18 landowners. The site is directly across the Arkansas River from a 7,196 acre project with 12 landowners completed in 2005.

"Once completed, the work will create a four-mile long riparian area on both sides of the Arkansas River," said Kalven L. Trice, Arkansas state conservationist.

"I am proud of the work NRCS employees do with partners such as Ducks Unlimited, Audubon Arkansas, the Central Arkansas Resource Conservation and Development Council, the Nature Conservancy, the Mississippi River Trust and landowners," Trice said.

WRP is a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to eligible landowners to address wetland, wildlife habitat, soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on private lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner.

The program provides an opportunity for landowners to receive financial incentives to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal land from agriculture.

Wetlands benefit the nation by providing fish and wildlife habitat; improving water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reducing flooding; recharging groundwater; protecting biological diversity; as well as providing opportunities for educational, scientific, and recreational activities.

Arkansas WRP Quick Facts for 2007

Last Modified: 12/11/2007

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