Sign-Up for Wetlands Program Begins

June 5, 2001

Sign-up is underway for a six-state pilot program to restore up to 500,000 acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers. The Farmable Wetlands Pilot Program will help producers improve the hydrology and vegetation of eligible land in Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, according to USDA. This pilot is part of USDA's ongoing Conservation Reserve Program.

Restoring wetlands will reduce downstream flood damage, improve surface and groundwater quality, and recharge groundwater supplies. Wetlands provide vital habitat for migratory birds and many wildlife species, including threatened and endangered species, and provide recreational opportunities such as hiking and birdwatching, the department said.

Eligible cropland includes farmed and prior converted wetlands impacted by farming activities. FSA will offer annual rental payments for a 10- to 15-year period, plus an up-front signing incentive payment of $100 to $150 per acre, depending on contract length, and a one-time practice incentive payment as a rental bonus equal to 40% of the eligible costs of installing the practice. The annual rental rate will be calculated to include an incentive equal to 20% of the normal CRP soil rental rate for the soil involved. Producers will also receive a cost-share payment that will be up to 50% of the actual cost of establishing the permanent cover.

The initial acreage allotment for each state is: Iowa, 100,000 acres; Minnesota, 100,000 acres; Montana, 25,000 acres; Nebraska, 75,000 acres; North Dakota, 100,000 acres; and South Dakota, 100,000 acres.