James E. Tillman Sr., state Conservationist for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Georgia, today announced that the NRCS has opened the application period for applications for financial assistance through the USDA Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The first application period to receive consideration for WRP funds runs until Jan. 22.

“Farmers and landowners interested in restoring or enhancing wetland habitat should contact their local office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)”, said Tillman.

Applications received in NRCS offices will be evaluated and ranked according to levels of environmental benefits pending available funds. Although NRCS offers a continuous application period for WRP, applications will be ranked on Jan. 22. After that date, if additional WRP funds remain, a second application period will be offered to Georgia farmers.

“WRP is an important conservation program because it restores wetland habitat that was lost due to intensive farming and urbanization,” added Tillman.

“Georgia has enjoyed tremendous success during our previous enrollment periods by assisting landowners in installing wetland conservation practices,” said Jimmy Bramblett, NRCS Georgia assistant state conservationist for programs and the NRCS Georgia WRP manager. “In last year’s enrollment, we provided $2,900,000 in cost-share funds to farmers that allowed us to secure conservation easements on over 500 wetland acres in Georgia.” Since 1999, NRCS Georgia has enrolled over 17,000 acres into WRP.

Participants in WRP voluntarily limit future use of the land, but retain private ownership. Landowners benefit by receiving financial and technical assistance in return for protecting wetlands, reducing problems associated with farming potentially wet and difficult areas and developing wildlife and recreational opportunities on their land.

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.

The program offers three enrollment options: 1. Permanent Easement is a conservation easement in perpetuity. USDA pays 100 percent of the easement value and up to 100 percent of the restoration costs. 2. 30-Year Easement is an easement that expires after 30 years. USDA pays up to 75 percent of the easement value and up to 75 percent of the restoration costs. For both permanent and 30-year easements, USDA pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance. 3. Restoration Cost-Share Agreement is an agreement to restore or enhance the wetland functions and values without placing an easement on the enrolled acres. USDA pays up to 75 percent of the restoration costs.

No easement shall be created on land that has changed ownership during the preceding 7 years. Eligible acres are limited to private and Tribal lands.

“NRCS and its partners continue to provide assistance to landowners after completion of restoration activities,” said Bramblett. “This assistance may be in the form of reviewing restoration measures, clarifying technical and administrative aspects of the easement and project management needs, and providing basic biological and engineering advice on how to achieve optimum results for wetland dependent species.”

NRCS is USDA’s lead conservation agency and has worked hand-in-hand with farmers and landowners for 74 years to conserve natural resources on private lands. Georgia landowners can learn more about conserving natural resources by contacting NRCS Maryland through USDA Service Centers or by visiting the NRCS Georgia homepage at www.ga.nrcs.usda.gov.