For Immediate Release

September 21, 2006

DOLLARS AVAILABLE FOR WETLANDS RESTORATION

Colchester, VT…U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist Judith Doerner today announced that applications are now being accepted for participation in the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The Wetlands Reserve Program works to restore, enhance, protect and manage habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife.

According to Ms.Doerner, “Agricultural wetlands provide some of the best water quality controls in the nation, contributing to clean water, healthy habitats and a better environment.”

The NRCS goal is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat, on every acre enrolled in the program. This program offers landowners an opportunity to establish long-term conservation and wildlife practices and protection.

Under the WRP, landowners have the option of enrolling eligible lands through permanent easements, 30-year easements, or restoration cost-share agreements. The program offers landowners an opportunity to establish, at minimal cost, long-term conservation and wildlife habitat enhancement practices and protection.

While participants voluntarily limit future use of the land, they retain private ownership. Applications for WRP may be filed at any USDA NRCS field office. Funding decisions will be made at the state level. Individuals, nongovernmental organizations, and state and local government agencies are eligible to apply. Deadline for applications is October 18, 2006.

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