Programs

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)

 

    Any landowners or operators interested in restoring or protecting wetlands and other marginal areas that are unfeasible to continue crop production should check out the Wetland Reserve Program. WRP offers two enrollment options. The first being a 30-year easement and the second a 20 year restoration cost-share agreement.

 

     With anticipation of another WRP sign-up in fiscal year 2007, now is the time to contact your local NRCS office.

Environmental Quality Incentive Program

    Through the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), the NRCS provides assistance to agricultural producers to promote agriculture production and environmental quality as compatible goals. EQIP is a voluntary program that offers participants incentive payments and cost-share opportunities.

    Incentive payments may be made to encourage a producer to perform land management practices. These payments may be provided for up to three years.

    Cost sharing may pay up to 75% of the costs of certain conservation practices, such as wells, tanks, fence, hayland and pasture plantings, grassed waterways, filter strips, manure management facilities, capping abandoned wells and other practices important to improving and maintaining the health of natural resources in the area.

     Contact the office for further information or to sign up for the next batching period.

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program

    The Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) is a voluntary program for people who want to develop and improve wildlife habitat primarily on private land. Through WHIP, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service provides both technical assistance and up to 75 percent cost-share assistance to establish and improve fish and wildlife habitat.

    WHIP agreements between NRCS and the participant generally last from 5 to 10 years from the date the agreement is signed.

Contact: NRCS Office

 Brent Gustafson, District Conservationist

 Janet Bradbury, Soil Conservationist