Jerry Raynor, state conservationist for Indiana's USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced Tuesday it is continuing to accept applications to restore, protect and enhance wetlands throughout the state. Dollars are still available for private landowners and Indian tribes through the Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) program. While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, Feb. 28 will be the second-round application date to be considered for funding this year. Eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement.
"We offer easement programs to landowners who want to maintain or enhance their land in a way that is beneficial to the environment," Raynor said "All NRCS easement programs are voluntary but we rely on local landowners and organizations to make these easement programs successful."
Wetland easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational and limited recreational activities. In Indiana, over 80,000 acres of wetlands have been enrolled into easements, many of which lie in critical migratory areas for waterfowl and other birds such as the Wabash River, Goose Pond, Kankakee Marsh and Muscatatuck River Corridor.
"To enroll land in a wetland reserve easement, NRCS enters into a purchase agreement that includes the right for us to develop and implement a wetland plan on your land. This plan will detail practices to help restore, protect and enhance the wetlands functions and values," said Raynor. "NRCS will pay 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, regardless of a 30-year or permanent easement."
WRE applications may be submitted at any time; however, applications for the current funding round must be submitted on or before the closing date of February 28.
To learn about technical and financial assistance available through Indiana NRCS conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or contact your local district conservationist at www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator.
Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture