Agricultural and Food Policy
 Agri Outlook Radio
Number 213
USDA Seeks Comments on Wetland Reserve Program (2:55 minutes)
Audio/Video Script:
I’m Robert Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas Division of
Agriculture.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public
comments on the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The 2008 Farm Bill reauthorized
and amended the program, and an interim final rule was published in the January
15th Federal Register.
The Wetlands Reserve Program helps landowners restore their land to its
natural wetland condition. The program places emphasis on priority wildlife
habitat and environmental benefits.
USDA invites those interested in wetlands conservation to review this interim
final rule. Written comments on the interim final rule from individuals,
governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations are encouraged during
the 60 day public comment period. The interim final rule can be viewed at:
http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/ .
Wetlands are biologically diverse and dynamic ecosystems. The wetland
ecosystems support diverse populations of wildlife, plants, and fish. The
wetland ecosystems supply life-sustaining habitat for hundreds of species,
including many of the Nation's endangered and threatened species. Third the
wetland ecosystems provide a protective buffer for our towns and cities against
floods and storm surges. Fourth, the wetland ecosystems buffer coastal areas
from erosion, and fifth, the Wetlands also help protect water quality by
filtering out pollutants and offer aesthetic and recreational opportunities.
The Wetland Reserve Program is administered by USDA's Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) and provides technical and financial assistance to
eligible landowners to address wetland, wildlife habitat, soil, water, and
related natural resource concerns on private agricultural land. The Wetland
Reserve Program provides landowners financial incentives to protect, restore,
and enhance wetlands on their property. To date more than 2 million acres have
been enrolled in the program.
This has been Robert Coats Extension Economist University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
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