Wetland restoration program sign-up now available

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For release: June 5, 2013

Contact: Jennifer Maleitzke, 651-215-9008 (office); 651-315-5082 (cell); Julie MacSwain, Natural Resources Conservation Service (651-602-7859)

Wetland restoration program sign-up now available

St. Paul, Minn. — Partnering with local soil and water conservation districts, the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced today that the 2013 RIM-WRP program sign-up is now open.

The program offers competitive payment rates for landowners to restore wetlands that have been drained and have a history of being used for agricultural production.

"Restoring wetlands on privately owned lands provides many public benefits, such as enhancing wildlife habitat, improving water quality and reducing potential flood damage in targeted areas," said John Jaschke, BWSR Executive Director.

RIM-WRP is a local-state-federal partnership that combines the state's Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Reserve conservation easement program with the USDA Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Combining these two programs allows state funds to leverage federal funds that are available through the Federal Farm Bill. Funding for this partnership is through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and BWSR.

The state dollars for this partnership have been provided from the constitutionally dedicated Outdoor Heritage Fund, based on a recommendation of the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council, and through bonding dollars.

Details of the RIM-WRP Partnership:

  • The RIM-WRP sign-up period begins June 3, 2013, with funding decisions expected by mid-July.
  • Eligibility is statewide, but priority is given to areas of Minnesota that have experienced the greatest wetland losses.
  • Competitive payment rates have been established for this partnership.
  • Interested landowners should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or Natural Resources Conservation Service staff at the local USDA Service Center.

More information can be found on BWSR's website: www.bwsr.state.mn.us.

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