Complete report - Partners for Clean Streams
Complete report - Partners for Clean Streams
Complete report - Partners for Clean Streams
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Wetland Reserve Program<br />
1985-Present<br />
Issue 3 - Wetlands and Open Space Preservation<br />
Description:<br />
The National Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) began in 1985 as a voluntary<br />
program to restore and protect wetlands on private property. This program was<br />
initiated in Ohio in 1994. It is an opportunity <strong>for</strong> landowners to receive financial<br />
incentives to enhance wetlands in exchange <strong>for</strong> retiring marginal agricultural land.<br />
This program improves water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduces<br />
flooding, recharges groundwater, and protects biological diversity. It also furnishes<br />
educational, scientific, recreational, and aesthetic benefits.<br />
Congress authorized WRP under the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by the<br />
1990 and 1996 Farm Bills. USDA NRCS administers the program in consultation with<br />
the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and other Federal agencies. Funding <strong>for</strong> WRP<br />
comes from the Commodity Credit Corporation.<br />
Landowners who choose to participate in WRP may sell a conservation easement or<br />
enter into a cost-share restoration agreement with USDA to restore and protect<br />
wetlands. The landowner voluntarily limits future use of the land, yet retains private<br />
ownership. The landowner and NRCS develop a plan <strong>for</strong> the restoration and<br />
maintenance of the wetland.<br />
The program offers landowners three options: permanent easements, 30-year<br />
easements, and restoration cost-share agreements of a minimum 10-year duration.<br />
Acres Enrolled in WRP in 2001:<br />
Lucas County None<br />
Wood County 83.2<br />
Ottawa County 913.4<br />
Lead Organization:<br />
USDA -NRCS<br />
Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP)<br />
1996-Present<br />
Description:<br />
This program provides financial incentives to develop habitat <strong>for</strong> fish and wildlife on<br />
private lands. Participants agree to implement a wildlife habitat development plan and<br />
USDA agrees to provide cost-share assistance <strong>for</strong> the implementation of wildlife<br />
habitat development practices.<br />
Acres Enrolled in WHIP in 2001:<br />
Lucas County None<br />
Wood Cunty None<br />
Ottawa County 40.3<br />
Lead Organization:<br />
Collaborator(s):<br />
USDA, ODNR and SWCDs<br />
Pheasants Forever<br />
138<br />
Activities and Accomplishments<br />
Issue 3: Wetlands and<br />
in the Maumee Area of Concern Open Space Preservation
Change language