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News and Events
Wetland Reserve Program Rate Increase
Friday, February 05, 2010
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Jackson recently announced a significant increase in the compensation rate for Delta area lands that may be enrolled into the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). Cropland enrolled into WRP will now qualify to receive $1,700.00 per acre. Land enrolled in WRP that is currently in aquaculture or has been used for aquaculture production in the past qualifies to receive $1,200.00 per acre. These new rates are only for NRCS Area 4, which include all Delta counties.
State NRCS Conservationist Homer Wilkes feels the increased rates will further incentivize landowners to participate in WRP and further National and State wetland restoration and conservation efforts. “WRP incentives have grown much more slowly than likely needed to sustain enrollment levels experienced 4 to 5 years ago in Mississippi. We are hopeful that these changes will stimulate current enrollment rates and incentivize quality wetland conservation.”
Rate increases were initially recommend by the Wetland Sub-Committee of the NRCS State Technical Committee upon review of a 2009 Market Analysis performed by an independent third party. The State NRCS Staff supported the Sub-Committee’s recommendations, receiving final approval from NRCS Headquarters in Washington on February 1st.
“As a Wetland Sub-Committee and State Technical Committee member, Delta Wildlife is proud to have been a part of this process and appreciates the hard work of the State and National NRCS Offices to strengthen the program and encourage program participation,” stated Austin Jones, Delta Wildlife President.
New rates will take effect immediately. Landowners may apply to enroll in WRP at their local county NRCS Office.