2006 Summary of WRP in Montana

With the state's 2006 WRP allocation of $2.4 million, NRCS will purchase two perpetual easements in Lincoln and Chouteau counties. These easements are 346 total acres (including upland habitat and wetlands). To date, Montana has received 159 applications and enrolled 23,428 acres into WRP. As shown on the map below, there are existing WRP easements in 18 Montana counties. Those counties are Cascade, Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Hill, Lake, Lincoln, Madison, Missoula, Phillips, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Teton, Treasure, and Valley.

The counties highlighted in green are the two counties with 2006 contracts and the ones in blue are the counties with contracts to date.

WRP is a voluntary land conservation program designed to assist eligible landowners in restoring and protecting wetlands and uplands using three options: permanent easements, 30-year easements, or 10-year restoration cost-share agreements.

The NRCS works with Montana landowners to protect, restore, and enhance the original hydrology, native vegetation, and natural topography of eligible lands. The objective emphasizes the restoration of habitat for migratory birds and wetland-dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. Montana is important in the production of ducks and Canada geese throughout the United States.

In Montana, the types of WRP restoration projects most often fall into the following categories: pothole restoration, floodplain restoration, and riparian corridors. All three categories have their own unique characteristics and successful outcomes.

The main function of pothole restoration is the production of migrating bird habitat, while the main function of floodplain restoration is the containment of flood flows and the improvement and protection of water quality. Riparian corridors connect protected areas, providing safe corridors for wildlife. These restoration activities often involve filling in drainage ditches, removing dikes, and planting native vegetation. In addition, shallow wetlands have been created to improve the wetland diversity of the sites.

Almost any former or degraded wetland is eligible for WRP, as long as the wetland is restorable and will provide wildlife benefits.

NRCS has the primary administrative responsibility for WRP, but also has the authority to develop cooperative agreements with outside conservation groups who can assist with its implementation.

Last Modified: 03/25/2008