2007 Summary of WRP in Montana

With the state's 2007 WRP allocation of $812,869, NRCS will purchase six perpetual easements in Lake, Lewis & Clark, Madison, Missoula, Sanders, and Valley counties. These easements will total 375 acres (including upland habitat and wetlands). To date, Montana has enrolled 24,754 acres into WRP. As shown on the map below, there are WRP easements in 19 Montana counties. Those counties are Cascade, Chouteau, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Hill, Lake, Lewis & Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Missoula, Phillips, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Teton, Treasure, and Valley.

The counties highlighted in green are the six counties with 2007 contracts and the ones in blue are the counties with previous-year contracts.

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 for providing vital habitat for 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 developed 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: 03/26/2008