The Natural Resources Conservation Service is testing landowner interest in a new Wetlands Reserve Program option to reserve grazing rights on contracted wetland acres.

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Applications are being accepted statewide from Aug. 10-21 at local NRCS offices.

NRCS State Conservationist Steve Chick said this is a new option that applies only to Wetlands Reserve Program applications received during this signup period, but it will apply to permanent or 30-year easement contracts.

Landowners would retain the rights to graze land entered into a Wetlands Reserve Program contract. Compensation normally paid through WRP for permanent or 30-year easements would be reduced by the value of the grazing.

Participants would develop a grazing plan with NRCS that includes the location, timing, intensity, frequency and duration of grazing. Pastureland will be converted from non-native to native grasses. Some shallow water habitat enhancements for waterfowl and wading birds will be created on some sites.

This pilot option was authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill.

The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program to assist landowners of private and tribal lands in restoring, protecting, and enhancing land with wetland soils.

Landowners who are interested in pursing this pilot program should contact their local Natural Resources Conservation Service office.