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SIGN-UPS FOR 2009 USDA'S WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM Jackson, MS, Jan. 9, 2009 - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing that the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) has been renewed through Title II of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008, better known as the Farm Bill. The Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program that protects, restores and enhances wetlands, while maximizing wildlife benefits. The USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages the program and provides technical and financial support to help landowners who participate in WRP. Many of the provisions of the Farm Bill became effective October 1, 2008. There has been an immediate change in easement compensation. The change in easement compensation is now the lowest of the following: fair market value of the land enrolled based on either a Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practices appraisal or market survey, geographic cap established by the Secretary of Agriculture, or the landowner offer. Mississippi is in the process of reviewing their geographic rate cap for 2009. The geographic rate cap for Mississippi in 2008 was $900.00 per acre. New provisions in the 2008 Farm Bill require landowners to own land for seven years and have an average adjusted gross income of not more than $1 million average over the last three years. Landowners in Mississippi with qualifying properties are encouraged to consider applying for the 2009 Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The WRP program is a competitive program using a combination of statewide ranking system to fund the most environmentally beneficial projects. The application process for WRP is continuous throughout the year. Funds are allocated annually for the purpose of purchasing easements and restoring wetlands on qualifying lands. All applications received by February 27, 2009, will be considered in the first ranking period. NRCS is committed to delivering all Farm Bill programs authorized through the 2008 Farm Bill and is eager to consult with all interested parties about the many benefits that WRP and other programs have to offer. Interested landowners are encouraged to contact their local USDA-NRCS field service center to file an application. For additional information on WRP and other conservation programs available in Mississippi visit: www.ms.nrcs.usda.gov/ or contact your local USDA-NRCS field service center.
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