2005 Summary of WRP in Montana

With the state's 2005 WRP allocation of $1.5 million, NRCS will purchase four perpetual easements in Cascade, Treasure, and Valley counties. These easements cover 831 total acres (including upland habitat and wetlands) and 350 acres of wetlands. To date, Montana has received 150 applications and enrolled 23,512 acres into WRP. As shown on the map below, there are existing WRP easements in 17 Montana counties. Those counties are Cascade, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Hill, Lake, Lincoln, Madison, Missoula, Phillips, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Teton, Treasure, and Valley.

WRP was created as a voluntary land conservation program designed to assist eligible landowners in restoring and protecting wetlands 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 a safe corridor for wildlife. These restoration activities often involve filling in drainage ditches, removing dikes, and planting native vegetation. In addition, shallow ponds have been created across draws to hold additional water where enhanced water is desirable.

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