Grand Island, Neb.  A Pheasants Forever-sponsored wildlife habitat project in the Rainwater Basin region of south-central Nebraska has received $3.25 million in financial assistance through the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP). The multi-year, pilot program will allow center pivot irrigation systems to travel across wetlands and upland buffers restored and protected through the USDA's Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) as a reserved right.

The Project

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The project was one of five announced by the USDA to restore and enhance wetlands in five Midwestern states through WREP. A voluntary conservation program, WREP is carried out through partnership agreements with state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and Indian tribes. NRCS Chief Dave White announced the projects on behalf of Secretary Vilsack at an America's Great Outdoors Initiative listening session in Nebraska. White and other Obama Administration officials toured the Rainwater Basin Water Complex.

This pilot WREP program provides a unique conservation tool that will increase program enrollment throughout the Rainwater Basin Region. Nearly 75% of the restorable wetlands are intersected by center pivot irrigation systems. In the past, multiple landowners have withdrawn Wetlands Reserve Program applications or not applied due to the uncertainty of being allowed to let their pivot cross a wetland enrolled in the program. "In the Rainwater Basin, the number of pivots is likely to increase in the future," says Pete Berthelsen, Pheasants Forever Senior Field Coordinator, "The overall impact of center pivots on wetlands and wildlife is likely minimal when compared to the overall benefits that long-term protection of wetlands and associated upland buffers will have on wildlife populations."

"This pilot WREP offers landowners a unique opportunity to enroll marginal flood prone cropland without adversely affecting their irrigation systems," said Andy Bishop, Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Coordinator "This is truly represents a win-win situation for producers and wildlife that use Rainwater Basin wetlands."

"Wetlands preservation is a priority at USDA not only because of the role wetlands play in supporting diverse wildlife and plants, but also their importance in sustaining healthy ecosystems," Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said. "The wetland restoration and enhancements made possible through WREP will significantly increase wildlife habitat and improve water quality."

WREP, a component of the Wetlands Reserve Program, leverages the resources of eligible partners to provide financial and technical assistance to eligible landowners to protect, restore and enhance wetlands and improve wildlife habitat through multi-year projects lasting up to five years. WREP links wetlands and non-wetlands by creating wildlife habitat and floodplain corridors.