50,000 Acres Enrolled in Wetlands Program in Minnesota

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Bruce Knight, announced on May 15, 2006 that over 50,000 acres of wetlands in Minnesota have been enrolled in the National Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).  The announcement was made at a celebration held at the property of Paula and Ranjit Bhagyam near Albert Lea, Minnesota.  The announcement represents a portion of the nearly 500,000 acres that have been enrolled in wetland restoration projects since 1994, in Minnesota, making it one of the premier states in the Nation in restoration activities.

“Milestones such as this achievement demonstrate the power and benefits of cooperative conservation,” said Knight.  “Agricultural wetlands provide some of the best filters of nutrients for waterways, leading to healthier cleaner water.”

William Hunt, State Conservationist for Minnesota NRCS, expressed his gratitude to the conservation partners and private landowners who were gathered at the WRP 50,000 acre ceremony. 

For more information about WRP in Minnesota, please check our webpage at:  http://www.mn.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/index.html

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