Improved Waterfowl Habitat Along Connecticut River

Columbia, N.H. – Migratory waterfowl now have a new landing spot as they fly south along the Connecticut River. After a five year process Don and Stacy Campbell were finally able to implement a 13 acre USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) easement on their land.

“Waterfowl are declining nationally,” said Michael Harrington, NRCS District Conservationist for Coos County. “So a wetland like the Campbell’s that is in a major flyway for migratory waterfowl is a high priority, especially for WRP.”

Construction on the wetland that abuts the Connecticut River consisted of two berms to retain water and create an emergent marsh. Plants that grow in emergent marshes are partially submerged in water with the top portion piercing the surface for air.

“This is a really good project because it demonstrates how beneficial inland wetlands are,” Harrington said. “Here in New Hampshire, WRP has mainly focused on salt marshes along the Sea Coast. I’d like to change that.”

WRP is a voluntary program to restore and protect wetlands on private and public property. It is an opportunity for landowners to receive financial incentives to enhance, protect, or restore wetlands to the original hydrology, functions and values, native vegetation, and natural topography.

Landowners who choose to participate and qualify for WRP may sell a conservation easement and/or enter into a cost-share restoration agreement with NRCS to restore and protect wetlands. The landowner voluntarily limits future development of the land, yet retains private ownership.

Together the landowner and NRCS develop a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the wetland.  This program offers landowners three options: permanent easements, 30-year easements, and/or restoration cost-share agreements with a minimum of 10-years in duration.

For more information about WRP or USDA-NRCS contact your local NRCS field service center or Conservation District. To locate the one nearest you follow this link.

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