Wetlands Program Sign-Up Under Way

The federal government is willing to pay people for protecting wetlands on their property.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service is conducting a sign-up for its Wetlands Reserve Program until June 30 at its local offices.

In exchange for one-time payments, property owners grant permanent easements that set limits on future use of the land. The easements also bind future owners but do not require landowners to allow public access.

Any sites that haven’t been planted with crops recently are eligible.

Wetlands are considered valuable because they improve water quality by filtering pollutants, as well as reduce flooding and supply wildlife habitat.

For more information, call the agency in Coeur d’Alene at (208) 667-2548 or in Spokane at (509) 353-2336.

, DataTimes