Kansas Wetlands Restoration• The Victor and

Carlene Hurtig farm with wetland restoration in Republic County.

• See early restoration photos.

Early Restoration Results

• The first Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) restoration in Kansas is starting to show results.

Construction

• Survey, design and construction started in 2000. To restore water to an abandoned stream channel, some construction was required.

Water Management

• The design included a draw-down pipe for water management options on the area.

Earth Work

• The project also includes a structure to hold water in the abandoned stream channel.

Seeding and Fencing

• Native grasses and flowering forbs were seeded the spring of 2001. Fencing will control livestock.

Hydrology

• Surface water runoff from an adjacent cropland field was captured during a spring rain.

Waterfowl

• Immediately, migrating waterfowl began using the area.

waterfo

wl

Landowner Victor Hurtig says he finds identifying the different species of ducks from the back porch challenging and enjoyable.

Benefits

A few of the benefits are

• improved water quality

• improved wildlife habitat

• reduced flooding• increased

groundwater recharge

• enhanced recreational opportunities and aesthetics.

Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in Kansas

• WRP options include permanent easements, 30-year easements, or restoration agreements.

• WRP in Kansas provides habitat for wildlife and migratory birds including threatened and endangered species.

Counties with WRP Contracts

As of May 2001, Kansas had 79 WRP contracts on 8,904 acres in 27 Kansas counties. (USDA-NRCS-Salina)

WRP signs identify easements for wetlands in Kansas.

USDA-NRCS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.

For more information on habitat restoration stop by your local USDA Service Center and visit with the staffs from the Natural Resources Conservation Service or county conservation district. You can also visit these related websites:

• www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ wetlands/wetindex.html

• wetlands.fws.gov