Minnesota Waterfowl Association

Phil Doll - MWA’s WRP Biologist

I’ve just finished my third year as MWA’s WRP Biologist. My job is to assist the NRCS with the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). Over the last three years, WRP has partnered with the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources’ Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) program to form the RIM WRP Partnership.

For the 2010 RIM WRP sign-up, there were 203 applications statewide totaling 17,930 acres. Of those 203 applications, 141 were selected for funding totaling 10,351 acres.

In my work area in the NW part of Minnesota, I assisted with 18 of those applications for RIM WRP totaling 3,540 acres. Thirteen of my 18 applications were selected for funding with a total of 3,060 acres. A site is selected for funding based on a score system that takes into account factors like the number of drained wetlands, wildlife benefits, and the cost of the easement.

Once those 13 RIM WRP easements are restored, they will offer great waterfowl and wildlife habitat. Over 100 drained wetlands will be restored on these sites ranging in size from small potholes all the way up to a 200 acre drained lake basin. The acres surrounding the wetlands will be restored to native prairie. Diverse native prairie seed mixes (15-30 species) tailored to each site will be planted and future management will include prescribed burns.

If you’re a landowner or know someone who might be interested in a RIM WRP easement, stop in at your local NRCS and SWCD office to learn more.