GENTRY — A program aimed at protecting the Illinois River Watershed will also bring in extra income for eligible property owners.

The Arkansas Illinois River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is a voluntary land retirement program that helps agricultural producers protect environmentally sensitive land, decrease erosion, restore wildlifehabitat and safeguard ground and surface water. The program, announced last January, seeks to enroll 15,000 acres of eligible marginal pastureland and cropland in 14- to 15-year contracts within the watershed. It was created under a partnership among producers; tribal, state and federal governments; and, in some cases, private groups.

The goal is to establish and restore riparian forest and wildlife habitat buffers by planting native grasses, forbs, trees and shrubs, said Ted Collins, county executive director of the Farm Service Agency in Washington and Benton counties.

“We worked on this for three years before we got it approved,” he said. “There’s some talk about doing the same thing for the White River, but it’sslow to develop and get funding. We hope to make this a multi-state initiative by involving 25 to 30 counties, but that may be two to three years down the road.”

Collins, who spoke during the first of two educational seminars last week, said land enrolled under the riparian buffer practice must have a minimum average width of 50 feet and a maximum average width of 300 feet. Land offers must be at least onetenth of an acre or more.

Though only a handful of property owners initially expressed interest in the program, Collins said last week’s meeting drew more interest.

“A lot of people talked to us after the meeting and several called in,” he said. “It was one of the largest producer meetings we’ve had.”

Those who participate will receive about $300 per acre when they sign up and then annual payments of about $82 an acre for the 15 years. The program pays the majority of costs related to planting trees, erecting fences to keep cattle out of streams and implementing other conservation measures.

District Conservationist Rhonda Foster said candidates must undergo anon-site evaluation prior to being approved.

“We’ll determine the needs and feasibility of the land,” she said. “If you’re eligible, we’ll send you a picture of your buffer on an aerial map and a form for you to fill out and return.”

Collins said on-site assessors will determine what practices work best for each property. On-site assessors will recommend the type of native trees and grasses for each area based on the conditions. Landowners must eliminate any current vegetation or growth before beginning the new practices.

Property owner Joe Hall said he plans to have his land assessed for eligibility, despite concerns over flooding.

“Every farm is different, so I’m not going to commit to anything,” he said. “I’ll wait to sign up and have them assess my land to see what they can do. Farmers along the river have been fighting all their lives to conserve as much ground as they can. I’m in favor of any suggestions they have that will help me do my job.

A second program meeting is set for 6:30 p.m., Feb. 9, at the Gentry Public Library. The meeting is open to the public and will include a free meal. Participants are asked to reserve a spot before Feb. 4 by calling Darleen Holly at 479-273-2622, ext. 2.

For more information about eligibility requirements, contact Collins at 479-521-4520, ext. 104, or visit www.usda.gov.

Area, Pages 3 on 02/03/2010