USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold a Wetlands Reserve Program workshop in Centerville on March 11.

The workshop will provide private property landowners with information on the voluntary program which is part of the 2008 Farm Bill.

“The goal of the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with wildlife habitat, on every enrolled acre. If landowners are interested in restoring, enhancing and protecting wetlands, WRP may be a good fit. WRP lands also are extremely valuable to wetland wildlife habitat for migratory birds and wetland dependent wildlife,” says Kim Wright, zone program liaison for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Bryan.

NRCS employees will provide an overview of the program that includes land eligibility and how to enroll eligible acreage, along with information on conservation easement enrollment options.

Benefits such as restoration cost-share agreements, payment for enrolled acres and the enhancement of functions and values of wetland ecosystems also will be discussed.

The program is free to the public and will begin at 6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church with a catered meal.