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Better Wetlands

Making History With Wetlands

Tens of thousands of acres of privately owned wet New York croplands are being restored to wetlands or managed floodplains. Landowners have voluntarily entered these lands into the US Department of Agriculture’s Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and Emergency Wetlands Reserve Program (EWRP) and other programs such as Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Never in New York history have so many acres of wetlands been restored to their natural state.

Landowners are signing easements to restore the lands and leave them in wetlands permanently. They’re reversing trends in loss of wetlands. These restored wetlands will add to the existing areas.

Public understanding of the values and functions of wetlands became an emerging trend in New York in the mid-1980’s. Increased appreciation and concern has made wetland protection and enhancement a natural resource management priority.

Restoring these lands offers an unprecedented opportunity to enhance them for wildlife habitat, improved water quality, aesthetics and personal enjoyment.

We believe that wetlands are important components of our state’s ecological, social and economic assets. They provide important, often critical, habitat for many plants and animals. Their social value is expressed through open, natural spaces supporting outdoor recreation and immeasurable intrinsic aesthetic value.

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Contact Information

You may send comments regarding this Web site to:

State Biologist

Mike Townsend
Syracuse, New York
Telephone: 315-477-6537

• Additional NRCS New York contacts

If you encounter any problems with files provided on this page, have questions, suggestions, or find a broken link, please contact Gary Vandawalker at 315-477-6546.

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