**MN514.93 [2004 MINNESOTA WRP AND EWP-FPE EASEMENT PROGRAMS
CONSERVATION PRACTICE PAYMENT DOCKET]{.underline}**

The 2004 Minnesota Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) and the Emergency
Watershed Protection (EWP)-Floodplain Easement (FPE) Program
Conservation Payment Docket lists the practices that have been
authorized for contract development and payments under WRP/EWP-FPE in
Minnesota. Additional practices may be warranted depending on
restoration needs. The docket is a complete listing of practices and
payment rates. The narrative lists additional program provisions that
must be followed.

All practices must meet NRCS Field Office Technical Guide standards and
specifications. Conservation practices not listed in the docket, and
proposed new practices, may be added upon review and approval by the
State Conservationist. Written justification must be included in
requesting a practice be added to the docket. This justification should
include why the addition of the practice is required, including evidence
that the practice has potential to address the resource concern, and
identification of who will provide technical assistance in implementing
the practice.

The 2004 Minnesota WRP and EWP-FPE Docket is divided into two Sections.
Listed in Section I are the practices that can be included in a contract
without prior written approval. Section II lists the practices that
**[REQUIRE prior written approval from the State WRP Manager BEFORE
being included in a contract.]{.underline}**

**[GENERAL PROVISIONS]{.underline}**

1.  The 2004 Minnesota WRP and EWP-FPE Docket lists practices authorized
    for contract development and conservation practice payments, the
    maximum payment rates and limits, and the program specific
    provisions for various practices.

2.  Both WRP and EWP-FPE are committed to paying the total cost of
    restoration for permanent easements and 75% of total cost of
    restoration for 30 year easements. If expected restoration costs
    exceed the amounts listed in the docket, a waiver must be requested
    and approved by the State Conservationist through the State WRP
    Manager.

3.  The maximum unit costs listed in the docket may
    **[NOT]{.underline}** be increased by the field.

4.  The NRCS state office will solicit changes from the local work
    groups to the NRCS program dockets, on an annual basis. All locally
    submitted recommendations or requested changes should be submitted
    with adequate documentation.

5.  If a practice is not included in the 2004 Minnesota WRP and EWP-FPE
    Docket and is needed in a contract, you must request a waiver from
    the State Conservationist after the practice has been approved by
    the State WRP Manager (i.e. examples of such practices are erosion
    control practices and tree removal).

6.  **[Permits:]{.underline}** The producer is responsible for obtaining
    local, state and federal permits and other permission necessary to
    perform and maintain all practices.

7.  **[Practice life span:]{.underline}** For WRP and EWP-FPE easements
    (permanent and 30 year) all practices must be maintained for the
    duration of the easement.

8.  In WRP and EWP-FPE, all contracts **[MUST ONLY USE
    NATIVE]{.underline}** grasses, forbs, trees, and/or shrubs. The ONLY
    exception is for construction sites related to wetland restoration,
    where introduced species are permissible (see Critical Area Planting
    -- 342 standard for guidance).

**[SECTION I]{.underline}**

Practices in Section I may be included in a contract without the prior
approval of the State WRP Manager.

# PRACTICE STANDARD 643 -- RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT OF DECLINING HABITATS

  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------
                      Component          Permanent                 30-Year    
                                         Easement                  Easement   

                      Code        Unit   Rate        Maximum Cost, Rate       Maximum Cost,
                                                     \$                       \$

  Restoration and                                                             
  Management of                                                               
  Declining Habitats                                                          

  Tallgrass Prairie   643a        Ac     100%        \$400.00/ac   75%        \$300.00/ac
  Restoration                                                                 

  Oak Savanna         643b        Ac     100%        \$400.00/ac   75%        \$300.00/ac
  Restoration                                                                 
  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------

**PURPOSE:** To restore and conserve rare and declining native
vegetative communities and associated wildlife species.

**REQUIREMENTS:**

1.  A detailed plan is required, in accordance with the specifications
    outlined in the NRCS practice standard.

2.  Costs include seedbed preparation, seeding, clipping (up to five
    times in the first 24 months of establishment), seed, and herbicide
    as appropriate.

3.  Prescribed Burning (338) is an acceptable form of site preparation
    when it is considered to be the most ecological and economical
    option. In the contract, the Prescribed Burning (338) narrative must
    be added to the narrative for Restoration and Management of
    Declining Habitat (643) but the costs are already included in
    Restoration and Management of Declining Habitat (643).

4.  For Oak Savanna Restoration (643b) see Upland Wildlife Habitat
    Management (645b) for tree and shrub costs. The total maximum cost
    of \$400 per acre includes all components including grass and forbs
    as well as tree and shrubs.

    a.  If 643b is the planned practices, the use of the components,
        costs, etc of Upland Wildlife Habitat Management -- Trees and
        Shrubs (645b) can be included in the contract without the
        approval of the State WRP Manager.

    b.  The Tree/Grass/Forb planting plan will be reviewed and approved
        by the Area Office.

# 

# PRACTICE STANDARD 645 -- UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT -- GRASSES AND FORBS

  ------------------ ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------
                     Component            Permanent                 30-Year    
                                          Easement                  Easement   

                     Code        Unit     Rate        Maximum Cost, Rate       Maximum Cost,
                                                      \$                       \$

  Upland Wildlife                                                              
  Habitat Management                                                           

  A. Permanent                                                                 
  Vegetative Cover                                                             
  -- Native Grasses,                                                           
  Legumes, and Forbs                                                           

  1\. Mixed Native   645a        Ac.      100%        \$210.00/ac   75%        \$157.50/ac
  Grasses                                                                      

  2\. Native Grasses 645b        Ac.      100%        \$260.00/ac   75%        \$195.00/ac
  with Forbs                                                                   
  ------------------ ----------- -------- ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------

**PURPOSE:** Practices may be applied as part of a wildlife system to
provide food, cover or water for desired upland species, or manage
wildlife habitat to achieve desired successional stage.

**REQUIREMENTS:**

1.  Cost sharing is authorized for practice establishment.

2.  Permanent vegetative cover establishment of grasses, legumes, and
    forbs includes seedbed preparation, seeding, clipping (up to five
    times during the first 24 months of establishment), seed and
    herbicide as appropriate.

3.  Prescribed Burning (338) is an acceptable form of site preparation
    when it is considered to be the most ecological and economical
    option. In the contract, the Prescribed Burning (338) narrative must
    be added to the narrative for Upland Wildlife Habitat
    Management (645) but the costs are already included in Upland
    Wildlife Habitat Management (645).

# 

# PRACTICE STANDARD 657 -- WETLAND RESTORATION

  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------
                      Component          Permanent                 30-Year    
                                         Easement                  Easement   

                      Code        Unit   Rate        Maximum Cost, Rate       Maximum Cost,
                                                     \$                       \$

  Wetland Restoration 657         Ac.    100%        Cost Estimate 75%        Cost Estimate
  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------

**PURPOSE:** To establish or restore the appropriate hydrological and
vegetative characteristics necessary to meet the desired wetland
functions and values.

**REQUIREMENTS:**

1.  Costs include all reasonable and customary components to achieve the
    practice purpose.

2.  Utilize designs and materials appropriate for the life of the
    easement.

3.  The cost estimate will be based on the planners design estimate.

**[SECTION II]{.underline}**

Practices in Section II may only be included in a contract **[WITH PRIOR
APPROVAL FROM THE STATE WRP MANAGER]{.underline}**. Prescribed Burning
(338) and Prescribed Grazing (528A) also require a prior approval in
writing on the Compatible Use Permit.

# PRACTICE STANDARD 382 - FENCE

  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------
                      Component          Permanent                 30-Year    
                                         Easement                  Easement   

                      Code        Unit   Rate        Maximum Cost, Rate       Maximum Cost,
                                                     \$                       \$

  Fence                                                                       

  Barbed Wire         382a        Ft.    100%        \$1.25/ft     75%        \$0.94/ft

  Woven Wire          382b        Ft.    100%        \$1.40/ft     75%        \$1.05/ft

  Other Fence         382c        Ft.    100%        \$1.40/ft     75%        \$1.05/ft
  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------

**PURPOSE:** To protect stands of desirable forest trees, streams or
sensitive areas from destructive effects of grazing and to prevent soil
erosion and water quality impairment in critical areas.

**REQUIREMENTS:**

1.  Establishment of fencing is limited to permanent fences utilizing
    new materials.

2.  Cost share is not authorized unless the purpose of the fence is
    documented as providing resource protection. Cost share amounts
    listed include all appurtenances.

3.  Cost share is not authorized for clearing obstructions, providing
    power sources, or removal of woody vegetation.

#  

# 

# PRACTICE STANDARD 338 -- PRESCRIBED BURNING

# 

  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------
                      Component          Permanent                 30-Year    
                                         Easement                  Easement   

                      Code        Unit   Rate        Maximum Cost, Rate       Maximum Cost,
                                                     \$                       \$

  Prescribed Burning                                                          

  Less Than 10 Acres  338a        Ac.    100%        \$45.00/ac    75%        \$33.75/ac

  10 -- 20 Acres      338b        Ac.    100%        \$35.00/ac    75%        \$26.25/ac

  Greater Than 20     338c        Ac.    100%        \$30.00/ac    75%        \$22.50/ac
  Acres                                                                       
  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------

# PURPOSE: Control less than desirable vegetation and plant disease, improve wildlife habitat, and improve forage quality. 

# 

# REQUIREMENTS: 

# As a stand alone practice, Prescribed Burning (338) may [ONLY]{.underline} be used as a maintenance practice for existing established vegetation. 

# Develop a detailed burn plan describing the practice objective, species to control and benefited, timing, weather conditions and management guidelines. 

# Technical assistance will [ONLY]{.underline} be provided through technically qualified TSPs.

# 

# All laws and regulations pertaining to burning will be followed. 

# 

# The conservation plan must document that the landowner has been notified in writing that they are subject to ALL liability due to damages caused by out of control fires. 

# 

# It is the landowner's responsibility to obtain all permits and notify surrounding landowners who may be affected. 

# 

# Cost share is eligible once every 5 years. 

# 

# Associated costs with obtaining and notification of neighbors, units of government, and agencies are entirely the landowner's expense. 

# 

# PRACTICE STANDARD 528A -- PRESCRIBED GRAZING 

  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------
                      Component          Permanent                 30-Year    
                                         Easement                  Easement   

                      Code        Unit   Rate        Maximum Cost, Rate       Maximum Cost,
                                                     \$                       \$

  Prescribed Grazing  528A        Ac.                N/C                      N/C
  ------------------- ----------- ------ ----------- ------------- ---------- -------------

#  

# PURPOSE: Controlled harvest of vegetation with grazing animals to improve plant health and vigor, provide food and cover for wildlife, improve water quality, and reduce accelerated soil erosion. 

# 

# REQUIREMENTS:

# A detailed vegetation management plan including specific grazing details is required. 

# PRACTICE STANDARD 645 -- UPLAND WILDLIFE HABITAT MANAGEMENT -- TREES AND SHRUBS

  --------------------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------------ ---------- ------------------
                        Component            Permanent                      30-Year    
                                             Easement                       Easement   

                        Code        Unit     Rate        Maximum Cost, \$   Rate       Maximum Cost, \$

  B. Permanent                                                                         
  Vegetative Cover                                                                     
  Establishment --                                                                     
  Native Trees and                                                                     
  Shrubs                                                                               

  1\. Site Preparation                                                                 

  a\. Trees/Shrubs --   645a        Ac.      100%        \$94.00/ac         75%        \$70.50/ac
  Chemical                                                                             

  b\. Trees/Shrubs --   645b        Ac.      100%        \$68.00/ac         75%        \$51.00/ac
  Mechanical                                                                           

  c\. Trees/Shrubs --   645c        Ac.      100%        \$174.00/ac        75%        \$130.50/ac
  Chemical/Mechanical                                                                  

  2\. Purchase and                                                                     
  Planting                                                                             

  a\. Native            645d        100      100%        \$140.00/hundred   75%        \$105.00/hundred
  Trees/Shrubs                                                                         

  b\. Native Container  645e        Tree     100%        \$7.00/tree        75%        \$5.20/tree
  Conifers                                                                             

  C. Weed Control                                                                      

  1\. Mechanical        645f        100 Ft.  100%        \$7.20/100' Row    75%        \$5.40/100' Row
                                    Row                                                

  2\. Chemical          645g        100 Ft.  100%        \$2.40/100' Row    75%        \$1.80/100' Row
                                    Row                                                

  3\. Tree Mats -- Roll 645h        100 Ft.  100%        \$40.00/100' Row   75%        \$30.00/100' Row
                                    Row                                                

  4\. Tree Mats --      645i        Ea.      100%        \$1.00 Ea          75%        \$0.75 Ea
  Square                                                                               

  D. Animal Control                                                                    
  Devices                                                                              

  1\. 4' Tree Shelters  645j        Ea.      100%        \$4.00 Ea          75%        \$3.00 Ea

  2\. Bud Caps --       645k        Ea.      100%        \$0.24 Ea          75%        \$0.18 Ea
  Softwoods                                                                            

  E. Direct Seeding --  645l        Ac.      100%        \$500/ac           75%        \$375/ac
  Bare Ground or                                                                       
  Agricultural                                                                         
  Production                                                                           
  --------------------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------------------ ---------- ------------------

**PURPOSE:** Several practices may be applied as part of a wildlife
system to provide food, cover or water for desired upland species, or
manage wildlife habitat to achieve desired successional stage.

**REQUIREMENTS:**

1.  Cost sharing is authorized for practice establishment.

2.  Individual tree and shrub plantings should be designed with a
    diverse mix of **NATIVE** trees and shrubs to restore natural plant
    communities or maximize wildlife benefits. In all cases, plantings
    greater than 10.0 acres will consist of a mixture of species.
    Plantings less than 10.0 acres may consist of monotypic species if
    the purpose of the design is to restore natural community conditions
    (for example, white pine restoration).

3.  Weed Control must be performed during the first 36 months after
    planting as needed for establishment.

4.  For Weed Control -- Mechanical (645f), up to 3 cultivations are
    allowed, however the maximum payments are per year not per
    cultivation.

5.  For Weed Control -- Chemical (645g), one application per year is
    eligible for cost sharing.

6.  Cost share payments for Animal Control Devices -- 4' Tree Shelters
    (645j) includes the shelter, stake, and installation.

7.  Cost share payments for Animal Control Devices -- Bud Caps --
    Softwoods (645k) includes materials and annual installation costs
    for the first 3 years.

8.  A detailed planting plan will be submitted to the Area Office or
    State Office with the proposed contract.