EWP funds will be made available to South Dakota to begin to address the highest priority, life threatening work. NRCS field staffs in Minnesota are conducting damage assessments in all 53 counties named in the Presidential disaster declaration. NRCS equipment and staff are being used in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's coordinated relief efforts and NRCS is working with the State of Minnesota Emergency Management team. Six NRCS offices were temporarily closed due to flooding or power outages. These payments are on top of any CRP payments.
Priority is given to landowners who plant trees.
Also, Tribal Elders and 5th and 6th grade students planted a special ceremonial tree. Tribal members purchased another 900 trees for planting at their homes and ranches. Future improvements at the site include fencing livestock from wetlands, removing non-essential roads, and installing fish screens. Economic development opportunities are also planned. The legislation would promote the restoration, conservation, and enhancement of wetlands through the establishment of a responsible wetlands mitigation banking program.