Working in partnership with soil and water conservation districts, state and local agencies, and private conservation organizations, funds may be available to pay all landowner costs for important projects. Landowners agree to maintain restoration projects as specified in the agreement for a minimum of 10 years, but otherwise retain full control of the land. Emphasis is on the restoration of formerly degraded wetlands, native grasslands, riparian areas, and other habitats to conditions as close to natural as feasible. The philosophy is to pro- actively work with private landowners, where the majority of the opportunities to restore wetlands and other habitats occur on the landscape, for the mutual benefit of declining fish, wildlife and plant species and the landowners involved. The Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes that working with private landowners on a voluntary basis is a critical element in meeting the nation's habitat restoration goals.
Private landowners are the stewards of the vast majority of fish and wildlife habitat in our nation.
The projects on my property stimulated several of my neighbors to become more involved in wisely managing their own wetland areas. In this manner, several hundred more acres were positively impacted by the program. The relatively small amount of money appropriated to this program is establishing much needed wildlife habitat in my home state of Oklahoma. I am willing to set aside a portion of my property for this very worthwhile program. I became a Partner in June, 1992.