The objective of the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) (now Wetland Reserve Easements) is to restore and protect the functions and values of wetlands in agricultural landscapes with an emphasis on habitat for migratory birds and wetland- dependent wildlife, protection and improvement of water quality, flood attenuation, ground water recharge, and protection of native flora and fauna on marginal farmland. Although we understand that these values and functions are generally associated with wetlands, documenting the details specific to WRE sites is critical to understanding, delivering, and maintaining this valuable conservation tool.

A project was initiated to quantify existing ecological services derived from USDA conservation practices in the MAV as part of the USDA Conservation Effects Assessment Project, Wetlands Component (CEAP-Wetlands). The U. S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, the USDA Farm Service Agency, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Ducks Unlimited, collected data on soils, vegetation, nitrogen cycling, migratory birds, and amphibians from 88 different sites between 2006 and 2008. Results from restored WRP sites were compared to baseline data from active agricultural cropland to evaluate changes in ecosystem services.

WRP sites yielded significant biological benefits for wildlife and habitat quality, with significantly more migratory bird species, but not resident species, compared with cropland sites. The differences between WRP and cropland changed over the migration season, with mean species richness greater in ag fields early in the migration season, but reflecting significantly greater species richness in WRP sites during mid to late migration.

In addition, restoration of hydrologic conditions more typical of riparian forested wetlands resulted in more waterfowl habitat and higher probability of occurrences of frog species that require permanent water sources (e.g., American Bullfrog, Southern Leopard Frog). Below is a set of notable birds from the almost 70 species documented on Wetland Reserve sites in the MAV. Eight (in bold) are species of conservation concern:

• Bell's Vireo

• Dickcissel

• Eastern Meadowlark

• Field Sparrow

• Gray Catbird

• Green-winged Teal

• King Rail

• Least Bittern

• LeConte's Sparrow

• Loggerhead Shrike

• Mallard

• Northern Harrier

• Pileated Woodpecker

• Sedge Wren

• Short-billed Dowitcher

• Tree Swallow

• White Ibis

• Wood Duck

Birds Benefiting from Wetland Restoration on Wetlands Reserve Sites