Landowner participation in the wetlands reserve program: Evidence from nine Oklahoma counties

Scope and Method of Study. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a federal wetlands conservation program administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency within the United States Department of Agriculture. Through this program, the federal government purchases development and agricultural rights to privately owned wetlands that have been drained for cultivation or otherwise altered in a manner impairing the natural hydrology. Enrolled land is restored to natural wetland function by the NRCS and its partner agencies and organizations. Because the WRP is a voluntary, incentive-based program, it is important to understand the variables that affect awareness of the program and the willingness of landowners to participate. A mail survey examining landowner attitudes; socioeconomic characteristics; land operation variables; information sources; and experience with wetlands, conservation programs, and the NRCS was conducted in nine counties in eastern and central Oklahoma. Those who had applied to the program and those who had considered applying were asked about their reasons for applying or not applying. The survey sample included WRP enrollees in the nine counties along with a stratified random sample of non-enrollees owning land with hydric soils. The results of the survey were used to develop multivariate logistic regression models predicting awareness of the WRP and application to the program.;Findings and Conclusions. Several variables proved to be important predictors of awareness and application. In the final model for awareness of the WRP, duck hunting and contact with an NRCS district conservationist (DC) were the most important predictor variables. Duck hunters and those in contact with DCs were more likely to be aware of the WRP. Contact with the DCs was itself predicted by larger landholdings (or percent of annual income derived from the land), participation in other conservation programs, and awareness of large wetland projects. In the final model for application to the WRP, participation in other conservation programs, awareness of large wetland projects, and a favorable attitude towards wetlands were all important positive predictors. Although not included in the final model, how the landowner learned about the WRP and the landowner's attitude towards government involvement in the management of natural resources were also potentially important predictors.;Those having applied to the WRP rated wildlife benefits, personal recreation benefits, and assistance with restoration as the most important reasons for their decision to apply. Those rejecting involvement with the program often did so because of perceived ineligibility, concerns about land use restrictions, or a negative overall attitude towards wetlands and government. Economic considerations were not rated as highly, but their importance is difficult to determine without more data on applicants and their responses to economic factors such as land values and assessed easement values.