[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 6]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR623.13]

[Page 377-378]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
   CHAPTER VI--NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF 
                               AGRICULTURE
 
PART 623--EMERGENCY WETLANDS RESERVE PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 623.13  Wetlands reserve plan of operations.

    (a) After NRCS has accepted the applicant for enrollment in the 
program, a WRPO will be developed by the landowner and NRCS, in 
consultation with FWS.
    (b) The WRPO shall:
    (1) Include an aerial photo displaying the land offered for 
enrollment;
    (2) Specify the manner in which the eligible land shall be restored, 
operated, and maintained to accomplish the goal of the program, 
including, but not limited to: (i) measures to control noxious weeds and 
insect pests in order to comply with applicable Federal, or State 
noxious weed and pest control laws; and (ii) measures to control other 
specified species of weeds, insects or pests;
    (3) Specify compatible land uses for personal enjoyment for which 
the landowner may be compensated. These compatible land uses shall be 
reserved to the landowner in the easement. Such uses may include, among 
others:

[[Page 378]]

(1) recreational use, hunting and fishing; (ii) manage timber production 
including harvesting; and (iii) managed haying or grazing consistent 
with the goals of the program;
    (4) Set out cost estimates of the practices required by the WRPO, 
the offer for the easement, and other reimbursement costs;
    (5) Identify access routes to be maintained for wetland restoration 
activities and future management and easement monitoring in connection 
with the land to be enrolled;
    (6) Make provisions deemed necessary for maintaining public drainage 
systems if present on lands subject to the WRPO;
    (7) Contain scheduled implementation dates for restoration 
practices;
    (8) Contain other provisions or limitations as NRCS, in consultation 
with the FWS, determines to be necessary.
    (c) NRCS in consultation with FWS will collect from State or Federal 
agencies whatever additional information is deemed necessary for the 
development of the WRPO with the landowner.
    (d) The WRPO must be signed by NRCS, FWS, Conservation District 
(CD), and the landowner(s). However, if agreement between NRCS and FWS, 
or CD at the local level is not reached within 20 calendar days, the 
WRPO shall be developed by the State Conservationist of NRCS in 
consultation with FWS or CD.
    (e) The WRPO may require that a temporary vegetative or water cover 
be established on the property if immediate establishment of a permanent 
cover is not practicable or otherwise desirable.
    (f) The terms of an approved WRPO shall not relieve the program 
participant of any obligation or term imposed or provided for in the 
contract, the easement, or this part.
    (g) WRPO, where appropriate, will provide for the development of a 
tree planting plan with the assistance of the FS or State forestry 
agency.
    (h) The WRPO, where appropriate, will provide for the development by 
NRCS of detailed plans for weed control, structural measures and their 
operation, vegetation establishment and management, and other measures 
as needed.
    (i) Revisions of the WRPO to enhance or protect the value for which 
the easement was established may be made at any time at the request of 
either NRCS, FWS, the owner and upon the concurrence of all three 
parties.