PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – The Natural Resources Conservation Service is offering funding for conservation easements on land damaged by floods or other natural disasters. The USDA agency is providing just over $217 million under the Emergency Watershed Protection Program in 11 states including South Dakota. NRCS South Dakota State Conservationist Jeff (zim-pritch) Zimprich expects a lot of interest in the program.

He says participation in the easement program is entirely voluntary and it offers an option that takes away the stress of a farmer operating in a flood plain while still retaining ownership of their property.

Zimprich says some of the conservation benefits from the easement program includes improvement of water quality and wildlife habitat.

The funding for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program comes from a Supplemental Disaster bill signed last month. Interested landowners should contact their county NRCS office.