WV Farm Bureau Magazine April 2013 | Page 2

bytes Funding for Wetland Restoration and Enhancement Available through NRCS until April 30 West Virginia landowners interested in restoring, enhancing or protecting wetlands may receive funding through the Wetland Reserve Program (WRP). Landowners must have their applications submitted to their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Service Center by close of business on April 30, 2013 to be considered for funding this ranking period. NRCS will accept applications after April 30, 2013, but they will not be ranked until the next ranking period is announced. Through WRP, NRCS assists eligible applicants in the restoration, creation, protection, and enhancement of wetlands on their property in a voluntary, environmentally safe and costeffective manner. Landowners can receive assistance through three WRP program participation 2 West Virginia Farm Bureau News options: restoration cost-share agreements, 30-year easements, or permanent easements. NRCS encourages landowners who are interested in these voluntary programs to contact their local USDA Service Center/NRCS Field Office today to be eligible for the initial funding. Additional information on WRP and other conservation programs is available on the Web at www.wv.nrcs.usda.gov. Articles for NewsBytes must be submitted by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Timesensitive announcements must be submitted no less than 8 weeks prior to the date of the event. Electronic submissions, including photos, are preferred. Send to [email protected]. Wood County FB Safety Day Program Named as Test Site for Healthy Lifestyle Project The Wood County Farm Bureau's Safety Day Program has been chosen as one of five test sites for a Healthy Life Style/Nutritional Program by the Progressive Agriculture Foundation. The event takes place on May 21. West Virginia was one of nine states identified as having an obesity problem with schoolaged children. The program seeks to educate children about healthy eating habits in an effort to help curb the growing obesity epidemic. Healthy lifestyle lessons will enable rural communities to find ways to have a healthier school lunch program for rural youth. Project sponsors are Novus International, Agrium and Farm Credit. The test results will be evaluated by the University of Alabama.