USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is meeting with stakeholders and working through the public comments on the interim wetlands rule. Conservation compliance and water management regulations have caused heartburn in the past, particularly in the Prairie Pothole Region. NRCS Chair Matt Lohr told the Red River Farm Network changes have been made. As an example, there will be more personal service when a wetlands determination is made. “If it is determined to be a wetland, our staff will reach out personally to the farmer and talk to them; it’s not just a letter.” Lohr says the wetlands determination process will be more transparent. The appeal process is also being adjusted. “In the past, our agency maybe was a little overzealous in appealing again, again and again.” With the new process, NRCS will allow only two appeals.
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