Across the prairies, partnerships are proving that production and habitat can go hand in hand.  

The new Cornell Lab of Ornithology video highlights how ranchers and conservation partners, like the Nature Conservancy and the North American Grouse Partnership, are working together to sustain rural communities and conserve iconic species like the lesser prairie-chicken.

At TRCP, we believe voluntary, incentive-based conservation, through tools like Farm Bill programs, is one of the most effective ways to ensure thriving landscapes, safeguard working lands, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and expand hunting and fishing opportunities. This story is a reminder that collaboration is the path forward for wildlife, water, and rural economies.  

It’s time for Congress to make the Farm Bill a priority. 

The Farm Bill is one of the most important pieces of legislation that Congress considers, supporting agriculture producers and helping to ensure families have food on the table. Within this bill are also vital conservation programs that strengthen habitat, improve water quality, and promote more sustainable landscapes – providing a lifeline for fish and wildlife.   

It has been seven years since most Farm Bill programs were updated, and we are now nearly two years past the initial expiration of the 2018 Farm Bill. Congress has managed to limp these programs along by extending them for one year (twice), but once again, key Farm Bill programs expired on September 30, 2025. 

Now is the time to act.

Top photo: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Two new films highlight the value of wetlands and the Wetland Reserve Easement program

Acre for acre, wetlands are among the most important ecosystems in America. They filter water, mitigate flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife. For generations of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts, wetlands are synonymous with abundant ducks, thriving fisheries, and vibrant landscapes. For farmers and ranchers, wetlands conservation programs offer practical tools to manage land, improve water quality, and increase profitability. 

That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) program is so important. This voluntary, incentive-based conservation program works to restore and safeguard wetlands on private lands. Recently, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission partnered with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to produce two short films highlighting WREs and the broader value of wetlands. Through personal stories and testimonials, the films show how wetlands conservation benefits the landscape, strengthens local communities and agriculture, and sustains America’s sporting traditions. 

The Films 

Wetlands Legacies | WRE Program Overview 

This short film explains how the Wetland Reserve Easement program works, highlighting its role in conserving wetlands while supporting agricultural production. 

“When you look at that list of things that wetlands do and why they’re so important, the wildlife that they support, the fact that they provide a place for groundwater to recharge into the aquafer and for water quality to be improved. A really important thing is that wetlands help absorb flood flows. 

And you think about the ability to go to a wetland, hear the frogs singing, see the birds there, just the intrinsic or the aesthetic value that many people have associated with wetlands. And so, it really provides a lot of service to our entire culture and our society. They’re pretty valuable.”

Ritch Nelson

Wetlands Legacies | Nebraska Landowner Stories 

In this companion film, Nebraska farmers and ranchers share their personal experiences with the WRE program. Their stories highlight how wetlands conservation has improved their land, bolstered their agricultural operations, and enriched their communities. These landowners make clear that conservation and production can go hand in hand – and that when we invest in wetlands, we create lasting legacies for both people and wildlife. 

“I just think it’s a great program to go in both financially and for the environment. It’s been a family affair and it’s really meaningful when you can be with your son and harvest that first deer. Just last year, my granddaughter caught her first fish right behind me here. Bringing that next generation in to experience the beauty of the agriculture and the wildlife and the environment is one of life’s greatest blessings for me.”

Jeff Eisenmenger 

Why Wetlands Matter 

Conservation solutions should work for everyone – producers, communities, and the sportsmen and women who depend on healthy habitat for their outdoor pursuits. As the films demonstrate, the Wetland Reserve Easement program benefits producers, hunters, anglers, and communities alike, building healthier landscapes for generations to come by: 

• Giving farmers and ranchers conservation options that work for them. 
• Creating and enhancing habitat for waterfowl, fish, and countless other species. 
• Supporting clean water for individuals and communities while mitigating flood risk.      

Learn more about the Wetlands of Nebraska by visiting www.NebraskaWetlands.com

Top photo: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission