USDA to allow haying on wetlands in program

The USDA will allow Missouri landowners to use up to 50 percent of the grass areas within their Wetlands Reserve Program easements for haying because of the drought, according to a USDA news release.

The program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which purchases easements from landowners who in turn agree to maintain the areas as wetlands.

Cutting hay on these easements will be allowed until Aug. 31. All bales must be removed from the areas by Sept. 15. Those interested in cutting hay must first contact their local NRCS offices and obtain Compatible Use Authorizations.

Haying will not be permitted in easements that normally make up the permanent pools of water intended to benefit migratory birds, the release said.

Grazing is not allowed in the areas covered by the program easements because of the damage livestock access can cause to wetlands.