The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) aims to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands through voluntary landowner participation. In Iowa, the state conservationist mandated the use of third-party vendors like AES to implement WRP projects faster and better. AES has restored over 60 sites and 3,000 acres in Iowa, bringing expertise in wetland science and construction. Their large native plant nursery allows them to cost-effectively source appropriate plant mixtures meeting Iowa's rigorous standards of 30-50 species per site. By the end of 2014, AES' work in Iowa included seeding, excavating, and planting across thousands of acres as well as installing water control structures.

1. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a
voluntary nationwide program administered by the
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to
protect, restore and enhance wetlands—contributing
positively to flood control, aquifer recharge, wildlife
habitat and more. Nevertheless, lack of personnel
for implementation often limits participation and
successful outcomes.
In Iowa, things leapt forward when the state
conservationist mandated the use of third-party
vendors to speed the process and improve results.
Subsequently, AES was hired to implement WRP
projects in the eastern half of the state, providing
construction administration and oversight on
more than 60 sites and 3,000 acres within just the first two years of
the rejuvenated program. In 2013, the IA NRCS awarded additional
territories throughout the state to AES.
AES brings to the process its nationwide expertise in wetland science
and wetland construction. In addition, AES scientists worked closely
with the NRCS at the outset to establish protocols that ensure
buildable projects with achievable metrics of restoration. With one of
the largest native plant nurseries in the nation, AES is well poised to
source appropriate and cost-effective materials that meet the rigorous
IA NRCS standards calling for seed mixtures of 30-50 species. Our
knowledgeable nursery and contracting staff make modifications in plant
mixtures as needed (depending on the site) to further ensure success.
AES acts as construction manager for most tasks to make sure
restorations are done right, timed for the appropriate season and
completed on schedule. AES’ Construction Manager visits the site,
consults with the landowner and evaluates restoration potentials to
develop a plan consistent with the NRCS’ plans and goals and compliant
with budgetary constraints. Local contractors do the work, which lowers
costs and keeps money in the state.
Wetlands Reserve Program
Building Better Wetlands in Iowa
www.appliedeco.com
APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES
Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research
Project site along Mississippi River
floodplains
Client: Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS)
Contact: Larry Beeler, Assistant State
Conservationist, IA NRCS
515-284-4353
larry.beeler@ia.usda.gov
Project Type: Wetland restoration
Location: Multiple locations in Iowa
Timeline: 2010–Present

2. Riparian buffer zones are created or enhanced,
oxbow wetlands restored, dikes removed (or
sometimes constructed for water control), drainage
tiles disabled to re-flood former wetlands, rich
wetland flora is re-established—the list, long and
creative, always keeps hydrological restoration as its
focus. And, finally, the ecological landscape is seen
as the ultimate client. AES builds wetlands to last
and function as nature intended.
The Role of AES’Restoration Nurseries
When it comes to quality, IA has gone well beyond
the minimum requirements of the WRP. While most
agencies require only five species in a native seed
mix, the IA NRCS normally seeks about 30-50
different species in each mix. Since a major part of the WRP program is
aimed at achieving optimum wildlife habitat on every acre enrolled, AES
helps modify seed mixes to restore wildlife habitat while also offering
NRCS a product that is cost-effective and commercially available.
One of the main reasons the partnership between AES and IA NRCS
works so well is the ability to source high-quality materials on an as-
needed basis. AES is able to turn projects around quickly by responding
with appropriate, cost-effective materials that meet all the necessary
guidelines and standards.
The idea is to do it right the first time. Installing a healthy plant palette
at the onset increases the likelihood of the restoration remaining free
of invasive species, which ultimately saves maintenance time and
money in the end. These restorations are meant to take hold and stand
on their own after two years of management, though after this early
establishment period, AES will make management recommendations
for future years. The projects are low-maintenance, but they are never
no-maintenance.
www.appliedeco.com
APPLIED ECOLOGICAL SERVICES
Specialists in Ecological Science, Restoration, Management and Research
Wetlands Reserve Program
Building Better Wetlands in Iowa (continued)
AES works with the NRCS to find the best
seed to fit planting specifications while
maintaining species diversity and cost
efficiency.
Results by the Numbers
By the end of 2014, AES had
completed the following activities
as part of its role implementing the
Wetlands Reserve Program in Iowa:
• Seeded 5,791 acres
• Excavated 432 acres (at about
1,132,110/cubic yards of dirt
moved)
• Planted 201 acres of trees
• Constructed 30 water control
structures
• Brushed 158 acres to remove
and control woody invasive
species
• Installed six reptile basking
structures
• Disabled and removed 1000s of
feet of tile