Major Characteristics of and Post-Contract Land Use Intentions for Conservation Reserve Program Wetland Tracts

South Dakota has one-third of the 410, 000 wetland acres enrolled in the u.s. Conservation Reserve Program in the 8th and 9th signup periods in 1989. The major objectives are: (1) to examine the major characteristics of CRP wetland tracts, and (2) to determine post-CRP contract land use plans for CRP wetland tracts. The major data sources are the USDA CRP contract file database for South Dakota and a 1993 CRP survey of a random sample of South Dakota CRP contract holders. The major physical, location, and crop base characteristics of 2429 CRP wetland contracts in South Dakota indicates a profile conducive for returning CRP wetlands to crop production after contract expiration. Post-contract land use intentions are obtained from a 1993 CRP survey completed by South Dakota CRP contract holders. Nearly 30% (160 of 556) of respondents have CRP wetland acres. Respondents with CRP wetlands intend to return 65% of their CRP acres and nearly 40% of their CRP wetland acres to crop production. Several implications for management, public policy and research are discussed