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"President Obama wants to make sure that landowners impacted by the recent flooding in states like North Dakota and Minnesota are given ample opportunity to apply for this assistance," said Vilsack. "This extension is part of USDA's plan to mitigate the impact of future flooding by restoring the landscape to its natural hydrology and native vegetation."

Floodplains generate many public benefits, such as increased flood protection, enhanced fish and wildlife habitat, improved water quality and a reduced need for future public disaster assistance. Other benefits include reduced energy consumption when certain agricultural activities and practices are eliminated and increased carbon sequestration as permanent native vegetative cover is re-established.

All eligible landowners are encouraged to sign-up for the funding by visiting their local NRCS office. The sign-up, originally announced March 7, will close April 10, 2009. For eligibility requirements landowners should refer to the Emergency Watershed Protection - Floodplain Easement fact sheet.

More information about NRCS and other conservation programs is available on the NRCS Web site at www.nrcs.usda.gov or at your nearest USDA Service Center.