Wetland reserve program easements

The landowner voluntarily limits future use of the land, yet retains private ownership. NRCS and the landowner work together to develop a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the wetland. Benefits of WRE include restoring, protecting and enhancing wetland ecosystems, preventing soil erosion, reducing flooding, developing wildlife habitat including threatened and endangered species habitat, improving water quality, recharging groundwater and protecting biological diversity.

For acreage owned by an Indian tribe, there is a year contract enrollment option. Program payment rates are commensurate with year easements. All persons listed on the ownership deed must be in compliance with highly erodible land, wetland conservation provisions, and meet adjusted gross income limitations of the Food Security Act of WRE additionally requires ownership of the land for the last two years.

The project evaluation uses required national ranking criteria and state criteria developed with advice from the State Technical Committee. Funding for the programs is through the Farm Bill and is reauthorized every five years. NRCS pays percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to percent of the restoration costs.

Under year easements, NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.

Term Easements - Term easements are easements that are for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws. NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the term easement.

In the past 25 years, the NRCS has enrolled more than 24, easements covering over 5 million acres. In many cases, these voluntary easements were finished in partnership with local land trusts and nonprofit organizations conserving land for public benefit. Video by Land Trust Alliance. The benefits are immense and his commitment to conservation improves water quality, provides wildlife habitats. Video by Sussex Conservation District. CRP is helping to restore habitat for an important pollinator — the Karner Blue butterfly.

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