Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
Application Information

The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program for people who want to restore, enhance, or create wetlands and develop or improve wildlife habitat on private lands.  The program offers long-term easements (30 years) or restoration agreements (10 years).  It provides both technical assistance and cost-share payments to help restore wetland and upland habitats.

WRP was reauthorized in the 2002 Farm Bill.  NRCS administers the program in agreement with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and in consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Program objectives are:

• Purchase 30-year conservation easements from or enter into 10-year cost-share agreements with willing owners of eligible land.
• Help eligible landowners protect, restore, and enhance the original hydrology, native vegetation, and natural topography of eligible lands.
• Restore and protect the functions and values of wetlands in the agricultural landscape.
• Help achieve the National goal of no net loss of wetlands.
• Improve the general environment of the country.

Landowners and Tribes may file an application for a conservation easement or a cost-share restoration agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restore and protect wetlands.  Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land, but retain private ownership.  North Dakota legislation prohibits permanent wetland easements.

In the Restoration Cost-share Agreement, USDA pays 75 percent of the cost of the restoration activity for wetlands and buffers.  This enrollment option does not place an easement on the property.  Other agencies, soil conservation districts, and private conservation organizations may provide additional assistance as a way to reduce the landowner's share of the costs for the wetland restoration.

Under the 30-year easement option, an easement payment of 75 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement is made.  The determination is based on the land's agricultural value.  USDA also pays 75 percent of restoration costs.  The North Dakota Game and Fish Department will offer financial incentives on easement lands that meet their goals.  Other partners may also be available to assist with the 25 percent landowner cost.  NRCS pays all costs associated with recording of the easement, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, land surveys, appraisal fees, and title insurance.

To be eligible for WRP, land must be restorable and be suitable for wildlife benefits.

To offer a conservation easement, the landowner must have owned the land for at least 12 months prior to enrolling it in the program.  To participate in a restoration cost-share agreement, the landowner must show evidence of ownership.

Participants control access to the land and may lease the land for hunting, fishing, and other undeveloped recreational activities.  At any time, a participant may request that additional activities be evaluated to determine if they are compatible uses for the site.

Applications are subject to a rank scoring process in order for USDA to get the most environmental benefits for the dollars available.  Applications are ranked at the field office level and submitted to the State office during selected batching periods.

The following documents require Adobe Acrobat

WRP Brochure
WRP Fact Sheet
WRP Landowner Action
WRP Ranking Worksheet
WRP Game and Fish Fact Sheet

James E. Schmidt
Assistant State Conservationist (Water Resources)
Phone: 701-530-2074
Email: jim.schmidt@nd.usda.gov

< Back to Programs

Last Modified: 10/10/2006