Wetlands Reserve Program

Protecting Wetlands

Wetland RestorationThe Wetlands Reserve Program is a voluntary program to restore wetlands. Participating landowners can establish conservation easements of either permanent or 30-year duration. They can also enter into restoration cost-share agreements where no easement is involved.

Benefits

For establishing a permanent easement, the landowner receives payment up to the agricultural value of the land. They also receive 100% of the restoration costs for restoring the wetland. 

The 30-year easement payment is 75% of what would be provided for a permanent easement on the same site. It is 75% of the restoration cost.

Agreements

The voluntary agreements are for a minimum 10-year duration and provide for 75% of the cost of restoring the involved wetlands. Easements set limits on how the lands may be used in the future. Restoration cost-share agreements establish wetland protection and restoration as the primary land use for the duration of the agreement. In all instances, landowners continue to control access to their land. 

Contract applications are provided through the Natural Resources Conservation Service at 262-878-1243.