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Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in New Jersey
NRCS accepts applications for all of our conservation
programs throughout the year, but establishes funding periods to
facilitate application review and contract development. The current
funding period for WRP
will close on August
15, 2008, for the 2009 program.
The Wetlands Reserve program is a voluntary program that offers landowners a
chance to receive payments for restoring and protecting wetlands on their
property. The term "wetland” describes a landscape area with unique soils,
plants, hydrology and wildlife. Some wetlands have water year round while other
wetlands dry out seasonally. WRP
funds have been used to restored wetlands in New Jersey to help
reduce flooding, filter pollutants from water, provide critical wildlife
habitat, protect open space, and help keep our ecosystem healthy.
WRP also provides
an opportunity for landowners to enter into a conservation easement with
NRCS on the land. Either a permanent or thirty-year easement can be
requested through the program. Based on the type of application
(temporary easement, permanent easement or restoration agreement), NRCS
pays some or all of the costs for establishing the easement and
restoring the functions and values of the wetland.
Benefits of Wetlands
- Wetlands enhance fish and wildlife habitat, including habitat for important
migratory birds. In fact, two-thirds of the threatened and endangered species in
New Jersey rely on wetlands.
- Wetlands act as nature's sponge, retaining storm water and improving ground
water recharge while protecting downstream communities from flooding.
- Wetlands serve as a natural filter system, removing nutrients, sediment and
other pollutants from ground and surface water.
- Wetlands increase open space areas and provide opportunities for
environmental education.
This document requires
Adobe Acrobat.
NJ
2009 WRP
Fact Sheet (74 KB)
Contact:
Janice Reid, Assistant State Conservationist, Programs
Contact
Phone: 732-537-6042
Last Modified:
May 29, 2008
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