Wetlands Reserve Program Questions and Answers

• FSA - Farm Service Agency
• FWS - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
• NRCS - Natural Resources Conservation Service
• WRP - Wetlands Reserve Program

Q-1. How can I get involved in WRP?

A. Check with your local USDA Service Center or conservation district for the sign-up schedule. NRCS, with input from FWS and State wildlife agencies, will determine if the acres you offer are eligible for the program. Landowners with high priority acres--based on competitive selection--will receive an offer.

Q-2. How much will I get for my land?

A. The program offers landowners three options: permanent easements, 30-year easements, and restoration cost-share agreements of a minimum 10-year duration.

Permanent Easement. This is a conservation easement in perpetuity. Easement payment will be the lesser of: the agricultural value of the land, an established payment cap, or an amount offered by the landowner. In addition to paying for the easement, USDA pays 100 percent of the costs of restoring the wetland.

30-Year Easement. This is a conservation easement lasting 30 years. Easement payments are 75 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement. USDA also pays 75 percent of restoration costs.

Restoration Cost-Share Agreement. This is an agreement (generally for a minimum of 10 years in duration) to re-establish degraded or lost wetland habitat. USDA pays 75 percent of the cost of the restoration activity. This does not place an easement on the property. The landowner provides the restoration site without reimbursement.

Q-3. What can I do with my land once it is in WRP?

A. The plan you developed with NRCS identifies the activities necessary to restore, enhance, protect, maintain, and manage the wetland.

You continue to control access to the land--and may lease the land--for hunting, fishing, and other undeveloped recreational activities. At any time, a landowner may request that additional activities be evaluated to determine if they are compatible uses for the site. This request may include such items as permission to cut hay, graze livestock or harvest wood products. Compatible uses are allowed if they are fully consistent with the protection and enhancement of the wetland.

Q-4. How much land will I be able to enroll?

A. Once your eligibility has been determined, we will discuss with you the eligible wetland and surrounding area necessary to restore and sustain the ecosystem. Ideally a mix of wetland and upland acres is desired to meet the needs of the wildlife community and other objectives such as water quality, flood reduction, and groundwater recharge.

Q-5. Do I need to hire a closing agent, appraiser, surveyor, or lawyer?

A. No. Before an easement is recorded, NRCS will arrange for closing services to conduct title searches, acquire title insurance, and perform any other activities necessary to clear the title and complete the easement.

Q-6. Will I still have to pay taxes on the easement area?

A. The amount of taxes you pay on the easement area is determined by the local taxing authority. Landowners should seek this information before entering the WRP.

Q-7. What can I do about reducing the local property tax when I enroll land in WRP?

A. This is a local or State decision and NRCS has no authority regarding property or other tax issues. However, we can provide written documentation of the easement to help the landowner discuss this issue with a tax consultant.

Q-8. How can I find out more about WRP?

A. Additional information on WRP is available from USDA Service Centers, State Cooperative Extension offices, and local conservation districts. Information is also available on USDA's World Wide Web site: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov.

RESTORING AMERICA'S WETLAND HERITAGE—IT'S IN YOUR HANDS.

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