NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to private landowners and Indian tribes to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands through the purchase of a wetland reserve easement. For acreage owned by an Indian tribe, there is an additional enrollment option of a 30-year contract.
Through the Wetland Reserve enrollment options, NRCS may enroll eligible land through:
Permanent Easements – Permanent Easements are conservation easements in perpetuity. NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to 100 percent of the restoration costs.
30-year Easements – 30-year easements expire after 30 years. Under 30-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. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
30-year Contracts – 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. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
For wetland reserve easements, NRCS pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance.
How To Apply
Applicants must complete the NRCS-CPA-1200 application form available at their local field office or download the application below and return the form to their local NRCS field office. After submitting an application, the applicant will also receive a copy of the NRCS-CPA-1200 Contract Appendix, explaining ACEP-WRE contract terms and conditions. Reviewing the contract appendix up front helps the applicant understand the requirements of the ACEP-WRE program. In addition, all applicants need to meet eligibility requirements in order to be a ACEP-WRE participant. Contact your local office to discuss eligibility criteria.
Additional Information
Illinois Success Stories
Contact Information:
Landowners may apply at any time at a local USDA Service Center. You can visit your local USDA Service Center or the NRCS Farm Bill website at www.nrcs.usda.gov/farmbill.
Find your local USDA Service Center http://offices.usda.gov
