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Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Provisions
In order to maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with the Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) provisions, agreeing they will not:
- Produce an agricultural commodity on highly erodible land without an adequate conservation system;
- Plant an agricultural commodity on a converted wetland;
- Convert a wetland to make possible the production of an agricultural commodity.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is responsible for providing program participants technical assistance and determinations to assist them in complying with the provisions.
HELC/WC Provision Contacts
Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC):
Name: George Henshaw
Title: State Resource Conservationist
Phone: 217-353-6640
Email: George.Henshaw
Wetland Compliance (WC):
Name: Winnie Chen
Title: ASTC Compliance
Phone: 217-353-6621
Email: Winnie Chen
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HELC/WC Technical Resources
Given the geographical differences of wetlands, soils, and climate in each State; information and technical resources specific to Illinois implementation of the HELC/WC provisions are provided below:
Illinois
County Highly Erodible HEL "Frozen" Soil Lists
State Offsite Methods (SOSM) for Wetland Determinations (Used to make wetland determinations and delineations on agricultural lands utilizing a variety of data, including aerial imagery and other resource inventory data.)
SOSM Technical Data
- Climate Tables Summary Link to file
- Climate Zone Map (PDF file)
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Individual Climate Station Summaries are available here on Illinois' electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG) - Select “Illinois” from the Drop Down, “Section II,” “Climatic Data,” &“Illinois Primary Climate Station Summary Forms.”
Other Resources
Click on the link below to familiarize yourself with the official forms used by USDA agencies--NRCS and FSA.
AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification form (PDF; 217 KB)
For More Information
Take me back to: National NRCS Conservation Provision Webpage
