Wetlands Reserve Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To assist landowners in restoring and protecting wetlands on eligible lands on which they agree to enter into a permanent or 30-year long-term easement (30-year contract for Indian Tribes), or a restoration cost-share agreement with the Secretary. The purpose of WRP is to maximize wetland functions and values and wildlife benefits on every acre enrolled in the program.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State
- Local
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Unrestricted by Individual Type
- Tribal Government (other)
State (includes territories, such as District of Columbia and Puerto Rico), public institutions of higher education and hospitals, Local (includes State-designated lndian Tribes, excludes institutions of higher education and hospitals), Federally Recognized lndian Tribal Governments, Individual/Family, Native American Organizations (includes lndian groups, cooperatives, corporations, partnerships, associations)
Beneficiaries
- State
- Local
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Unrestricted by Individual Type
- Tribal Government (other)
An individual landowner, partnership, association, corporation, estate, trust, other business enterprises or other legal entities and Indian Tribe. This program was repealed by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), effective February 7, 2014. Therefore, no new enrollments are authorized for this program after that date. Implementation of contracts entered into prior to that date will continue.
Program details & compliance
Description
The purpose of the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible private or Tribal lands while maximizing wildlife habitat benefits. The objectives of WRP are to protect, restore, and enhance the functions and values of wetland ecosystems to attain— Habitat for migratory birds and other wetland-dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species and species of concern; protection and improvement of water quality; attenuation of floodwater; recharge of ground water; protection and enhancement of open space and aesthetic quality; protection of native flora and fauna contributing to the Nation’s natural heritage; and contribution to educational and scientific scholarship. This program was repealed by the 2014 Farm Bill, easements and 30-year contracts previously enrolled under WRP are considered enrolled in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
Mission Categories
Primary: Agricultural Resource Conservation and Development
Other categories:
Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
The goal of the WRP is to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values, along with optimum wildlife habitat on every acre enrolled in the program. At least 70 percent of the wetland and upland areas will be restored to the natural condition to the extent practicable; the remaining 30 percent of the project area may be restored to other than natural conditions.
Restrictions
Funding may only be used to purchase conservation easement rights; restore, repair, maintain, manage, steward, and enforce the easement. Funds cannot be used for fee ownership purchases.
Matching Requirements
This program was repealed by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (2014 Farm Bill), effective February 7, 2014. Therefore, no new enrollments are authorized for this program after that date. Implementation of contracts entered into prior to that date will continue.
Lump sum payments or no less than 5 nor more than 30 annual payments of equal or unequal value are made for easements. Cost-share payments of 100 percent of the cost of implementing the Wetland Restoration Plan will be paid for a permanent easement with 75 percent of permanent easement amounts being paid for 30-year easements, 30-year contracts and restoration cost-share agreements.