How It Works
This page will help you understand the WRE application process, how applications are ranked and selected for funding, as well as your responsibilities as a WRE participant.
Your local NRCS field office can provide you with additional information, an application, and answer questions.
Things to Consider
Proof of Ownership and Access
Please be aware it is the landowner’s responsibility to provide clear transferable title and written, recordable access rights to the proposed easement. If the proposed easement area is only accessible from a public roadway by crossing a third party’s
property, proof of legal access is required.
USDA Program Implications
Land enrolled in WRE is ineligible for other USDA program payments for the life of the easement. Any existing cropland base and allotment history for enrolled acres will be permanently retired at the time the easement is recorded. We recommend you and your lessee (if applicable) contact your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) and NRCS field office to determine how enrollment in WRE will impact your other program benefits.
Length of Ownership
You must have owned the land for at least 24 months prior to offering your land for a WRE easement [unless the land was inherited or other waiver granted.]
The WRE Application Process
A landowner with qualifying land applies for WRE at a local USDA-NRCS Service Center. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. Through the program, the land can be placed under either a perpetual or 30-year conservation easement that ensures the land is not developed and remains wetlands and wildlife habitat for the duration of the easement.
WRE applications are accepted on a continuous basis with selection cutoff dates set during the year. Only complete applications with all required eligibility documents will be ranked. Applications will be ranked by a NRCS representative based on environmental and economic factors.
Applications selected for funding will undergo additional due diligence, such as preliminary title search, environmental assessment, and preliminary restoration planning.
If your application is selected for funding, you will be offered an Agreement for the Purchase of a Conservation Easement (APCE). If you accept, the easement acquisition process begins. This can take approximately 12 to 24 months. The easement offer price is non-negotiable. The purchase agreement includes the right for the NRCS to develop and implement a Wetland Reserve Plan of Operations (WRPO). This plan will detail practices to help restore, protect, and enhance the wetland.
Applications not selected for funding or applications received after the selection cutoff date will be deferred until the next funding cycle.
The NRCS will pay a percentage of the easement value depending on the enrollment option. For perpetual easements, the NRCS pays 100% of the easement and restoration costs. For 30-year easements, the NRCS pays 75% of the easement and restoration costs. Qualifying landowners receive a one-time, per-acre payment and must agree to cease farming and adhere to the easement terms on the land approved to be enrolled in the WRE. Payments are based on a Geographic Area Rate Cap or an appraisal.
What are the Financial Benefits?
Easement payment amounts vary by state, county, land type, and may change each year. The link below displays the current payment rates for each state. In addition, NRCS will cover 100% of the restoration costs for permanent easements and 75% for 30-year easements.
How to Apply
The NRCS accepts applications for enrollment in the WRE at the District Office. Landowners interested in applying should contact their local NRCS office to begin the application process. Applications are accepted throughout the year.
The WRE Application Package
In addition to the program application, contact your local NRCS office to certify you are eligible to participate in federal programs and provide documentation you own the land you are offering for an easement or restoration agreement.
As part of the application process, NRCS must ensure both the landowners and land are eligible for the program. Eligibility determinations and payments for WRE are based on actual land ownership configuration, not on operators of the land.
Landowner Checklist for Application
Below is a checklist of items needed to process your application. Please provide information on the list and work with the local NRCS and FSA office to establish your eligibility records. Your local NRCS office can provide information on where to obtain these documents.
- WRE application (NRCS-CPA- 1200)
- Recorded copy of deed or other proof of ownership
- Recorded copy of legal ingress/ egress to the property, if applicable
- Direct Deposit form (SF-1199), required for all landowners
- Establish Farm and Tract number with FSA
- AD-1026 Highly Erodible Land/ Wetland Compliance form completed by USDA for all landowners and entity members
- Landowner disclosure worksheet completed by NRCS & landowner
- Hazardous material landowner interview form completed by NRCS & landowner
- Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Certification and Consent to Disclosure of Tax Information (CCC-941) for all land owners and entity members annual submission to FSA
If you do not meet the 24 month ownership requirement, you may be eligible for a waiver. Contact your local NRCS office for additional information on waiver requests.
Learn More About WRE in Your State
Download Understanding NRCS Wetland Reserve Easements for your state.
Mississippi
Arkansas
Louisiana
