Wetlands Reserve Program

Department Of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service

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.

Jargon-free version

Helps landowners restore and protect wetlands to benefit wildlife and improve water quality. Participants can receive financial assistance for conservation efforts on their land.

Quick Facts

Funding
$818,000 - $3,331,000
Deadline
Rolling
Status
Rolling Intake
Category
Agriculture, Food & Fisheries
Organization
Department Of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service

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What Is This Program?

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 attainโ€” 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 This program was repealed by the 2014 Farm Bill, easements and 30-year contracts previously enrolled under WRP are considered enrolled in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.

What Benefits Are Offered?

easementfinancial assistanceadvisorycost share

Easements, technical help, and financial assistance to conserve agricultural lands, restore, protect, and enhance wetlands, and protect forestland resources on private lands. Financial assistance may include cost-share for implementing conservation practices. General program funding in 2024 included over $3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act and over $2 billion from the Farm Bill.

Who Is Eligible?

Industries: agriculture, forestry, conservation, natural resources

Region: United States (state-level specific program ranking dates and eligible practices apply)

Demographics: Indian tribes

Other Criteria: landowners (including agricultural producers, farmers, ranchers), state and local governments, non-governmental organizations, applicants wanting to restore, protect, and enhance enrolled wetlands (Wetlands Reserve Easements component of ACEP), applicants wanting to maintain or enhance their land in a way beneficial to agriculture and/or the environment, must have control of the property (deed or lease agreement), must have an official tax ID (Social Security number or an employer ID), must establish a farm tract number with USDAโ€™s Farm Service Agency (FSA) if not previously utilized USDA programs, must certify compliance with adjusted gross income (AGI) limitation provisions, must comply with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements of the Food Security Act

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๐Ÿ† Detailed Application Guide

๐Ÿ“‹What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?

๐Ÿ“Steps to Apply
  • Make a Plan
  • Start an Application
  • Check your eligibility
  • Rank your application
  • Implement your plan
๐ŸŒApplication Portal
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/how-to-apply
๐Ÿ“คSubmission Method
online
๐Ÿ”„Intake Type
continuous

๐Ÿ“„What Documents Are Required?

โœ…Required Documents
  • SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
  • SF-424A (Budget Information - Non-Construction)
  • SF-424B (Assurances)
  • Project Narrative
  • Budget Narrative
  • indirect cost rate agreement
  • IRB approval letter
  • environmental review
๐Ÿ“Format Requirements
PDF only, max 10MB
๐Ÿ“ฅTemplates Available
  • Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Agreement
โœ‰๏ธSupporting Letters
Letters of support/reference are required to substantiate the application.

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๐Ÿ’ฐWhat Expenses Are Eligible?

๐ŸงพEligible Expenses
  • cost-share assistance for acquiring agricultural land easements
  • monitoring and managing easements
๐ŸšซIneligible Expenses
  • costs incurred before program contract execution
  • expenses related to non-eligible land
  • administrative costs not specified
๐Ÿ“Expense Caps
Administrative costs capped at 15%
๐Ÿ’ณPayment Model
reimbursement
โชRetroactive Expenses Eligible
No

๐ŸคIs Matching Funding Required?

๐Ÿ”€Matching Required
Yes
๐Ÿ“ŠMatching Ratio
null
๐ŸฆEligible Matching Sources
  • cash
  • in-kind
๐Ÿ“šStacking Rules
null
๐Ÿ›ก๏ธProof of Matching Required
null

๐Ÿ“ŠWhat Are the Reporting Requirements?

๐Ÿ—“๏ธReporting Frequency
annual
๐Ÿ“‘Reporting Requirements
  • performance progress report
๐Ÿ”Audit Requirements
OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards
๐Ÿ“ขBranding Requirements
Acknowledgment of federal funding is required
๐Ÿ—„๏ธRecord Retention Period
3 years post-final-report

How Do I Apply?

Danielle.Balduff@usda.gov
202-720-6168

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FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Visit the program page for detailed eligibility requirements.

This program offers funding up to $3,331,000 (minimum $818,000).

This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.

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