2008 Farm Bill Programs

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)

Purpose of Program

• The Wetland Reserve Program is a voluntary program in which landowners receive financial incentives to enhance or restore drained or degraded wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal agricultural land.
• Enrollment is limited to a 3.041 million acre cap.

Eligibility

• Wetlands farmed under natural conditions
• Cropland converted prior to December 23, 1985
• Farmed wetland pasture
• Riparian areas which link protected wetlands
• Lands adjacent to wetlands that contribute significantly to wetland function
• Federal lands, wetlands that were converted after December 23, 1985, CRP timberlands, land in CRP acreage capped counties, lands whose ownership has changed in the last 7 years, and lands impossible to restore are ineligible.

Contracts and Cost-Share

• This program offers 3 different types of cost-sharing options:
  • Permanent Easement - deed restriction placed on property. Easement payment will be the lesser of: fair market value of the land, an established payment cap or an amount offered by the landowner. USDA pays 100% of easement payment plus 100% of the restoration costs.
  • 30-Year Easement - 30 year deed restriction. Easement payments and restoration costs are 75% of what would be paid for a permanent easement. Tribes can choose a 30 year contract in place of a 30 year easement.
  • Restoration Cost-Share Agreement - generally at least 10 years in length. No deed restrictions. USDA pays 75% of the restoration costs. Owner provides restoration site without reimbursement. Restoration payments limited to $50,000 per year.
• Cost assistance is available for maintenance activities.

Application Process

• WRP is run by Natural Resources Conservation Service.
• Applications can be filed year round at local NRCS/USDA Service Centers and Conservation District Offices.
• Applications are ranked once each year, usually during the summer with highest ranked applications receiving available money.

Common WRP Practices

• Wetland Development and Restoration
• Dikes and Water Control Structures
• Wildlife Wetland Habitat Management
• Tree Planting (where appropriate)
• Range Seeding
• Fencing
• Wildlife Upland Habitat Management

For more information contact:
Chuck Kowaleski, Farm Bill Coordinator
Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Phone: (254) 718-7684
Email: Chuck.Kowaleski@tpwd.state.tx.us

Additional Links:

• Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) - Contact information from the US Dept. of Agriculture Service Center Locator for Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the Rural Development agencies.
• Texas State Water and Soil Conservation Board - Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts Locator Map and information.
• Farm Service Agency - FSA website for Texas Farm Service Agency Directory.