Wetlands Reserve Program

The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program to restore and protect wetlands on private property. It is an opportunity for landowners to receive financial incentives to restore wetlands that have been drained for agriculture.

Landowners who choose to participate in WRP may sell a conservation easement or enter into a cost-share restoration agreement with USDA to restore and protect wetlands. The landowner voluntarily limits future use of the land, yet retains private ownership. The landowner and NRCS develop a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the wetland. 

The program offers landowners three options: permanent easements, 30-year easements, and restoration cost-share agreements of a minimum 10- year duration.  Wisconsin has many WRP restoration projects.  

Wisconsin Geographic Area Rate Caps  (PDF 56KB)   The 2008 Farm Bill established Geographic Area Rate Caps as a method to determine easement payments in each state.  This map is intended for FY2008 only; a new map will be posted in FY2009.

 

Quick Access National and State WRP Policies Wisconsin WRP Site Ranking Sheet (Excel file, 808 KB) Wisconsin Geographic Area Rate Caps (PDF 56KB) Facts about 30-year and permanent easements and landowner rights (PDF 88KB)

Some examples of how NRCS's Wetlands Reserve Program is restoring Wisconsin wetlands:

Sign-up at any time at your local NRCS office located in USDA service centers. 
Contact Alison Pena, Wisconsin WRP Manager for more information, or check the national NRCS website.