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USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
wants landowners and farmers to know that “The first application
cut-off date for fiscal year 2023 has been established,” Dozier
explains. “We accept applications for Wetland Reserve Easements
(WRE) year-round. Applications NRCS receives that meet
program eligibility by December 23, 2022 will be the first to be
considered for funding in our 2023 program.”
According to Dozier, land eligible for WRE includes farmed or
converted wetlands previously altered for agricultural
production that can be successfully and cost-effectively
restored. NRCS prioritizes applications based on the easement’s
potential for improving water quality and protecting and
enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. To
enroll land through this program, NRCS enters into an agreement
with eligible private landowners to secure an easement on their
property.
Working with landowners, NRCS also develops a wetland
restoration plan to restore, enhance, and protect wetland
functions and values on their easement acres. NRCS works with
the landowner on every step of the acquisition and restoration
process.
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to
private landowners to restore, protect and enhance wetlands
through the purchase of these easements. Eligible landowners can
choose to enroll in either a permanent or a 30-year easement.
Applications for ACEP-WRE are continuous and can be submitted at
any time. For FY 2023, Illinois NRCS has received $3.5million in
funding.
To apply for a wetland easement through ACEP - WRE, visit NRCS
at your local USDA Service Center. Find more information about
ACEP and other NRCS conservation programs in Illinois on the new
IL NRCS website: www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.
[Paige Buck, State Public Affairs
Specialist
USDA NRCS Illinois]
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