The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kentucky is now accepting applications for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP).

The Wetlands Reserve Program offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property. Through this voluntary program, NRCS has provided Kentucky landowners with over $29 million to restore more than 17,000 acres of cropland, pastureland and other altered lands to their original wetland conditions.

The compensation portion of the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (also known as the 2008 Farm Bill) for WRP may be of special interest to local landowners. The 2008 Farm Bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to pay as compensation for an easement the fair market value of the land, as determined by an appraisal or an area-wide market analysis or survey. The amount paid is limited to a geographic cap or the landowner offer, whichever is less. 

Landowners can enroll their land under a permanent easement option for a lump sum easement payment and up to 100 percent of the wetland restoration costs. Eligible lands include farmed wetlands, prior converted cropland, farmed wetland pasture, farmland that floods from rivers, farmland with somewhat poorly drained soils, and current or abandoned cropland with tile lines, drainage ditches, dikes or other similar alterations.

See your local district conservationist to determine if your land qualifies.

Upcoming application ranking cut-off dates are January 31, March 15, May 1, June 15 and July 31. Wetland Reserve Program applications are continually accepted; those applications received after the cut‑off dates will be deferred until the next ranking cycle.

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources manages, regulates, enforces and promotes responsible use of all fish and wildlife species, their habitats, public wildlife areas and waterways for the benefit of those resources and for public enjoyment. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet. For more information on the department, visit our web site at fw.ky.gov.