The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Pennsylvania is urging landowners interested in restoring, enhancing, and protecting wetlands to apply to the Wetlands Reserve Easement Program.

Applications are taken on a continuous basis, however landowners should apply by the March 1, 2024 deadline for fiscal year 2024 funding. 

Wetland Reserve Easements include land development protection, critical wildlife habitat creation and water quality improvement.

Many of the state’s landowners can take advantage of this program, as eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can successfully be restored; croplands or grasslands subject to flooding; and previously restored wetlands and riparian areas that connect protected wetland areas.

WRE enrollment options include permanent easements and 30-year easements. NRCS staff are available to help landowners plan and implement individual projects.

The agency will pay a percent of the land’s value as well as restoration costs for each easement option.

Find Pennsylvania’s ranking dates as well as other program information on the Pennsylvania NRCS Easement Programs webpage or contact your local USDA Service Center.

To learn more about other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCS.

[Posted: January 18, 2024]

1/22/2024