Wetland Reserve Program Fiscal Year 2007
Caribbean Area Sign-Up and Application Information

Updated 10/29/2007

2007 Signup Period

NRCS offices in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be accepting applications for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) from November 2, 2006 through January 31, 2007.  People with interest in this program should contact their local NRCS office.

What is the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)?

The WRP is a voluntary program offering landowners financial and technical assistance to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands and associated uplands through permanent easements, 30-year easements, and long-term restoration agreements. The program is designed to achieve maximum wetland functions and values while obtaining optimum wildlife habitat.

How WRP Works

Landowners may file an application for a conservation easement or a cost-share restoration agreement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restore and protect wetlands.  Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land, but retain private ownership.

Enrollment Options

Permanent Easement. Easement payments for this option equal the lowest of three amounts: the agricultural value of the land, an established payment cap, or an amount offered by the landowner.

30-Year Easement.  Easement payments through this option are 75 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement.

For both permanent and 30-year easements, USDA pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance.

Restoration Cost-share Agreement.  This is an agreement (generally for a minimum of 10 years) to re-establish degraded or lost wetland functions and values.  USDA pays up to 75 percent of the cost of the restoration activity.

Eligibility

To offer a conservation easement, the landowner must have owned the land for at least 12 months prior to enrolling it in the program.  To participate in a restoration cost-share agreement, the landowner must show evidence of ownership. To be eligible for WRP, land must be restorable and be suitable for wildlife benefits. This includes:

• Wetlands farmed under natural conditions
• Farmed wetlands
• Prior converted cropland
• Farmed wetland pasture
• Farmland that has become a wetland as a result of flooding.
• Riparian areas which link protected wetlands.
• Lands adjacent to protected wetlands that contribute significantly to wetland functions and values.
• Previously restored wetlands that need long-term protection.

Ineligible Land

Ineligible land includes wetlands converted after December 23, 1985; lands with timber stands established under a Conservation Reserve Program contract; federal lands; and lands where conditions make restoration impossible. 

After an easement is recorded in the local land records office, the landowner retains ownership and responsibility for the land, including any property taxes.  The landowner controls access to the land; has the right to hunt and fish and pursue other undeveloped recreational uses; and may sell or lease land enrolled in the program.

Caribbean Area Priorities

WRP proposals will be evaluated based on PR/USVI wetlands conservation priorities.  Requested are scored on number of factors including size, proximity to others wetlands, riparian and contribution to wildlife and state or federal threatened, rare or endangered species. Also easement cost and design, operation and maintenance cost are factors taken in consideration.  Application is made, and ranking worksheet is completed at the field office.

Contact:

Marisol Morales, Biologist
Telephone 787-766-5206, x. 233

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