MISSION
STATEMENT

The Lorain Soil and Water Conservation District provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain and improve the natural resources and environment in Lorain County.

NRCS-USDA
42110 Russia Road
Elyria, OH 44035-6813
Phone: 440.326.5800
FAX: 440.326.5807

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP)

General

The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) is an easement program which is authorized by the Farm Bill.

[Photo: Wetland restoration in cropland field –
Brighton Twp. – 2005]

USDA holds easement to the property while the landowner maintains ownership and pays taxes. Easements are available for both 30 year and perpetual easements. Participants will receive a one-time payment for the easement and will, in return, maintain the area for the life of the easement. The easement is an legal document and will be recorded with the property’s deed.

Easement Types

There are two primary types of easements under the WRP as follows:

Fields that were farmed since 1985 and have crop history will qualify. These areas need to be primarily hydric (wetland) soils. To qualify the land must be removed from agricultural production and restored to wetlands. Restoration will include excavation, constructing dikes, destroying drainage system, seeding or tree planting.
Riparian areas along streams can be enrolled. Existing wetlands need to be present for this type of easement. Riparian areas do not need to have crop history.

Easement Payment

WRP easement payments are based on an appraisal of the property. The payment will be based on

[Photo: Wetland restoration in Amherst Twp.
– 2005]

the difference in the appraised value of the property prior to and after the land is accepted in WRP and after all restoration work is complete.

Application can be taken for WRP enrollment at any time at the NRCS office. This is a competitive state-wide program. Eligibility requirements are very rigid and the actual process can take up to five years to complete for qualifying areas.

Restrictions

Areas accepted in WRP will have use restrictions. Generally these areas can only be used for recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, trapping or hiking. No buildings will be permitted within the easement areas. Trees can be harvested but only according to timber management plans developed by ODNR. Farming, grazing, harvesting of the easement area is prohibited. Annual inspection will be performed by NRCS.

Contact

For additional information contact Karl Schneider at the address above.