Why Choose CRP? You Benefit. Land, Water and Wildlife Benefit. 

The Floodplain Wetlands Initiative is an innovative approach to flood control and floodplain management. The 

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides farmers and landowners with initiatives like this to achieve many 

farming and conservation goals. Whatever the conservation challenge – soil conservation, water quality protection, 

or wildlife habitat enhancement – CRP is a proven land performance and management solution.

Farm Service Agency USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Conservation Reserve Program

Photos provided by Iowa Dept. of Agriculture-Div of Soil Conservation

Affiliated Practice: 

CP-23 Wetland Restoration

For more information about this individual 

practice, visit: http://www.fsa.usda.gov

The Floodplain Wetlands Initiative restores the functions and 

values of wetland ecosystems that have been devoted to agricultural 

use. Wetland restoration reverses degradation of the wetland areas 

on what is often marginal soil. For farmers and landowners facing 

crop damage from flooding, restoring wetlands to receive floodwaters 

can also increase flood storage capacity – while significantly reducing 

farming risks.

What are Floodplain Wetlands? 

And why are they important?

FLOODPLAIN WETLANDS INITIATIVE

Restore Wildlife Habitat | Improve Water Quality | Flood Control

Restored wetlands also provide critical wildlife habitat benefits for waterfowl and other wildlife. For example, 

restored wetlands can support more than 150 bird species, including 60 that are of high conservation interest 

and value.
Farm Service Agency USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer

Floodplain Wetlands 

Initiative Benefits 

Wetlands provide food, breeding habitat, protection from 

predators, and other vital habitat factors for many fish and 

wildlife species.

Floodplains store water during floods, reducing flood levels 

downstream, which reduce flood damage. These ecosystems 

also have economic value associated with recreational 

and commercial use of waterfowl and wildlife resources. 

Furthermore, wetlands improve the environment by removing 

pollutants, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, from overland 

flows before they reach lakes, rivers, and bays. 

Impact

• Creates and enhances waterfowl and wetland species habitat

• Improves water quality by removing nitrogen and phosphorus 

• Stores flood waters and reduces downstream flooding

• Intercepts and traps sediment

• Promotes carbon sequestration

• Provides a corridor to connect habitat for wildlife and migratory species

Financial Benefits

• 10-15 years of annual rental payments with an 

 additional 20% Rental Rate Incentive 

• Payments covering 90% of the eligible costs 

of establishing the wetland restoration practice

 - 50% from a Cost-Share Payment and

- 40% from a Practice Incentive Payment (PIP) 

• Sign-up Incentive Payment (SIP) up to $150/acre

• Additional incentives may be available in your

 state under the Conservation Reserve

 Enhancement Program (CREP) 

CRP

For more information, contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency: http://offices.usda.gov

Photos provided by Iowa Dept of Agriculture-Div of Soil Conservation, NRCS Gary Kramer and USFWS George Gentry, respectively