These wetlands will be shown on a map which Is part of the easement. Enforcement of the terms of the easement contracts are limited to these wetlands. Previously drained wetlands will not be covered by the provisions of the easement unless the landowner agrees to restore the wetland. Cost sharing for restoration work may be available and restored wetlands will qualify and can be added to the easement offer. The easement does not restrict normal farming practices such as cropping, haying, grazing, plowing or working wetlands when they are dry of natural causes.
Landowners still have the right to open or close their lands to hunting and trapping.
In addition, they retain the right to develop the minerals. The rights the United States acquires are limited to burning, draining, filling and leveling of wetland areas. The agreement document used by the service is both an option and an easement. The option provides that the service may at any time during the option period accept the easement whereupon it will be recorded in the county records. Landowners must adhere to the terms of the agreement from the day it is signed.