This voluntary program provides landowners with financial incentives to restore and protect wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal agricultural land. Landowners may sell a conservation easement or enter into a cost-share restoration agreement.
Landowners voluntarily limit future use of the land, but retain private ownership.
Landowners and the Natural Resources Conservation Service develop a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the wetland. Continuous sign-up Eligibility Easement participant must have owned the land for at least 1 year. Land must be restorable and be suitable for wildlife benefits. USDA pays 100 percent of restoration costs. Easement payment will be 75 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement.