Summary of 2008 Act Changes

WRP

The 2008 Act amended the Wetlands Reserve Program to:

• Add a new enrollment method for Tribal lands through 30-year contracts;
• Expand land eligibility under WRP to cropland or grassland that was used for agricultural production prior to flooding from the natural overflow of a closed basin lake or pothole, as determined by the Secretary, together (where practicable) with the adjacent land that is functionally dependent on the cropland or grassland;
• Require that an easement cannot be created on land that changed ownership within the previous 7-year period. Previously, the ownership requirement was for 12 months;
• Limit eligible land to private or tribal land;
• Add restoration, protection and enhancement of wetlands as WRP purposes;
• Revise the authority for the Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program;
• Require NRCS to conduct a survey of the prairie pothole regions to inform the allocation process of WRP funds to that region;
• Base easement compensation on the lowest of three values: The fair market value of the land determined through either an appraisal or market analysis; a geographic cap; or the landowner offer;
• Establish an easement compensation payment schedule depending upon the value of the easement;
• Require a yearly payment limitation for restoration cost-share agreements of $50,000 per year and to clarify that the $50,000 yearly restoration cost-share payment limitation applies to any person or legal entity;
• Extend the existing waiver of the $50,000 yearly payment limitation to 30-year contracts;
• Identify that maintenance is an activity eligible for cost-share assistance;
• Add ranking criteria regarding maximizing environmental benefits; and
• Allow the spraying or mowing of land enrolled in the program if necessary to meet habitat needs of specific wildlife species.

Last Modified: 02/23/2009

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