Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE)

Under the Farm Bill’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE) help landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on priority land areas. NRCS enters into purchase agreements with eligible private landowners or Indian tribes that include the right for NRCS to develop and implement a wetland plan of operations. Landowner retains ownership and access to the property. Eligible land includes privately held farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. NRCS will prioritize applications based the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife. Wetland restoration or enhancement practices.

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Farm Eligibility

Start Date

Does not specify

Geography

Illinois (Priority Areas)

Eligible Practices

  • Wetlands

Additionality Requirement

Not applicable

Money Matters

Payment Schedule

Does not specify

Price

Permanent – NRCS pays 100% of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. 30-year and term – NRCS pays 50-75% of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. NRCS pays between 50-75% of the restoration costs for all easements.

Stackability (With goverment programs and other markets)

Refer to program category descriptions for general stackability potential. Reach out to the program contact for more information.

Carbon Related Incentive

Not applicable

Contracting Info

Contract Length

Permanent, 30 years, or term. Term is for the max duration allowed under applicable State laws.

Data Collected at Enrollment

Basic farm information, field boundaries, crop history, and resource concerns. Most USDA programs require you to have an FSA farm and track number.

Enrollment Assistance

Support is typically provided by the local SWCD or NRCS office.

Agronomic/Technical Assistance

Most publicly funded programs have specific establishment and maintenance requirements that are provided by SWCD / NRCS.

Technical Info

Lead Organization

Local NRCS office

Outcome Estimation

Not applicable

Verification

Not applicable

Penalty for Temporary Break in Practice Implementation

Not applicable

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Funded by the Illinois Soybean Association Checkoff Program.

ISAP and its members aim to provide farmers with transparent and practical information to increase their confidence in evaluating incentive payment opportunities. ISAP does not endorse any particular program or company.