Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP)

The Farmable Wetland Program (FWP) focuses on the restoration of wetlands to improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. The federal government will share in the cost to restore wetlands that have a history of being used in row-crop production. Annual rental payments are given to the landowner for establishing permanent cover on the land. Incentive payments may also be given to install complementary conservation practices. This program is a component of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Land Use

Cropland

Focus

Rental payments, Cost-share payments, Incentive payments

Resource Concern

Water quality, Wildlife habitat

Purpose

The environmental purpose is to restore wetlands, which will reduce downstream flood damage, improve surface and groundwater quality, and recharge groundwater supplies. This program also provides habitat for threatened wildlife species.

Landowner Benefits

Landowners can receive annual rental payments for establishing permanent cover. Cost-share payments are given for implementation of conservation practices. Incentive payments and technical assistance also are a part of this program.

Description

The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) provides annual rental payments for 10-15 years and up to 50% cost-share for establishing permanent cover. Incentive payments are given after sign-up and after installing certain conservation practices. This program works with the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).

Practices

Wetland restoration, including seeding and fertilizing

Costs to Landowner

Landowners must pay at least 50% of the costs of establishing the conservation practice.

Eligibility

Land must be cropland planted to an agriculture commodity 3 of the 10 previous years. It must be physically and legally capable of being planted in a normal manner.

Contract

The contract is 10 to 15 years and is transferable with a change in ownership.

Other Notes

A wetland must be 10 acres or less with only the first 5 acres receiving payment. A buffer may not exceed 3 times the size of the wetland or an average of 150 feet on either side of the wetland, whichever is greater. Participants must agree to restore the hydrology of the wetland to the maximum extent possible.

Landowner Initiation
  • Contact the local Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) or Farm Service Agency (FSA) where you own land.
  • Ask about enrolling land into the Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP).

Printer Friendly Page