NRCS-PA Now Accepting Applications To Protect Wetlands Within Delaware Watershed

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA is now accepting applications from Pennsylvania landowners and groups interested in protecting wetlands in selected watersheds through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program in parts of the Delaware River Watershed.

Applications are accepted on a continual basis; however, January 31 is the submission deadline date for ranking and approving eligible applications for this project.

To be considered for the Wetlands Reserve Easement Program for the Delaware River Watershed Working Lands Conservation and Protection RCPP, applicants must be located within the watershed project area.

Available funding for this project area is limited.

WRE applicants must have farm records established with USDA's Farm Service Agency and the land should have been owned for two years.

Eligible land includes farmed wetlands that can be successfully and economically restored; former or degraded wetlands with a history of agricultural use; wetlands farmed under natural conditions; and “prior-converted” cropland converted on or before December 23, 1985.

CRP land established with trees may also be eligible for enrollment through a waiver process.

Landowners have two options under WRE:

-- Permanent Easements – NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays up to 100 percent of the restoration costs.

-- 30-Year Easements – NRCS pays the landowner 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement and 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.

Applications are available at your local USDA Service Center and online at the NRCS-PA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program webpage.

For more information on financial and technical assistance available for farm, forest landowners conservation projects, visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA webpage.