Wetland Reserve Easement Incentive
The Department offers public access incentive payments on Wetland Reserve Easements.
General Program Guidelines
Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) is a federal conservation program delivered by the USDA-NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service). Enrolling provides landowners with cost-share, technical assistance, and a substantial up-front payment to restore, protect or enhance wetlands and associated uplands for 30 years.
The Departments’ WRE Incentive is a companion program that provides an up-front payment to landowners to allow public walk-in hunting access on private property enrolled in a Wetland Reserve Easement.
The Department selects tracts to fund based on accessibility, location, and habitat diversity.
Payment Rates
Sample payment calculation = $6/acre x 100 acres x 30 years = $18,000.00 one-time up-front payment
Landowner must agree to:
- Allow the Department to sign and publicize the enrolled acres as open to walk-in hunting.