Category: Ecosystem Restoration & Protection; Price-Based Instruments; Environmental Outreach & Education
Policy Type: Covenants & Easements; Subsidies, Grants & Incentive Payments; Technical Assistance
Sector: Agriculture
Region: North America
Country: United States
Description: The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in the United States was a voluntary program that provided incentives to landowners to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provided technical and financial support to help landowners with their wetland restoration efforts. The Agricultural Act of 2014 repeals WRP and establishes the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which includes a Wetlands Reserve Easements component. The Wetlands Reserve Easement component will provide similar incentives to landowners that restore, protect and enhance wetlands.
Outcome: The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) offered long-time conservation for the wetlands to achieve the greatest wetland functions and values.
Reference: Wetlands Reserve Program (U.S.)