WRP Contract Development and Implementation

Last Modified: 01/03/2006

A restoration plan called a Wetland Reserve Plan of Operation (WRPO) is developed by NRCS for all funded offers in association with the ranking and evaluation of the site. The agency tries to finalize the WRPO when the Option to Purchase is issued to provide the landowner enough information to make a sound decision on program participation.

NRCS is the decision maker for all aspects of restoration on easement projects. However, NRCS works cooperatively with the landowner, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other conservation partners in the development of the restoration plan.

Restoration of the site can be accomplished through a:

• federal contract,
• locally awarded contract,
• long-term landowner contract, or
• cooperative agreement.

The most common methods of implementation in Tennessee have been through a federal contract or through a long-term landowner contract.

In a federal contract all planned restoration is contracted between NRCS and a private vendor selected through a federal bid process. For a permanent easement the landowner is not responsible for any phase of the contract. For a 30-year easement the landowner is financially responsible for 25% of the cost of the restoration determined between NRCS and a private vendor during the bid process.

In a locally awarded contract all planned restoration is contracted between NRCS and a private vendor that the agency selects directly for the job. The landowner may also perform the job as the vendor. For a permanent easement the landowner is not responsible for any phase of the contract unless he chooses to perform the job. For a 30-year easement the landowner is financially responsible for 25% of the cost of the restoration.

In a long-term landowner contract all planned restoration is contracted between the landowner and a private vendor of his choosing in accordance with NRCS plans and specifications. The landowner is reimbursed either 100% of the cost of the restoration for a permanent easement, or 75% of the cost of the restoration for a 30-year easement, based on the state average cost of the restoration practices in effect the year the practices were installed.

In a cooperative agreement planned restoration may be performed by a participating partner such as a state agency, willing to also provide the financial costs. The partner contribution may be considered as the landowner's share of the costs in a 30-year easement.

Wetland restoration practice installation is initiated within one year of the recording of the easement or approval of the agreement, and is completed within three years.

In Tennessee historical wetland climax plant communities are considered to have been forested or woody. Restoration projects in the state typically include reforestation. However, as part of meeting program objectives up to thirty percent of the easement area may be established to a native plant community and other habitat types (e.g. shallow water areas) than what originally existed. Wildlife food plots may also be established as a compatible use on up to five percent of the easement area if the food plots enhance the restoration project.

For easements NRCS retains all management (operating activities necessary to achieve functions and values) and maintenance (replacement or repair of structures due to normal wear and tear) responsibilities for the restoration practices. NRCS retains the right to determine the extent of management and maintenance based on funds availability. Through a cooperative agreement, these management and maintenance activities may be assumed by the landowner or another cooperating partner.

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