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Summary of WRP in Tennessee

Last Modified: 12/30/2005

The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a continuous sign-up program that allows landowners with clear title to the property to voluntarily apply for financial and technical assistance to restore, enhance and protect wetlands. WRP is designed to restore wetlands with the goal of maximizing wildlife benefits and recovering lost wetland functions and values. In Tennessee, approximately 60% of the historic wetlands have been converted to other uses. The WRP program offers participants an opportunity to receive reimbursement for retiring from agriculture those lands marginally productive due to wetness. Eligible lands include those that are privately owned, state, county or non-federal publicly owned, or tribal lands. The program offers three options for enrollment depending on the objectives of the landowner:

  • Permanent Easement
  • 30-Year Easement
  • 10-Year Restoration Cost-Share Agreement

Through easement acquisition, USDA purchases the use of the property for the specified easement length, while the landowner retains ownership, controls access, and retains the recreational rights of quiet enjoyment, hunting, fishing and trapping. After the easement is filed the landowner may request and receive other allowances known as “compatible uses” for the use of the easement area if the proposed activity will not impact the restored wetland functions and values by submitting an AD-1160 Compatible Use Authorization (WRP Forms page).

Funded offers are restored in a manner determined by NRCS to achieve program objectives. In Tennessee, restoration is planned to recover the hydrologic and vegetative conditions that existed prior to conversion to crop or pastureland to the extent practicable. Wetland functions and values associated with flood storage, flood attenuation, water quality improvement, native plant community restoration and fish and wildlife habitat improvement are targeted in restoration. Changes to public drainage systems and off farm impacts to neighboring properties are avoided unless agreed upon by all parties.

The Wetlands Reserve Program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service through consultation with the State Technical Committee and with the technical advisory of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.


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