WRE - Wetland Reserve Easements

Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) is a voluntary program that offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property.

WRE will make a one-time payment per acre, in Barnes county, for a 30-year grassland easement on wetlands and an adequate upland buffer. Restoration may include plugging of established drains, sediment removal, or vegetation establishment. Upland acres do not have to meet a cropping history.

Conservation benefits of WRE include:

• Water filtration and sediment collection from runoff water to prevent mud from reaching reservoirs and lakes.
• Habitats for waterfowl and wildlife, as well as winter cover for upland birds and wildlife.
• Temporary storage of storm water, allowing water to percolate into the ground or evaporate and reduce flooding.
• Recharging of groundwater aquifers to improve water supply, soil moisture, and forage production.
• Recreation opportunities such as wildlife watching and hunting.

The landowner retains ownership of the land and pays property taxes on the land. The landowner is responsible to control weed. They control access to the land, including hunting, fishing, trapping, and any other recreational use. The landowner may also sell or lease land enrolled in WRE.

Call (701) 845-3114 Ext. 3 or visit website for sign-up deadline.

http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/nd/programs/
 

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