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Oregon Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) - Wetland Reserve Easement
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Program level:
National
Provider:
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Benefits provided:
Financial, Free technical assistance
Land use:
Forest, Agriculture
Water-focused program:
Yes
Protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on your property.
Overview
Description:
Wetland Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.
Eligibility:
Includes farmed or converted wetlands that have been previously altered for agricultural production that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.
Must be willing to participate in a permanent easement. These may be 30-year easements, term easements (max under state law), and 30 year contracts.
Financial benefit:
Depends on permanent easement, 30-year easement, or 30-year contract. For permenant easements, NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to 100 percent of the restoration costs. For 30-year easements, NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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