NRCS Washington sets Wetland Reserve Easement batching deadline

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington (NRCS-WA) is accepting applications from landowners interested in restoring, enhancing, and protecting wetlands with financial and technical assistance through the Wetlands Reserve Easement component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE).

While applications for ACEP-WRE are taken on a continuous basis, the batching date to be considered for Fiscal Year 2026 funding is Oct. 27, 2025.

Through ACEP-WRE, NRCS helps landowners and tribes restore, enhance, and protect wetland ecosystems. NRCS and the landowner work together to develop a plan for the restoration and maintenance of the easement.

Wetland Reserve Easements component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Programprovides habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; improves water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reduces flooding; recharges groundwater; protects biological diversity; and provides opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

All ACEP-WRE applications are ranked according to the potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. Compensation with a payment rate is based on an individual land appraisal (established by the Geographic Area Rate Cap [GARC], or landowner offer, whichever is less). It is important that applicants provide accurate records of ownership to USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). All landowners listed on the deed must work with their local FSA to ensure all required documents are filed (including Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan, as well as the adjusted gross income and conservation compliance forms).

More Information

For more information about ACEP-WRE, please refer to the NRCS-WA ACEP-WRE Program Webpageor the NRCS ACEP-WRE national webpage. For questions about the program please email our state easement team at [email protected].

To learn how to get started with NRCS, click here, or visit a local USDA service center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don't have an account, sign up today. To learn how to sign up for free email and text alerts about the latest NRCS program and national funding opportunities, click here.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.