Own Your Land and Help Wildlife, Too: Exploring NRCS Partner Programs

by Christine Healy, Wildlife Biologist

Healthy New Jersey wetlands feature a gorgeous explosion of colors each summer as wildflowers, including the Ironweed (purple), Joe Pye weed (pink), and Jewelweed (gold), displayed here, come into bloom. *Photo by Kristen Meistrell, NJ Audubon.*

We’ve all heard the expression “you can’t have your cake and eat it too”. For example, as a wildlife biologist, I can’t be promoted and still expect to spend most of my time in the field playing with turtles and salamanders- that would simply be too good to be true! The same phrase could probably be applicable to land; your property can’t simultaneously be profitable to you, the landowner, and beneficial to rare wildlife… right?

Well, in this case, I would have to disagree with the proverbial wisdom.

For many years, CWF biologists have worked with private landowners, other nonprofits, and the state and federal government to spread the word on programs that make wildlife conservation not only accessible, but economical. Why? Because >80% of New Jersey is privately owned. This gives residents a unique opportunity to be a part of the success story for every endangered, threatened, and at-risk species that, like us, call the garden state home. In the words of everyone’s favorite ‘90s superhero, Captain Planet, “The power is yours” – truly.

Prescribed grazing by livestock, like the cows pictured above or water buffalo below, can help improve hydrology in certain types of wetlands. If your property fits the criteria, NRCS can assist with the maintenance or installation of fencing as part of your restoration plan. *Photo by Kristen Meistrell, NJ Audubon.*

Ok, let’s dive in.

The programs that we work with landowners on are part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) efforts to restore wetlands. Don’t have wetlands? No problem- NRCS also works with landowners on grassland and forest conservation initiatives- check out their website to learn how to get involved (https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/nj/home/).

Wetlands in particular, however, have a long history of abuse in this country; they were branded as cesspools of disease, presented hurdles to travel, and generally considered useless for survival in colonial America. Legislation passed during the height of westward expansion turned all the swamplands in 15 states over to the government in an effort to enable reclamation activities. By the 1930s, the US government offered engineering services to farmers looking to drain wetlands for agricultural use, and by the 1940s cost-share programs were in place to help make it possible. This attitude continued through the 1960s when even USDA supported tile and open-ditch drainage as good conservation practices.

Public opinions on wetlands began to change in the 1970s and 1980s with the dawn of the environmental movement and the understanding that these habitats actually provide numerous recreational opportunities and ecosystem services. Wetlands provide places for hunters and anglers to fish and hunt waterfowl, they filter and purify groundwater, reduce flooding, cycle nutrients, and maintain diverse communities of flora and fauna for human use and enjoyment. Wetland drainage has declined sharply since the institution of “Swampbuster”, a component of the 1985 Farm Bill which removed incentives to produce agricultural commodities on converted wetlands or highly erodible land, and yet we continue to lose these habitats to development annually.

Are you a landowner with wetlands on your property that could benefit from restoration and/or that have been historically impacted by agriculture? Great!

You may be eligible for one of the following programs:

1) Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE):

Through this program, NRCS seeks to restore and protect wetland habitat in perpetuity, in the form of an easement. What does this mean? NRCS purchases the agricultural rights to that part of your land, but you retain ownership and the right to passive recreation (hunting, fishing, hiking, etc.). Depending on the type of wildlife that could be present in your wetland, you may additionally be able to graze livestock on your easement. When you sell your property, NRCS maintains the agricultural rights. To qualify for this program, you will first be visited by a biologist who can assess habitat potential and will ask questions about your goals for your property. This is a voluntary program, so it is important that restoration is in line with your vision! If you have promising wetland habitat, you can submit an application (its only 12 questions). A plan will be drawn up for your property including the wetland that you’d like to involve and surrounding buffer. If your application is accepted, the value of the area contained within your plan will be assessed and you will be presented with an offer and a restoration plan. Up to this point, you’ve signed no contract- if you don’t like your offer, you can walk away! If you do like the offer, you can sign up for the program. You will be responsible for implementing the wetland restoration, but not to worry, NRCS pays for 100 percent of the cost, prepares any permits that may be needed and works with you side-by-side every step of the way.

2) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP):

The purpose of this program is to provide financial support for activities that you may already be planning to improve your land that could additionally benefit conservation goals (e.g., removing invasive vegetation, thinning saplings, installing fencing, reducing erosion, etc.). The landowner is responsible for hiring contractors (or completing the work themselves, if they have the skillset), but NRCS provides reimbursements for a significant portion of agreed-upon restoration. Like with WRE, landowners will have a full understanding of expected restoration activities before signing any contract. Unlike WRE, landowners do not receive compensation for eased land, and therefore retain all rights to the wetland.

3) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program:

If you are interested in doing your part for wildlife but are not ready to apply for WRE or EQIP, Partner’s may be a good option. This program, offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), is also a voluntary program. The USFWS helps you determine the kinds of things you can do to benefit wildlife habitat, hunting opportunities, or wetland restoration. The USFWS will prepare a Partners Agreement, which describes the restoration plan and clearly details who will handle each part of the process. The USFWS can also provide financial assistance by purchasing materials for restoration and in some cases doing some of the work with USFWS-owned equipment and staff.

If you think you might be interested in one of these programs or would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact me at christine.healy@conservewildlifenj.org.

I would love to speak with you about how we can make wildlife conservation work for you!