One Million Acres Restored Through Wetland Reserve Easements

Milestone highlights more than three decades of voluntary conservation by private landowners

Sept. 28, 2026 – More than one million acres of wetlands and bottomland hardwood forests have now been restored through the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) program across the Mississippi Alluvial Valley (MAV), which stretches from Missouri to Louisiana.

“Reaching one million acres is a remarkable achievement,” says Ron Seiss, Lower Mississippi River Program director for The Nature Conservancy, and LMVJV Board Vice Chair. “The benefits of that investment will be felt by wildlife, communities, and future generations for years to come.”

The achievement reflects more than three decades of partnership among private landowners, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), conservation organizations, and other partners.

About the WRE Program

The program began as the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), authorized by Congress in the 1990 Farm Bill. The first enrolled acres were restored in 1993.

Although the name has changed, the purpose remains the same: to help landowners protect and restore marginal agricultural land that provides greater value as wetlands.

Through WRE, landowners receive compensation and technical assistance to protect, restore, and enhance marginal land through a voluntary conservation easement, often with no out-of-pocket costs. They keep ownership of the land, control access, and can enjoy improved opportunities for hunting, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor recreation.

Conservation and Taxpayer Benefits

The program also provides significant public benefits including cleaner water, greater floodwater storage, and expanded wetland and wildlife habitat across the LMAV.

More than 250 million bottomland hardwood trees have been planted, creating year-round habitat for songbirds, waterfowl, bear, deer, and other wildlife.

WRE can also reduce long-term taxpayer costs by taking marginal and flood-prone farmland out of production. By avoiding disaster assistance or crop and commodity insurance payments, taxpayers save $2,916 per acre enrolled in WRE.

Learn More

Landowners interested in Wetland Reserve Easements can learn more about eligibility, financial assistance, and restoration opportunities by visiting wetlandreserve.com or contacting their local NRCS Service Centers.