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Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) in Hawaii

Wetlands Restoration, Enhancement or Creation on Agricultural Lands In Hawaii

WRP-eligible lands:

  • Agricultural areas (includes range land, forest production lands, FWs, PCs, FWPs)
  • Privately owned or leased for contract period

and can include:

  • Riparian areas (max 600 ft) if link wetlands
  • Adjacent upland up to 50%

Wetland Restoration Projects in Hawaii Rank High Nationally:

  • habitat for wildlife & migratory birds
  • habitat for declining species,
  • and they can include partnerships (e.g. Ducks, Unlimited)

Compatible Uses Include:

  • grazing - with approved grazing management plan
  • water resource development
  • hunting (pigs, deer, goats)

WRP will reimburse landowners/lessees up to 75% of the cost of the practice. There are hold-down rates for certain practices. Typically, restoration cost-share contracts are for 10 years. At least one practice must be started the first year. Management practices are not cost-shared. There is no funding cap.

NRCS in FY98 signed up 3 large landowners on the Big Island for the "Montane Wetland Restoration for Hawaiian Duck" project. The project entails restoration and development of wetlands for Koloa Duck on Parker Ranch, Umikoa Ranch, and Chalan International lands on the Island of Hawaii. We have partnered with Ducks, Unlimited, who is providing Financial Assistance ($50,000) as well as Technical Assistance (survey and design). NRCS has committed and obligated all of the Restoration Cost-Share funds requested for WRP contracts in FY-1998. We do not have any Perpetual or 30-Year Easement applications or appropriations. A total of $277,200 Cost-Share dollars were obligated in FY98 for the three large projects on the Big Island.

Sign Up Process

Sign-ups will be taken on a continuous basis. The process involves some paperwork but is relatively easy:

  1. Sign up (LTP-1, like WHIP form)
  2. Talk with NRCS Field Office to determine eligibility:
    • Will your proposed project restore hydrology?
    • Will your proposed project enhance native habitat?
    • Do you have title or a long term (more than 10 year) lease?
    • Are there structural practices (e.g. grading, pond building, pipeline, fencing) planned that can be cost-shared?
    • Will you agree to continue wildlife management practices for the life of the contract?
  3. If "yes" to the above, work with NRCS to develop your conservation plan.
  4. NRCS will rank your project using statewide criteria
  5. You will be notified of funding decision.

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