Wetlands Reserve Program Application Ranking and Selection

This process occurs throughout the year. NRCS establishes a cutoff date for applications to be received for evaluation and ranking during each fiscal year. In Fiscal Year 2009, the application deadline is June 1, 2008. However, applications are accepted at any time during the year. Applications received after the application deadline are kept on file for evaluation in the next fiscal year.

Once an application is received by NRCS:

• NRCS contacts the applicant to conduct an evaluation and preliminary eligibility determination of the acres offered.
• Eligible applications are sent to the state office for review.
• The state easement acquisition team works with local NRCS staff, the landowner(s), and partners to rank, determine final eligible acres, and begin restoration planning.
• As funds become available applicants are selected for funding and sent a "Letter of Tentative Acceptance and Intent to Continue" from NRCS, which is required to be returned to NRCS within 15 days. Those applications not selected for funding are sent status letters also. These applications will be kept on file for consideration in the next funding cycle.
• Upon return receipt of the "Letter of Tentative Acceptance and Intent to Continue," NRCS conducts an appraisal on the property to be enrolled in WRP.
• NRCS sends the applicant an "Option to Purchase" letter which specifies the amount NRCS will pay for the acquisition of the easement based on the completed appraisal. Applicants have 15 days to accept this offer and return it to NRCS.
• Once the "Option to Purchase" is accepted and returned to NRCS, NRCS proceeds with surveying, recording, and perfecting the easement using the CCC-1255, Warranty Easement Deeds for permanent and 30-year easements found on the WRP Forms page. The Warranty Easement Deed describes the rights retained by the landowner and those purchased by the USDA.

Ranking Criteria

The ranking criteria and planning worksheets for Montana were developed in consultation with the State Technical Advisory Committee and federal, state and local wildlife agencies and organizations. Applications are evaluated utilizing the statewide ranking criteria. See your local USDA Service Center for more information.

Last Modified: 03/25/2008