Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation
Willow Creek Sub-District
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Characteristics
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Benefits
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Project Overview
This producer has twelve quarter sections in the Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Program. Eight quarter sections are owned by the producer, and four are rented from different landowners. To accommodate the different landowners, five separate agreements were made, one for the owned properties and one for each rented property. The properties under the agreement fall into a variety of land use including pasture, hayland and annually cropped acres.
Protecting Class 1-2 wetlands provides long term benefits for both producers and the environment. Agriculturally they help with flood reduction by storing early season runoff, and then releasing water gradually, reducing the risk of soil erosion. By capturing and storing the early season runoff they also act as groundwater recharge sites. Environmentally they provide necessary habitat for native pollinators such as bees, which supports nearby crop production. They also provide essential early season habitat for migrating waterfowl.
This producer has twelve quarter sections in the Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Program. Eight quarter sections are owned by the producer, and four are rented from different landowners. To accommodate the different landowners, five separate agreements were made, one for the owned properties and one for each rented property. The properties under the agreement fall into a variety of land use including pasture, hayland and annually cropped acres.
Protecting Class 1-2 wetlands provides long term benefits for both producers and the environment. Agriculturally they help with flood reduction by storing early season runoff, and then releasing water gradually, reducing the risk of soil erosion. By capturing and storing the early season runoff they also act as groundwater recharge sites. Environmentally they provide necessary habitat for native pollinators such as bees, which supports nearby crop production. They also provide essential early season habitat for migrating waterfowl.
What is a Class 1-2 Wetland?
Class 1 & 2 wetlands are shallow depressions that temporarily hold water for the first couple weeks in the spring following snowmelt, and for a few days after a heavy rainfall. During normal to dry years these areas are commonly cultivated and planted in annually cropped fields.
What is a Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Contract?
A Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Contract is a 10-year agreement between a landowner and the EIWD. Under the agreement, landowners cannot drain or fill the eligible wetlands on the property for the ecological goods and services they provide to watershed health and water quality. These wetlands may be farmed as normal, the contract simply ensures that the natural features remain intact.
Agreements can be placed on both owned and rented land. For rented properties, both the landowner and lessee must sign the agreement; and annual payments can be made to either the landowner or lessee.
The payment per acre is determined using multiple factors including land use, soil limitations, soil class, property value and more.
Process of Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Contract
Class 1 & 2 wetlands are shallow depressions that temporarily hold water for the first couple weeks in the spring following snowmelt, and for a few days after a heavy rainfall. During normal to dry years these areas are commonly cultivated and planted in annually cropped fields.
What is a Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Contract?
A Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Contract is a 10-year agreement between a landowner and the EIWD. Under the agreement, landowners cannot drain or fill the eligible wetlands on the property for the ecological goods and services they provide to watershed health and water quality. These wetlands may be farmed as normal, the contract simply ensures that the natural features remain intact.
Agreements can be placed on both owned and rented land. For rented properties, both the landowner and lessee must sign the agreement; and annual payments can be made to either the landowner or lessee.
The payment per acre is determined using multiple factors including land use, soil limitations, soil class, property value and more.
Process of Class 1-2 Wetland Conservation Contract
- Submit an application to EIWD stating interest in the program.
- EIWD staff use LiDAR mapping to identify potential eligible wetlands on the property.
- Staff complete a site visit to verify and accurately map eligible wetlands.
- EIWD prepares the agreement, which is then signed by the landowner, and when applicable, the lessee.
- Annual incentive payments are issued each December 1st for the duration of the 10-year contract.
- EIWD monitors each site throughout the 10-year period ensuring agreement has not been violated.
