What is a Wetland Easement?
A wetland easement is a legal agreement signed with the United States of America, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, that pays landowners to permanently protect wetlands. Wetlands covered by an easement cannot be drained, filled, leveled, or burned. When these wetlands dry up naturally, they can be farmed, grazed, or hayed. Wetlands covered by an easement are mapped and a copy of the easement and maps is sent to the landowner. No signs are placed on your property and the easement will not affect your hunting or mineral rights. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding wetland easements:
Will the easement affect my farming
of the wetlands? - The easement does not affect
normal farming processes such as cropping,
haying, grazing, plowing, or working wetlands
when they are dry due to natural causes.
Will the easement affect hunting and
trapping rights on my land? - No. You still have
the right to open or close your lands to hunting
and trapping as you have in the past.
How do I apply for the program and
begin the process? - Contact the Aberdeen
Wetlands Acquisition Office at 605-226-7587 or
this refuge. We will further explain the program
and answer any questions.
What is a Grassland Easement?
A grassland easement is a legal agreement signed with the United States of America, through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, that pays landowners to permanently keep their land in grass. Many landowners never plan on putting their land into crop production and can benefit from the added cash incentive of a grassland easement. Land covered by a grassland easement may not be cultivated. Mowing, haying, and grass seed harvesting must be delayed until after July 15 each year. This restriction is to help grassland nesting species such as ducks and pheasants, complete their nesting before the grass is disturbed. Grazing is not restricted in any way. Below are some frequently asked questions regarding grassland easements:
Are grazing and haying permitted? -
Yes. Grazing is permitted anytime. Haying is only
allowed after July 15 of each year to give bird
species a chance to raise their young.
Who controls noxious weeds? - As the
landowner, you are responsible for noxious weed
and pest control. Mowing before July 15 to
control weeds is prohibited without prior written
approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Will hunting and trapping rights on
my land be affected? - No. You maintain the right
to open or close your lands to hunting and
trapping.
How long does my easement last? -
This is a permanent (perpetual) agreement between
the United States and all present and future
landowners.
How do I apply for the program and
begin the process? - Contact the Aberdeen
Wetlands Acquisition Office at 605-226-7587 or
this refuge. We will further explain the program
and answer any questions.
