Does anyone in the Central Illinois area know anything about this program? I have been reading into it a little bit but it all kind of looks Greek to me. What I am looking for: How much of a process is it to get your ground enrolled in the program? How much, if your ground qualifies, per acre does the state usually give? I understand that once in the program it is in it forever unless you "buy it back" or something along those lines? Any help to get me started would be appreciated!
I can't help you with specifics in your state but my family's construction business developed WRP projects for decades here in MO and KS. For specifics in your state, you'll have to contact your local NRCS at your local USDA service center. They will in turn either have someone to help you or put you in contact with the right person. I never was involved in setting up a WRP from scratch, just developing the wetlands portion that was cost shared on so I don't know what the amount is they pay and it's probably changed since I dealt with any of them any way. As far as I know it is a permanent easement unless it's bought back and I believe there's usually a penalty as well for buyout. They will only allow up to 5% to be planted in any annual food for wildlife management. A lot of duck clubs have been happy with it around here, personally I wouldn't sign any property up in it myself just because I don't like the restrictions of use for my own property. It has made a lot of good wetland habitat though.
