Permanent Wetland Easement Program
This program pays landowners to permanently protect wetlands, preserving wildlife habitat while allowing compatible private uses under a science-based management plan.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates: Rolling (contact program for current availability)
Funding Amounts: Landowners receive 50–70% of the property's fair market value for permanent easement; payment structure negotiated per property.
Summary: Pays landowners to permanently protect wetlands by purchasing development and farming rights, ensuring habitat conservation while allowing compatible private uses.
Description
The Permanent Wetland Easement Program is a conservation initiative offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Wetland Conservation Program, in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Board. The program provides financial compensation to willing landowners in exchange for permanently protecting wetland habitats. By purchasing the farming and development rights through a conservation easement, the program ensures the long-term preservation of wetlands for waterfowl and other species, while allowing landowners to retain private ownership and continue compatible recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking. The easement restricts activities that could degrade the wetland, and landowners are required to follow a collaboratively developed management plan and participate in bi-annual consultations with program biologists.
