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Wetland Restoration Lease Program - Saskatchewan
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) - Saskatchewan
Photo: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Program Summary
Under the Wetland Restoration Lease Program program Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) Saskatchewan will restore previously-drained wetlands, and then pay landowners to retain the restored wetland for 10 years. A caveat to that effect is placed on title. Restored wetlands may be hayed or grazed but they cannot be drained, altered, or tilled during the term of the agreement.
Program characteristics
Province
Saskatchewan
Natural Features
Wetlands, Wildlife Habitat
Agriculture Type
Cropland, Rangeland / Pasture
Program Scope
Provincial
Conservation Approach
Restoration, Protection
Incentive Type
Payment for Practices / Conservation / Credits, Cost-sharing / Discounts, Technical Advice
Delivery Agent Type
NGO
Commitment Type
Restoration / Re-seeding / Conversion, Land Conservation / Protection, Management Agreement
Commitment Term
Short Term (1 to 10 years), Perpetual
Program web site
Conservation Goals
DUC's restoration programs are focused on restoring naturally occurring water levels of drained and altered wetlands.
Eligible Lands
Eligible landscapes include previously drained or altered wetland areas in DUC Saskatchewan's Program Target Areas (see https://www.ducks.ca/assets/2018/12/forage-Nutrien-SK-feb11_map-only.pdf).
Additional Details
DUC Saskatchewan covers all construction and maintenance costs related to the restored wetland.
Commitment
Landowners are require to sign a 10-year (or perpetual) agreement committing to refraining from draining, altering, or tilling the restored wetland during the term of the agreement.
Incentive
DUC Saskatchewan offers two options. Landowners can 1) receive a one-time payment of $2000/acre on restored wetland acres with a 10-year lease, or 2) sign a conservation easement on restored wetland acres and receive 100% of Fair Market Value of those acres.
Contact Information
For more information contact fill in DUC Saskatchewan's 'contact us' form https://ag.ducks.ca/program/restore-wetlands-2/, call toll free 1-866-252-3825, or email du_regina@ducks.ca.
Important to Know
When the agreement expires, government regulations on drainage will apply.
These projects can be combined with other DUC programs such as conservation easements and forage conversion to maximize benefits.
Landowners receive expert technical assistance from DUC Saskatchewan when partnering to restore wetlands
See DUC's Target Landscapes at https://ag.ducks.ca/program/restore-wetlands/
For more detailed information DUC Saskatchewan's fact sheet, https://ag.ducks.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Wetland-restoration-FLYER.pdf