$7M for wetland mitigation to aid farmers

USDA backs wetland conservation across eight states

The USDA is investing $7 million into eight wetland mitigation projects under its Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). These initiatives enable agricultural producers to purchase credits that offset unavoidable impacts on wetlands, ensuring compliance with conservation provisions while protecting ecosystems.

According to NRCS Chief Terry Cosby, “Private landowners play an important role in restoring and protecting wetland health on working agricultural lands.  

Through wetland mitigation banking, we can help them not only meet USDA requirements but also improve the health of wetlands and boost wetland benefits, like storing floodwaters, filtering pollutants, and providing critical habitat to wildlife.”

The projects, located in states like Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, and Wisconsin, include -

Iowa: A public-private partnership restoring 75 acres in Wright County.

Michigan: Two projects restoring over 400 acres of forested wetlands.

Wisconsin: 64 new wetland credits created by the Department of Natural Resources.

The WMBP was launched in 2016 and has since supported 31 projects in 14 states. These wetland mitigation banks are crucial for balancing agricultural activities with environmental conservation, offering sustainable solutions for farmers.

By protecting wetlands, the USDA fosters flood control, pollution filtration, and wildlife habitats while supporting farmers' productivity. These investments align with broader goals for resilient, climate-smart agriculture.

Producers can learn more about the program by visiting websites – USDA or exploring the WMBP guidelines online.