USDA increases funding for partnerships to safeguard, restore wetland ecosystems
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BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $20 million in fiscal 2023 to help conservation partners nationwide protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved communities. Last year, NRCS funded $11 million in partnerships. Proposals from partners are due Sept. 23, 2022.
Restored wetlands help to improve water quality downstream, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce impacts from flooding and provide recreational benefits. The most sought-after lands for the WREP program are referred to as “marginal,” meaning they do not produce to their full capacity due to repeat flooding or standing water. Removing marginal lands from production can provide economic benefits for agricultural landowners while also restoring the wetlands to accomplish their full functions and values.
Through WREP projects, eligible conservation partners protect, restore and enhance high-priority wetlands on agricultural lands. WREP will continue to prioritize enrollment of historically underserved landowners in its ranking of proposals. This includes proposals that:
- Target places with historically underserved producers;
- Focus outreach to historically underserved producers;
- Provide assistance with application materials and helping resolve heirs’ property and title issues.
Partners target outreach and enrollment priorities supported by NRCS, including places impacted by natural disasters. Eligible partners include Tribes, state and local governments and non-government organizations. WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match.
This WREP funding is for fiscal year 2023, which begins on Oct. 1, 2022.
Partners interested in applying should contact Justin Meissner, Assistant State Conservationist for Easement Programs in Montana, at: justin.meissner@usda.gov or 406-587-6873 for more information. Proposals are due by Sept. 23, 2022.
Partners looking to learn more about opportunities for WREP funding for fiscal year 2023 are encouraged to attend the virtual WREP workshop on Aug. 17, at 1 p.m. Eastern.
