By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $7 million in eight projects under the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP).
These projects aim to support farmers by restoring, creating, or enhancing wetlands, while ensuring compliance with conservation provisions. Wetland mitigation banks allow producers to purchase credits to offset unavoidable impacts on wetlands in other locations.
“Private landowners play an important role in restoring and protecting wetland health on working agricultural lands,” said USDA’s NRCS Chief Terry Cosby.
“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.”
This year’s projects span across Georgia, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, including -
Georgia: Corblu Ecology Group LLC will restore 50 acres of wetlands.
Minnesota: Ellingson Drainage, Inc. will create 150-200 bank credits.
Iowa: A partnership will restore 75 acres in Wright County.
Michigan: Two projects will restore over 400 acres of wetlands combined.
The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program was first introduced in 2016. Since then, it has supported 31 projects across 14 states, helping farmers comply with the Farm Bill’s wetland conservation provisions.
Through these efforts, USDA aims to protect wetland ecosystems while supporting agricultural productivity. Producers can purchase credits to ensure their activities do not harm wetlands, benefiting both the environment and their operations.
For more information, visit the USDA website or explore WMBP details online.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National