By Scout Nelson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $4.4 million in seven projects to support the development and expansion of wetland mitigation banks. The funding is provided through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP), which helps agricultural producers meet wetland conservation requirements while supporting the protection and restoration of wetland ecosystems.
Wetlands play an important role in the environment. They provide habitats for wildlife, improve water quality, store water, and support healthy natural systems. However, agricultural activities and land development can affect these areas. Wetland mitigation banking offers a way to balance agricultural needs with wetland protection.
“USDA is putting Farmers First by investing in projects that expand wetland mitigation banking opportunities for agricultural producers across the country,” said USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Colton L. Buckley. “Through these investments, we are supporting working lands, advancing voluntary conservation efforts, and helping ensure producers have the options to remain eligible for USDA programs.”
The program supports projects that restore, create, or improve wetlands. These activities generate mitigation credits that agricultural producers can purchase when they need to compensate for wetland impacts at another location. This approach gives producers another option when avoiding wetland impacts or completing restoration work at the same site is difficult.
Funding Supports Wetland Projects
USDA gives priority to projects in areas with large numbers of individual wetlands, significant wetland acreage, and high demand for conservation compliance support. The latest investment supports seven projects designed to improve wetland mitigation opportunities for agricultural producers.
One of the funded projects focuses on North Dakota. North Dakota Agricultural Mitigation, Inc. will help manage and expand the North Dakota Wetland Trade program. The effort aims to provide producers with a reliable and cost-effective way to meet their wetland mitigation needs.
The project also creates incentives for landowners who agree to restore or establish wetlands. These activities can help increase the number of protected wetland areas while giving agricultural producers access to mitigation credits when needed.
The other funded projects support wetland restoration, creation, and improvement activities through different mitigation banking efforts. These projects include developing new wetland sites, improving existing locations, monitoring restored areas, and helping producers access available credits.
Some projects focus on restoring forested wetlands, while others support the recovery of smaller wetland areas. The planned work also includes activities that improve land management, reduce maintenance needs, and support public recreation areas.
Together, the seven projects are expected to increase the availability of wetland mitigation credits and provide more choices for agricultural producers.
Understanding Wetland Mitigation Banking
Producers who participate in most USDA programs must follow wetland conservation rules under the Food Security Act. These rules generally prevent producers from planting agricultural crops on converted wetlands or converting wetlands to make more land available for farming.
In some situations, producers may find it difficult to avoid wetland impacts or complete mitigation work at the same location. The Farm Bill allows off-site mitigation as another option. Through this process, producers can purchase credits from an approved wetland mitigation bank.
A wetland mitigation bank is an area where wetlands are restored, created, or improved to provide environmental benefits. The work generates credits that can be sold to producers who need to compensate for wetland impacts elsewhere.
Buying credits from a mitigation bank provides a legal way for agricultural producers to meet wetland conservation requirements and maintain eligibility for USDA program benefits.
When a mitigation bank is established, the landowner generally keeps ownership and use of the property. However, conservation easement protects the wetland area from activities that could damage its natural condition.
How WMBP Funding Helps?
WMBP funding helps award recipients cover the costs involved in planning, developing, and establishing wetland mitigation banks. Eligible expenses include identifying suitable sites, preparing mitigation banking plans, restoring wetlands, conducting land surveys, obtaining permits, completing title searches, and researching potential markets.
However, the funding cannot be used to purchase land or conservation easements. Instead, it supports the work needed to establish and operate mitigation banking projects.
Award recipients can request up to $1 million for each project. Projects may continue for as long as four years, giving organizations time to complete the required planning, restoration, and development activities.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awards the first WMBP grants in 2016. Since then, the agency has supported 41 projects involving the creation or expansion of wetland mitigation banks in 14 states.
Supporting Agriculture and the Environment
Wetland mitigation banking helps address the needs of agricultural producers while supporting environmental protection. It gives producers another way to meet conservation requirements when on-site mitigation is not practical.
The program also encourages landowners and conservation organizations to restore or create wetlands. These efforts can improve wildlife habitat, protect water resources, and strengthen local ecosystems.
NRCS has supported farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners for more than 90 years. The agency provides technical advice and financial assistance to help landowners improve soil, water, air quality, and wildlife habitat.
Through voluntary conservation programs, NRCS works with producers to protect natural resources while keeping agricultural land productive. The agency also uses science and technology to support farm businesses, strengthen rural economies, and improve the long-term success of American agriculture.
Producers and interested organizations can learn more about the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program and how mitigation banks work through the NRCS WMBP webpage.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: North Dakota, Government & Policy