The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing up to $17 million for conservation partners to help protect and restore critical wetlands on agricultural lands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP).
According to the USDA news release, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prioritizing proposals that focus on assisting historically underserved producers conserving wetlands. Proposals from partners are due Aug. 15, 2021.
Restored wetlands help to improve water quality downstream, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce impacts from flooding and provide recreational benefits.
“Our goal is to support agricultural producers in their efforts to conserve natural resources on their land,” said Curtis Elke, State Conservationist in Idaho in the news release. “Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnerships help partners and producers work together to protect wetland ecosystems on working lands.”
Through WREP projects, eligible conservation partners protect, restore and enhance high-priority wetlands on agriculture lands. WREP enables effective integration of wetland restoration on working agricultural landscapes, providing meaningful benefits to farmers and ranchers who enroll in the program and to the communities where the wetlands exist. 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.
According to USDA, WREP funding is for fiscal year 2022 which begins on Oct. 1, 2021.
How to Apply
Partners in Idaho interested in applying should contact Wade Brown, Easement Coordinator, 208.963.4703, for more information. Proposals are due by Aug. 15, 2021.
