Courtesy USDA/NRCS 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) wants to remind conservation partners that they will be investing up to $17 million to help protect and restore critical wetlands on agricultural lands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is prioritizing proposals that focus on assisting historically underserved producers conserving wetlands. But, the deadline for proposals from partners is nearing, as they are due August 15, 2021.
NRCS Easement Program Division Director Carrie Lindig explains how these dollars will be used.
Funding will be provided through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP), part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a Farm Bill conservation program. Through WREP projects, eligible conservation partners protect, restore and enhance high-priority wetlands on agriculture lands.
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 2022, which begins on Oct. 1, 2021. Partners interested in applying should contact their NRCS state office for more information.