The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants to remind conservation partners in the state that the deadline to apply for fiscal 2023 funding to help protect and restore critical wetlands through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) is September 23, 2022. NRCS is prioritizing proposals that support efforts to mitigate climate change by restoring wetlands while also prioritizing assistance to underserved communities.
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 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.
This WREP funding is for fiscal year 2023, which begins on Oct. 1, 2022. Partners interested in applying should contact the Alabama NRCS state office for more information.