The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing up to $50 million in fiscal year 2024 through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP). This effort is designed to support conservation partners with local projects that help protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands and help mitigate climate change.
NRCS is accepting proposals until August 16, 2024 that focus on producers who conserve wetlands that are anticipated to benefit disadvantaged communities, contributing to NRCS’ effort to advance equity and environmental justice in its delivery of conservation programs.
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.
WREP is part of the?Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Through WREP, states, local units of government, non-governmental organizations, and Tribal Nations collaborate with NRCS through cooperative and partnership agreements. These partners work with Tribal and private landowners who voluntarily enroll eligible land into easements to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their properties.?This includes marginal croplands, which are less productive because of repeated flooding or standing water.
WREP partners are required to contribute a financial or technical assistance fund match. Proposals must be limited to $10 million in federal funding and should include a breakdown of project activities. Partners should apply through their NRCS state office.