USDA invests 7 million in wetland mitigation projects

By Andi Anderson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an investment of $7 million in eight projects under its Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP).

These projects aim to assist agricultural producers in meeting USDA requirements while restoring and protecting wetland ecosystems.

Wetland mitigation banks restore, create, or enhance wetlands, generating credits that farmers can purchase to compensate for unavoidable wetland impacts on their lands.

These banks not only help farmers comply with regulations but also provide environmental benefits like floodwater storage, pollutant filtration, and wildlife habitat creation.

Terry Cosby, Chief of the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), highlighted the importance of private landowners in protecting wetlands.

“Through wetland mitigation banking, we can support farmers in meeting requirements while boosting wetland health and benefits,” he stated.

The 2024 awarded projects include initiatives across various states:

Corblu Ecology Group LLC (Georgia): Allocated $641,590 to develop a mitigation site under the Georgia Agricultural Wetland Bank, focusing on restoring up to 50 acres of wetlands in priority watersheds.

Ellingson Drainage, Inc. (Minnesota): Granted $975,300 to create three to five wetland banks in southern and western Minnesota, offering 150-200 mitigation credits for agricultural producers.

Magnolia IL LLC (Illinois): Awarded $599,500 to expand the Illinois Conservation Exchange, generating 40 acres of forested wetland credits in the northwestern region of the state.

These projects demonstrate the USDA’s commitment to supporting agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship. By investing in wetland mitigation banks, the USDA helps farmers balance productivity with ecological conservation.

Farmers and stakeholders can explore these opportunities to align with environmental requirements and contribute to wetland restoration. This initiative ensures agricultural practices remain sustainable while protecting critical ecosystems.

Photo Credit: usda