The Department of Agriculture announced Thursday a $49 million project to restore and enhance 15,000 wetland acres in America’s most important watershed regions.
The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership will support 10 wetland projects on private and tribal agricultural lands in 12 states: Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Washington and Wisconsin.
“USDA is committed to protecting and enhancing our nation’s wetlands, which are critical to the quality of our nation’s waters, wildlife and landscapes,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement released Thursday. “By collaborating with private partners at the local and regional level, USDA is able to support innovative conservations solutions and expand the amount of dedicated resources.”
The wetland improvement initiative was initially authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill. The funds will be directed to landowners who need assistance protecting property from flooding, recharging groundwater, protecting wildlife habitat and providing additional recreational opportunities.
