USDA invests $4.4 million for wetland mitigation projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $4.4 million for seven projects to support the development of wetland mitigation banks for agricultural producers. Through USDA’s Wetland Mitigation Banking Program, wetlands are restored, created or enhanced, generating credits that can be purchased by producers looking to compensate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location. “USDA is putting Farmers First by investing in projects that expand wetland mitigation banking opportunities for agricultural producers across the country,” said USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Colton L. Buckley. “Through these investments, we are supporting working lands, advancing voluntary conservation efforts, and helping ensure producers have the options to remain eligible for USDA programs.” Priority was given to banks in states with significant numbers of individual wetlands, wetland acres and conservation compliance requests, including: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resou