Funding now available for wetland mitigation projects

Conservation groups, government organizations and private landowners, are encouraged to apply for a share of the $460,000 available through a federal Natural Resources Conservation Service grant. The DNR will use these dollars to fund two agricultural wetland mitigation projects, selected from the applicant pool, and add them to the Wisconsin Agricultural Mitigation Bank.

Funds can be used to cover most on-the-ground costs, including engineering, site construction, seeding and up to three years of maintenance activities. Funds cannot be used for easement purchases or land acquisition.

The application period will remain open until two projects are selected. Prospective applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible, to ensure consideration.

Created in 2022, the Wisconsin Agricultural Mitigation Bank program provides an additional mitigation option for Wisconsin farmers to comply with the Swampbuster provisions of the Food Security Act. Thus far, the DNR has received two grants from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which have allowed for the creation and administration of the program, and the establishment of four total agricultural wetland mitigation sites in Wisconsin.

Since its creation, the Wisconsin Agricultural Mitigation Bank has supported the restoration of 35 acres of wetland across the state, with work on these projects continuing in 2024.

The Wisconsin Agricultural Mitigation Bank will review applications every month, beginning March 1. Applications will be accepted until two mitigation projects have been selected to receive funding.

Potential applicants are encouraged to discuss prospective projects with Nathan Dhuey, DNR agriculture mitigation specialist, at Nathan.Dhuey@wisconsin.gov, or 608640-0241.

The application and additional information can be found at dnr.wisconsin.gov.