By Blake Jackson
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have introduced a new wetland mitigation initiative designed to support Wisconsin farmers while preserving vital wetland ecosystems.
The Wisconsin Ag Mitigation Bank (WAMB) creates a structured system through which farmers can purchase mitigation credits to compensate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands, ensuring continued program compliance and helping maintain the state’s commitment to “no net loss” of wetlands.
Wetland mitigation banking involves restoring, creating, or enhancing wetlands to offset losses that result from agricultural activities or development. Through WAMB, farmers who wish to drain, fill, or convert wetland areas pending approval may buy credits from an approved WAMB sponsor instead of conducting their own mitigation work.
This provides a streamlined path to meeting requirements under the Swampbuster Provisions of the Food Security Act while supporting operational improvements on their farms.
The program was jointly developed by the Wisconsin DNR with funding from an NRCS grant. The DNR will manage WAMB alongside NRCS, overseeing approved mitigation projects and facilitating the sale of mitigation credits.
“The WAMB is a great example of different government agencies working together," said Nathan Fikkert, NRCS Wisconsin State Conservationist. "This program provides farmers an additional option for conservation compliance with the NRCS, while also protecting watersheds with quality restorations.”
Mitigation credits are produced when landowners voluntarily convert previously farmed acreage back into functioning wetlands. Grant funding can support these restoration efforts, and the project sponsor may then make the resulting credits available to farmers seeking compliance options.
Wisconsin DNR WAMB Program Coordinator Josh Brown emphasized the mutual benefits of the initiative. “This program will help farmers while also restoring wetland wildlife habitat and improving watersheds across the state,” he noted.
To date, WAMB has finalized three mitigation projects totaling more than 55 acres in Dane, Ozaukee, and Milwaukee counties. Two additional projects are currently funded, and 10.4 credits are available for purchase, with more expected later this year.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin DNR’s WAMB webpage.
Photo Credit: pexels-ron-lach
Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy