The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are pleased to announce a new wetland mitigation program that will benefit Wisconsin farmers and protect wetlands across the state. The Wisconsin Ag Mitigation Bank (WAMB) gives farmers the opportunity to purchase credits to offset impacts to wetlands. Wetland mitigation banking is the restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands for the purpose of compensation due to unavoidable impacts from development or agriculture. By purchasing credits, farmers will be able to stay in compliance with USDA farm programs while also ensuring a “no net loss” of wetlands.
The WAMB was co-developed by the Wisconsin DNR through a grant received from the NRCS. The DNR will administer the program in partnership with NRCS and oversee wetland mitigation projects and mitigation credit sales. If a farmer is interested in draining, filling or converting a wetland, if approved, the farmer could purchase credits from a WAMB sponsor instead of completing the mitigation themselves. The purchasing of credits would allow them to stay in compliance with the Swampbuster Provisions of the Food Security Act as amended, while improving their farming operation.
“The WAMB is a great example of different government agencies working together. This program provides farmers an additional option for conservation compliance with the NRCS, while also protecting watersheds with quality restorations,” said Nathan Fikkert, NRCS Wisconsin State Conservationist.
Source : usda.gov