Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP) | Natural Resources Conservation Service

Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP) | Natural Resources Conservation Service Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Main navigation Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Full Menu Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP) Breadcrumb Home Programs & Initiatives Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP) The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP) is a competitive grants program that supports the development and establishment of wetland mitigation banks to make credits available for agricultural producers. USDA has announced the 2024 Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Projects. Read the press release here . Read the full list of projects . Latest Information June 12, 2024 Webinar for Interested Applicants 2024 Project Summaries 2022 Project Summaries Learn how the WMBP works Mitigation Banking in an Agricultural Context Wetland mitigation banking is the restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands for the purpose of compensating for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location. Wetland mitigation banking is commonly used to compensate for wetland impacts from development, but it also used for impacts from agriculture. Conservation compliance provisions for wetlands, commonly called Swampbuster provisions, aim to remove certain incentives to produce agricultural commodities on converted wetlands.  Producers seeking benefits through most USDA programs must meet conservation compliance by filing form AD-1026, affirming they will not drain, dredge or fill wetlands in order to grow commodity crops. In situations where avoidance or on-site mitigation is challenging, the Farm Bill allows for off-site mitigation through mitigation banking. How Mitigation Banking Works for Farmers Producers can buy credits from wetlands mitigation banks to compensate for the impact of lost wetlands. Wetland mitigation banks are established through the restoration, creation or enhancement of wetlands. When a mitigation bank is established, the landowner retains ownership and use of the property, while a conservation easement protects the wetlands from incompatible degrading activities. The size and scope of the wetland restoration, creation or enhancement activities determine the quantity of credits available for sale. The price of credits is negotiated between the buyer and seller with no involvement by USDA. How Mitigation Banks Are Developed Bank sponsors develop mitigation banks.  A bank sponsor is any individual or entity that develops wetlands for use in wetland mitigation banking. The sponsor is responsible for the cost of wetland development, as well as the long-term maintenance of the wetland bank to ensure that it continues to function as designed in the future. Through WMBP, bank sponsors can compete for NRCS funding to support the costs of developing and establishing a mitigation bank for use by agricultural producers. Credits are determined using a functional assessment procedure that evaluates individual wetland functions. As the credits are sold, they are subtracted from the bank until all the available credits are purchased. Mitigation Banks and Land Use Wetland preservation generally does not qualify for credit generation as simply protecting an existing wetland does not mitigate the replacement of lost wetland acres. Bank sponsors should consider the credit demand in local areas to determine whether establishment of a wetland bank is warranted. Under WMBP, former wetlands restored to their original condition provide the best opportunity for success in generating wetland mitigation bank credits. Long-term success and stability are important site considerations, since the bank sponsor is required to provide the long-term site maintenance for the bank to ensure it continues to function as designed. Types of Wetlands Restored wetlands are typically easier and less expensive to develop. In many cases, land is reverted to its original wetland state through an alteration in hydrology. Enhanced wetlands are defined by activities that accentuate one or more specific wetland functions for specific purposes. The depth and duration of ponding may be altered to support wildlife or different vegetation encouraged to improve water quality. Typically, these modifications of the landscape and hydrology are more expensive to develop and maintain as compared with restored wetlands. Wetland Enhancement (code 659) (43.45 KB) Created wetlands are commonly the most difficult and costly to develop and maintain.  These are wetlands developed in a landscape and on soils which did not originally support a wetland.  As a result more elaborate engineering design, installation of structures, and/or water pumps may be necessary to develop and maintain created wetlands. Wetland Creation (code 658) (36.47 KB) Program Contact WMBP@usda.gov Ready to get started? Contact your local service center to start your application. Find Your Local Service Center USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov . 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