On May 16, the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation Services announced it is making available up to $40 million in technical and financial assistance to help eligible conservation partners voluntarily protect, restore and enhance critical wetlands on agricultural lands.

Restored wetlands improve water quality downstream and improve wildlife habitat, while also providing flood prevention and recreational benefits to communities.

The deadline for applications is June 14.

“These locally-led partnerships are instrumental in achieving greater wetland acreage and maximizing their benefits to farmers, ranchers and the local communities where wetlands exist,” said Matthew Lohr, chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “For example, we see this program as important to helping communities respond to natural disasters, such as the floods in the Midwest. These partnerships can help with addressing croplands that flood frequently and water storage.”

Click Here for more information and instructions on how to apply.  Farmers, ranchers and forest landowners interested in ACEP should contact their local USDA service center or visit the ACEP webpage.

For more information on programs, technical and financial assistance, visit the NRCS-PA webpage.

(Photo: Example of a wetlands restoration by the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, Sandy Run Wetland Restoration and Enlargement Project in Montgomery County.)

NewsClips:

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Penn Staters Working To Reverse Bee Population Declines

Go Native: A Garden With Native Plants Is Beneficial & Beautiful - Pamela Hubbard, Penn State Master Gardener, Monroe County

PaEN: Native Forest Plants Rebound When Invasive Shrubs Are Removed

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[Posted: May 16, 2019]

5/20/2019