Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Fiscal Year (FY) 2026
NRCS is offering $3 million in grants for developing wetland mitigation banks to help agricultural producers comply with conservation rules, prioritizing states with many wetlands; applications are competitive.
Funder: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Due Dates: September 8, 2026: Full application submission deadline (submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time)
Funding Amounts: Total program funding: $3,000,000 | Typical award: $100,000–$1,000,000 for 1–4 years | ~15 awards expected
Summary: Supports the development and establishment of wetland mitigation banks for agricultural producers to meet wetland conservation compliance requirements.
Key Information: 20% non-federal cost share required; priority to projects in select states with significant wetland compliance needs.
Description
This funding opportunity from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides support for establishing and developing wetland mitigation banks that serve agricultural producers needing to comply with wetland conservation requirements under the Food Security Act of 1985. The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP) aims to expand the availability of mitigation credits for producers who convert agricultural wetlands, thereby helping them maintain eligibility for USDA program benefits. Projects should focus on restoring, enhancing, or creating wetland functions and values on agricultural lands, with an emphasis on "shovel-ready" projects and timely availability of credits. Priority will be given to projects in states with high numbers of wetland compliance requests: Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
