Missouri gets $2.3 million in wetlands funding from USDA

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) recently won $2.3 million in funding from the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP), provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

"Wetland restoration techniques have improved drastically over the past 25 years," MDC Private Land Services Division Chief Bill White said. "WREP provides a great opportunity to enhance these older sites and restore them in a way that better mimics natural wetland systems. Wetlands that provide diverse water levels and vegetation provide wildlife habitat for a larger suite of waterbirds, including ducks, geese, and shore birds."

The funding, to be provided over the next three years, will go toward landowners of Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) easements, financing their efforts at improving hydrology and wildlife habitats.

"This is a fine example of how we will accomplish much more by working in partnership than any of us would be able to accomplish individually," NRCS State Conservationist J.R. Flores said. "The newer wetlands provide a wide range of benefits to wildlife and the land. NRCS is pleased to be working with landowners and our partners to get more of these wetlands on the land."