NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced up to $30 million is available in technical and financial assistance through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) to help conservation partners protect and restore critical wetlands on agricultural lands in Tennessee.

WREP is part of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, a Farm Bill conservation program. Through WREP, states, local units of governments and non-governmental organizations, and American Indian tribes collaborate with NCRS through cooperative and partnership agreements. These partners work with tribal and private landowners with the goal of protecting, restoring and enhancing wetlands on their properties.

 “This is a real boost to those in the agricultural community,” said Katherine Burse, Tennessee State Public Affairs Officer. “Those farmers and rural landowners certainly will benefit from this effort, but at the end of the day everyone benefits.”

Restored wetlands help improve water quality downstream, enhance wildlife habitat, reduce impacts from flooding, and provide recreational benefits.

“This partnership enhances the locally driven process to better address critical wetland functions that progress beyond localities,” said Sheldon Hightower, State Conservationist with the Tennessee Natural Resources