# USDA Invests in Wetlands Restoration

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is allocating **$5 million** to fund partnerships that assist agricultural producers and private landowners in restoring and protecting wetlands and floodplains on agricultural lands through conservation easements. Applications for this funding opportunity are due by **November 19, 2026**, with awards expected by **February 2027**. This initiative supports environmental conservation efforts that improve water quality, reduce flooding risks, and promote sustainable land stewardship.

- This funding opportunity is relevant for non-federal entities engaged in agricultural land conservation, environmental restoration, and natural resource management.
- Procurement professionals should prepare proposals that demonstrate effective partnership models and conservation strategies aligned with NRCS priorities.
- The timeline requires submission by mid-November 2026, enabling organizations to plan accordingly for application development and resource allocation.
- This investment signals USDA's continued commitment to leveraging partnerships for landscape-scale conservation outcomes, presenting ongoing opportunities in environmental stewardship contracts.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Environment
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 26, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

### Key Quotes
> Producers and landowners know their land better than anyone, and these partnerships give them extra support to do what they’re already committed to — protecting their fields, keeping water clean, reducing flooding, and building a stronger future for their operations and their communities.
> — Colton L. Buckley, NRCS Chief

### Sources
- [USDA to Invest $5 Million to Help Partners and Producers Restore and Protect Wetlands and Floodplains on Agricultural Lands | Natural Resources Conservation Service](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/emergency-watershed-protection/news/usda-to-invest-5-million-to-help-partners) - USDA