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Wetlands Protection and Restoration

  • America's Wetlands

    Wetlands are areas where water covers soil all or part of the time. Wetlands are important because they protect and improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitats, store floodwaters and maintain surface water flow during dry periods.

  • Notice of Funding Opportunity for Tribes

    Tribal Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) assist tribal governments and intertribal consortia to develop or refine tribal programs which protect, manage, and restore wetlands. EPA is soliciting applications  for Tribal WPDGs, and applications are due October 1, 2024 by 11:59 PM ET.

    Tribal WPDGs
  • Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grants

    The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration grant program seeks to develop nationwide community stewardship of local natural resources, preserving these resources for future generations and enhancing habitat for local wildlife. The 2025 Request for Proposals has been released, and full proposals are due by January 30, 2025 by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

    Learn more and apply here.

America's Wetlands

Wetlands are areas where water covers soil all or part of the time. Wetlands are important because they protect and improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitats, store floodwaters and maintain surface water flow during dry periods.

stock image of a wetland on a foggy morning

Wetland Program Development Grants

The EPA and other federal agencies have various sources of funding that can be used to support state, territory and Tribal programs.

  • Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs)
  • How to Apply for EPA Grants

Learn more about other federal funding for wetlands.

Technical Assistance for Wetland Programs

The EPA provides technical support for state, territory, and Tribal wetland programs. 

  • Core Elements Framework
  • Wetland Program Plans

About Wetlands

  • What is a Wetland?
    • Types of Wetlands
    • What are the Functions of Wetland?
  • Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters: A Review and Synthesis of the Scientific Evidence (PDF) (2015)
  • Monitoring and Assessment
    • Status and Trends of Wetlands in the U.S.
    • National Wetland Condition Assessment
      • National Aquatic Resource Surveys
  • Wetlands Materials for Students and Teachers
  • The Convention on Wetlands
  • Migratory Bird Initiatives
  • Regulations Affecting Wetlands
  • Wetland Restoration
    • Constructed Wetlands
    • Voluntary Wetland Restoration
  • Wetland Program Plans and Other Wetland Resources
  • Other Programs for Protecting Wetlands

    stock image of wildflowers in the foreground of a wetland

    The protection of wetlands is supported by various Clean Water Act programs and the EPA's initiatives.

    Learn about the EPA's Programs Protecting Wetlands
  • Efforts for Wetlands Within the EPA Regions

    stock image of hydrophytic vegetation in a wetland

    Find more on the EPA's efforts for wetlands protection and restoration through case studies from the EPA's 10 Regions.

    More on Efforts for Wetlands Within the EPA Regions
  • Press Releases

    scenic rainbow on the coast

    Read the latest updates on the EPA's technical and financial assistance to state, territory and Tribal wetlands programs.

    See more
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on May 1, 2025
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