The Enhancing State and Tribal Programs (ESTP) Initiative is built upon a framework of 4 Core Elements that are basic program functions that form the foundation of wetlands management and protection in a state or tribe. The ESTP and Core Elements Framework (CEF) were designed for states and tribes to develop Wetland Program Plans (WPP). 

Wetland Program Plans are voluntary plans developed and implemented by state agencies and tribes which articulate what these entities want to accomplish with their wetland programs over time. The WPPs describe overall program goals along with broad-based actions and more specific activities that will help achieve these goals.  

The 4 Core Elements of the CEF are:

• Monitoring and Assessment
• Regulation
• Voluntary Restoration and Protection
• Water Quality Standards for Wetlands

For complete information about the CEF, see the Core Elements of an Effective State and Tribal Wetlands Program.

Purpose of Plans

Wetland Program Plans (WPPs) are voluntary plans developed and implemented by state agencies and tribes which articulate what these entities want to accomplish with their wetland programs over time. WPPs describe overall program goals along with broad-based actions and more specific activities that will help achieve the goals. Timelines for the WPPs vary between 3-6 years, with more specific timeframes typically associated with the Plan actions/activities.

Existing Wetland Program Plans

EPA Regional offices review WPPs, and plans that have been approved by EPA are published on this Web page. The link below includes the name of the state agency(ies) or tribe that developed the WPP, a link to the WPP itself, the years covered by the WPP, and the wetland program Core Elements covered by the WPP.

Further details about WPP content and submission, review, and approval process can be found in an October 2009 EPA memorandum (PDF) . WPPs must be generally consistent with the Wetland Program Core Elements Framework.

EPA strongly encourages local governments, universities, nonprofit organizations, and other parties interested in wetland program development to review the WPPs listed here. Parties who are interested and able to collaborate with a state/tribe in carrying out the actions articulated in its WPP, or are otherwise interested in connecting their own wetland work with that of a particular state or tribal WPP, are encouraged to contact the individuals listed below.

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See State and Tribal Wetland Program Plans for information about specific state and tribal plans.