What You Can Do for Voluntary Wetland Restoration and Protection

Steps You Can Take

• Develop a State or Tribal Wetland Program Plan, a plan for states and tribes to outline activities and goals for their wetland programs.
  • Review existing wetland program plans
  • Get technical assistance
  • Increase competitiveness in applying for grants
• Apply for a Wetland Program Development Grant, to promote coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, and surveys and studies.
  • Learn from previous grantees
  • Apply for a grant
• Engage in Peer-to-Peer Information Networks, including webinars, listservs, and conferences.
  • Learn from the National Association of Wetland Managers
  • Learn from the Society of Wetland Scientists
  • Attend state, local, and regional conferences

• Apply for a Five-Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant, to fund community-based restoration projects, including partnerships, measurable benefits, education, and on-the-ground restoration.
  • Learn from previous grantees
  • Apply for a grant
• Learn about Protecting and Restoring Wetlands on Your Land, including landowner and entity acquired easements.
  • Learn about restoration on private land
    • Land Trust Organizations - Land Trust Alliance
    • Bird Organizations - Ducks Unlimited, American Bird Conservancy, the Audubon Society, Cornell Bird Lab.
  • Seek technical assistance
• Monitor Restoration Progress, including tracking progress over time, documenting results, and modifying practices.
  • Develop a state and tribe monitoring program
  • Learn about voluntary monitoring
  • Learn about the health of our nation’s wetlands through EPA’s National Wetland Condition Assessment
• Celebrate Successes, including within the voluntary wetlands community of practice and with the public.
  • Participate in American Wetlands Month in May
  • Share success stories with EPA and the National Association of Wetland Managers
• Incorporate Wetland Restoration into Planning Documents, including Comprehensive Plans, Hazard Mitigation Plans, Climate Action Plans, and Stormwater Management Plans.
  • Apply for financial assistance from programs supporting these Plans goals.
  • Contact EPA’s Voluntary Wetlands Program for support
• Conduct Outreach and Information Campaigns, including campaigns focused on informing decision makers and the public.
  • Learn about voluntary wetlands key audiences
• Prioritize and Conduct Restoration, including removing invasive species or changing cultivation and agricultural practices.
  • Learn about voluntary wetlands science

How do other Federal Agencies Fit In?

Voluntary wetlands restoration is a growing collaboration across the federal family. Different agencies have a variety of authorities and responsibilities. Federal agencies with key roles include USACE, NOAA, USFWS, USDA, US DOD, DOI, USFS and USDOT. Generally, these various agencies administer different Acts or other legislation that stipulate the protection for various aspects of wetlands (e.g., specific wildlife). For instance, the Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and North American Wetlands Conservation Act all concern voluntary wetlands restoration, but focus on distinct aspects of the ecosystem.