The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has partnered with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in support of the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem restoration as a result of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.
The new partnership will significantly expand conservation efforts with private landowners and operators who might not otherwise be eligible to participate in existing recovery programs. The partnership will begin with a $20 million investment from NFWF, matched by a $20 million investment from NRCS. Additional commitments of up to $30 million from each partner are possible over the next four years, according to the USDA.
Conservation projects will enhance existing recovery efforts in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi and Texas with potential projects of wetlands, stream and riparian, farm and ranch land protection such as improving soil health, implementing no-till farming and enhancing wildlife habitat.
More information on the projects will be available through NRCS in the five Gulf of Mexico states.