Catalog of Environmental Programs 2012
| Federal agencies that contribute to EPA's environmental goals, and how they make a difference. |
the Catalog |
All Programs |
Programs by EPA Strategic Goal 1. Climate Change and Improving Air Quality 2. Protecting America's Waters 3. Cleaning Up and Sustainable Development 4. Safety of Chemicals and Preventing Pollution |
Programs by Agency AID, ARC, CNCS, CPSC, CSB, DHS, DOC, DOD, DOE, DOI, DOJ, DOL, DOS, DOT, ED, FHFA, GSA, HHS, HUD, NASA, NRC, NSF, OSTP, SBA, TVA, USDA, USPS, USTR, VA |
Department of Agriculture |
EPA Goal 2: Protecting America’s Waters |
Water Bank Program
Purpose
In fiscal year (FY) 2012, Congress appropriated $7.5 million to fund the Water Bank
Program (WBP) and National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is opening enrollment
into the program in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The purposes of WBP include:
1. preserving and improving major wetlands as habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wildlife
2. conserving surface waters
3. reducing soil and wind erosion
4. contributing to flood control
5. improving water quality
6. improving subsurface moisture
7. enhancing the natural beauty of the landscape
The intent of WBP is to keep water on the land for the benefit of migratory wildlife such as waterfowl.
Landowners and operators can sign new 10-year rental agreements to protect wetlands and provide
wildlife habitat. Landowners receive annual payments for conserving and protecting wetlands and
adjacent lands from adverse land uses and activities, such as drainage, that would destroy the
wetland characteristics of those lands.
Source(s) of Information
1. USDA: Water Bank Program
Related EPA Program(s)
Wetlands:
Regulatory and non-regulatory efforts to protect and restore wetlands and riparian habitat. EPA’s Wetlands Protection Program relies
on partnerships with other programs within EPA, other Federal agencies, state, tribal, and local governments, private landowners,
and the general public to improve protection of our nation’s valuable wetlands resources. Working with partners, EPA ensures a
sound and consistent approach to wetlands protection. Major activities include administration of EPA s role in the Section
404 program; development and dissemination of rules, guidance, informational and scientific tools to improve management
and public understanding of wetlands programs and legal requirements; and managing financial assistance to states and
tribes to support development of strong wetlands protection programs.
Authorizing Legislation
• Clean Water Act, sections 104 and 404
Other Programs under Goal 2
Other Programs from USDA
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