Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Delaware are home to programs that fund wetland restoration and planners who are trained to guide you through the restoration process.

Funding Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is the largest funder of wetland restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Working through the Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency, the USDA manages conservation easements, cost share programs and financial assistance programs. State agencies and nonprofit organizations also use loans and grants to help landowners restore wetlands on their property.

Types of Funding Programs

Conservation Easement

A legal agreement that a land owner makes to restrict the type and amount of development that may take place on his or her property.

Cost-share

Part of the restoration costs are covered by the landowner, and part of the costs are covered by the funding agency.

Financial assistance

Cash is offered to compensate the landowner for successfully installing conservation practices.

Loan

Money is lent by one or more individuals, organizations, and/or other entities to other individuals, organizations etc.

Grants

Non-repayable funds or products disbursed or gifted by one party (grant makers) to a recipient.

Wetland Planners

Federal agencies, state agencies and nonprofit organizations employ wetland planners to help you determine your eligibility for a funding program, find the funding program that will be the best fit for you and fill out program applications. Some planners can even arrange a visit to a local restoration project so you can see what a restored wetland looks like on the ground.