USDA invests $1.5B in conservation projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., announced $1.5 billion in funding for 92 conservation projects under the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. These projects, supported by $968 million in partner contributions, aim to address critical natural resource challenges, from water conservation to wildlife habitat restoration, while helping agricultural producers adapt to climate pressures. 

“This is public-private partnership at its best,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Thanks to the boost in funding from the Biden-Harris administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, we’re able to invest even more in this popular and important program, supporting our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners while protecting our natural resources for the future.” 

Projects include initiatives to reduce methane emissions, restore native grasslands and conserve water resources in drought-affected areas. Sixteen projects focus on Western water conservation, while 42 promote wildlife habitat restoration. 

John Podesta, senior advisor to the president for international climate policy, highlighted the role of working lands in addressing climate challenges. “America’s working lands and forests are crucial in our fight against the climate crisis,” Podesta said. “Today’s awards make sure that the people who know those landscapes best — farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners — have the resources they need to lead this important work.” 

The USDA has also allocated $100 million for Tribal-led projects, funding efforts such as the InterTribal Buffalo Council’s work to restore grasslands using buffalo conservation practices across 83 Tribal nations. Other notable projects include the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms and the Arizona Association of Conservation Districts’ work on agricultural conservation easements addressing drought and wildfire risks. 

Since its inception, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program has invested more than $4 billion in conservation efforts, matched by $4 billion from partners. This latest round of funding is one of the program’s largest investments to date. 

Learn more about the awarded projects and their impact on agriculture and conservation.