USDA NRCS Launches 2026 Water Bank Program for Upper Midwest Landowners
The USDA NRCS has launched the Water Bank Program in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota with a $2 million budget. This initiative provides 10-year rental agreements to landowners for conservation projects targeting flood-impacted lands, opening avenues for environmental contractors to engage in federal funding opportunities.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture
Key Signals
- USDA NRCS invests $2M in Water Bank Program for land conservation in Upper Midwest.
- Enrollment for Water Bank Program opens April 15 – May 15, 2026, in South Dakota.
- Priority will be given to flood-impacted cropland in conservation applications.
"NRCS will prioritize applications as follows: High 6 Cropland impacted by flooding; Medium 6 Pasture, hay and range lands impacted by flooding; Low 6 Forest and other lands impacted by flooding."
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has initiated enrollment for its Water Bank Program (WBP) for Fiscal Year 2026.
- The program is backed by a $2 million appropriation aimed at conserving wetlands and enhancing environmental quality.
- Enrollment is open from April 15 to May 15, 2026, in South Dakota, with similar dates for Minnesota and North Dakota.
- Priority for agreements will be given to cropland impacted by flooding, followed by pasture and forest land.
- Organizations interested in applying should connect with local USDA Service Centers for compliance and guidance.
- This initiative underscores the government's commitment to environmental conservation and signals future procurement opportunities in natural resource management.
Agencies
- Natural Resources Conservation Service
- United States Department of Agriculture