Proposal Would Create Wetland Mitigation Bank for Farmers

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — A proposal under federal review would establish a wetland mitigation credit system for farmers in South Dakota.

The wetland mitigation bank proposal would be a platform for farmers to connect with conservationists to essentially trade wetlands credits. Provisions in the 1985 Farm Bill have meant farmers who drained wetlands would lose eligibility to U.S. Department of Agriculture benefits unless they found a way to mitigate for the loss.

Under the proposal, farmers would drain wetlands on their property and buy credits in the bank to offset the habitat losses.

South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard (DOO'-gahrd) says he's pleased with the work being done toward creating the wetland bank.

The proposal's trading framework is currently being reviewed by federal officials.