Frequently Asked Questions

What is the National Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership? The National Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership (CWRP) is a voluntary public-private partnership to restore degraded freshwater and saltwater wetlands and other aquatic habitats in the U.S.

Who are the partners? CWRP Partners include private industry, the federal office of the Coastal America Partnership (representing 12 federal departments and agencies), state agencies, non-profit organizations, and academia.

How will CWRP work? CWRP will manage industry contributions of funds or services to restore wetland sites that have been degraded by fill, restricted water supply, and non-point source pollution. Industry contributions generally will be matched by federal/state funds on an average 4:1 ratio.

What are the partnership's goals? CWRP will be a major contributor toward the nation's restoration goal of 100,000 wetland acres annually.

Is this a nationwide program? At present, CWRP is in all states in Coastal America; this includes New England, the Atlantic and Pacific Coast states, Gulf Coast, the Great Lakes Region, Alaska, and Hawaii. Plans are underway to expand the program to interior states in the Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions.

What are the benefits to companies from joining CWRP?

• Identification with highly visible projects with significant environmental returns
• Public recognition for community involvement
• Positive PR from media coverage of projects, awards, recognition events
• Improved communications with government agencies, community groups, and environmental non-profits

Who will manage the partnership? The Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership operates as a private sector initiative, working with the Coastal America Partnership and state agencies. In each state, the lead corporate partner, working with the lead state agency, will form an advisory committee including representatives of private industry, government, and non-profit groups. The advisory committee will oversee the CWRP and assign day-to-day management to the appropriate organization.

Are the contributions held by the state? Contributions will be placed in an account created for CWRP by a participating private foundation or state trust fund.

How will funds be disbursed? The CWRP advisory board in each state will disburse funds for approved projects.

What are contributions used for? Contributions are used to fund restoration projects.

What types of projects are eligible for CWRP funding? All types of wetlands and other aquatic habitats. Some examples include saltmarsh, rivers, lakes and ponds, dam removal, and coral reef restoration. Project work may include fill removal, channel clearing and enlarging, fish passage construction, replanting

Is CWRP an enforcement program? No. Participation in the CWRP is strictly voluntary and flexible. It is not regulatory-driven; it is not involved with enforcement or mitigation.

Where did the CWRP originate? The Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership was established in Massachusetts in 1999 by The Gillette Company, the Mass. Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, and the U.S. EPA. In January 2000, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) announced the expansion of the Partnership region-wide in the New England Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. The individual state and regional Partnerships are part of the National Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership.

How much do companies have to contribute? Contributions may be in funds or in-kind services. Contributions are made over a 3-5 year period, to match project times. There are no pre-set contribution requirements. The CWRP is designed to attract large and small companies. Contribution amounts will be kept confidential.

How are projects selected? Projects may be selected from a list of projects already approved by Coastal America as eligible for federal funding. Or companies may select their own projects, with approval from the state CWRP advisory board.

Can companies choose which projects to fund? Yes. Companies can work with state advisory boards to select projects.

Will companies receive on-site recognition? Yes. Companies sponsoring projects will be recognized in on-site signage during construction and permanently upon completion.