Applications are now being accepted for new, landmark conservation initiatives created by the 2014 Farm Bill, which will provide up to $386 million to help farmers restore wetlands, protect working agriculture lands, support outdoor recreation activities and boost the economy.
The Agricultural Conservation Easements Program (ACEP) and the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) were announced this week by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack.
According to NRCS, ACEP consolidates three former easement programs—the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program, the Grassland Reserve Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program.
State and tribal governments are able to increase opportunities for owners and managers of private lands who want to make their land available for public recreation through the competitive grant program, VPA-HIP.
Both programs have application deadlines in early June for fiscal year 2014 funding. More information is available at the USDA service center, the VPA-HIP website or www.grants.gov.