The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
The ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill, funds easements for agricultural lands and wetlands.
Approved agricultural easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses and maximize protection of land devoted to food production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland are eligible.
Wetland reserve easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. Applications are currently being accepted for wetlands reserve easements and will be rated according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife.
“This is the fifth year for the program and an opportunity for even more people to get involved in conserving and protecting our natural resources,” Texas State Conservationist Salvador Salinas said. “We encourage Indian tribes, state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and private landowners to contact their local NRCS office to find out how to apply.”
Applications for a Wetland Reserve Easement and an Agricultural Land Easement through the ACEP are accepted on a continual basis. For fiscal year 2018, Texas will rank applications received before Feb. 15, 2018. Those applications received after this date will be held for funding consideration in fiscal year 2019.
Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers and at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted. Agreements will be offered to approved applicants starting in late August 2018.
The ACEP combines NRCS’ former Farm and Ranch Lands Protection, Grassland Reserve and Wetlands Reserve programs. Since 1995, NRCS conservation easement programs have protected more than 120,000 acres of restored wetlands and working agricultural lands, in Texas.
Learn more about ACEP and other farm bill programs at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov/farmbill.
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