The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
The program, created under the 2014 Farm Bill, provides funding for the purchase of conservation easements to help productive farm and ranch land remain in agriculture and protect critical wetlands and grasslands.
Nebraska state conservationist Craig Derickson said conservation easements are a good tool to ensure natural resources are conserved and protected.
“We encourage state and local governments, Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations and private landowners to contact their local NRCS office to apply,” he said.
The main goal of ACEP is to prevent productive agricultural land from being converted to non-agricultural uses and toprotect land devoted to food production and wildlife habitat. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland are eligible.
Applications can be submitted at any time, but to be considered for 2016 funding opportunities, applications in most states must be received by Jan. 15. Applications are being accepted for both agricultural land and wetlands reserve easements.
The NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to private and tribal landowners to restore, protect and enhance wetlands through the purchase of conservation easements. Eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Tribal landowners also have the option of enrolling in 30-year contracts.
A key change under the agricultural land easement component is the new “grasslands of special environmental significance” designation that will protect high-quality grasslands that are under threat of conversion to cropping, urban development and other non-grazing uses.
All applications will be rated according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish and other wildlife. Eligible applicants will be compensated with a payment rate comparable to the local land use value.
Applicants will need to provide accurate records of ownership and ensure they have established a record of ownership with the USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Application information is available at local USDA Service Centers and on the NRCS’s website.
“NRCS staff will work with all interested applicants to help them through the application process and provide one-on-one assistance to create the conservation easement that works best for their [respective] farming or ranching operation[s],” Derickson said.
Source: Grand Island (Neb.) Independent