Contact: Roney Gutierrez, 352-338-9502
APPLICATION DEADLINE FEB. 16, 2018
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Dec. 13, 2017 – Applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida are being accepted until Feb. 16.
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). Although applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year.
Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement.
NRCS provides financial assistance to conservation partners for purchasing an Agricultural Land Easement that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland.
Applications are available online. For wetland easements, contact Crenel Francis, 352-338-9508 for questions and submissions. Contact Nina Bhattacharyya, 352-338-9554 for questions and submissions about agricultural land easements.