USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida wants to remind landowners that applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida are being accepted until April 25. NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs, the Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).
Through ALE, NRCS provides financial assistance to conservation partners for purchasing an easement that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland.
Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply for a WRE to restore wetlands, protect wildlife habitat and recharge groundwater on their property. Eligible landowners can enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement.
While applications for both are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year. And again, this sign up ends April 25. Learn more at your local NRCS office.