The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida reminds landowners the deadline to apply for funding of agricultural easements in the state is Thursday, April 25. NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).
Agricultural landowners and Indian tribes can apply forWRE 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 ALE that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland.
While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, this specific batching period for 2019 funding is April 25. For more information, visit your local USDA Service Center or go to the Florida NRCS website at fl.nrcs.usda.gov.