Conservation

Florida Ag Land Conservation Easement Signup Deadline Extended

Dan Florida, USDA-NRCS

florida

The deadline for applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida for 2020 has been extended to April 6. 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 WRE 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 to purchase an ALE that protects the agricultural use of cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland.

For more information contact your local NRCS office.