USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alabama wants landowners across the state to know the 2020 Agricultural Conservation Easements Program Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP-WRE) sign-up deadline is March 23, 2020. This signup is for farmers, ranchers and private landowners to apply for financial and technical assistance. NRCS is encouraging Alabama producers and private landowners to submit their applications as soon as possible because funding is limited. NRCS provided over $1 million in ACEP-WRE funding to eligible Alabama farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and private landowners in fiscal year 2019.
ACEP-WRE, a voluntary conservation program, promotes water quality through long term protection. This program is available to eligible producers and landowners and offers financial and technical assistance to protect private lands that deliver environmental benefits, such as improved water quality and reduced soil erosion. Eligible land includes cropland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland.
To learn more, visit the Alabama NRCS website or visit your local NRCS office.