Conservation

Florida NRCS Announces 2021 Agricultural Conservation Easement Signup

Dan Conservation, Environment, Florida, USDA-NRCS

florida

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Florida has announced that applications to fund agricultural easements in Florida are being accepted until Feb. 12. NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to conserve working lands and wetlands through two programs: Agricultural Land Easements and Wetland Reserve Easements.

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.

While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, funding selections are typically made once a year, and applications for 2021 funding are now being accepted.

Applications are available on the Florida NRCS website. For more information, contact your local USDA Service center or Crenel Francis at 352-338-9508 for questions and submissions.