The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS in GA) wants to remind landowners and eligible entities that applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2024 must be submitted by October 6, 2023.
The ACEP, created through the 2014 Farm Bill and reauthorized in the 2018 Farm Bill, is a program that has two components, known as Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE).
ACEP-WRE applications are accepted directly from producers on eligible lands. These easements will restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed, prior converted or forested wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. Applications will be ranked according to the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife.
Applications for the ACEP-ALE are accepted from eligible entities only. These eligible entities may submit proposals to NRCS to acquire a conservation easement on eligible agricultural land. NRCS does not accept applications for ACEP-ALE directly from producers. Producers will need to work with an eligible entity to pursue funding for an ACEP-ALE conservation easement. Some examples of eligible entities include Land Trusts and Land Conservancies. Land types that could be eligible for ACEP-ALE include cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and nonindustrial private forestland with prime and statewide important soils.
Conservation program applications are available at your local USDA Service Center. More information can also be found at on the Georgia NRCS website.