Florida agricultural landowners are being reminded that Friday, May 31st is the application deadline for those interested in protecting the integrity of their property with a conservation easement.
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida (NRCS-FL) is accepting applications for the ACEP Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) during an additional signup period that runs through May 31, 2024. While NRCS does accept agricultural conservation easement applications year-round, these applications are for Fiscal Year 2024 funding, thus any received after that date will be considered for the following fiscal year.
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect agricultural uses and conservation values. Under the WRE component, landowners may apply directly to NRCS for a conservation easement to restore wetlands impacted by agriculture.
Wetland Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity, provide resilience to climate change, and provide opportunities for limited recreational activities.
For more information, contact NRCS at your local USDA Service Center, or contact Crenel Francis, Natural Resource Specialist, at (352) 538-3937 or crenel.francis@usda.gov.