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The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Alabama (NRCS-AL) has announced the deadline for the Fiscal Year 2025 Farm Bill Easement signup through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is October 4, 2024. A second signup deadline is set for December 20, 2024, if funds remain after the initial period.
The programs available through ACEP-are the Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE).
ACEP-WRE 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 and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities. Land eligible for wetland reserve easements include farmed or converted wetland that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored. NRCS will prioritize applications based the easement’s potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.
ACEP-ALE applications are accepted from eligible entities only. 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.
While applications for ACEP are continuously accepted, the selection process for funding occurs periodically through batching periods that have specific cutoff dates. Applications received after October 4, 2025 will be held and considered under the second application batching date of December 20, 2024, pending the availability of funds. Conservation program applications are available through NRCS-AL at your local USDA Service Center and at their Application and Forms web page.