The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Georgia (NRCS-GA) has announced a sign-up for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) for fiscal year 2025. To be considered for the upcoming fiscal year’s funding pool, applications must be submitted by October 25, 2024.
“ACEP is an effective tool for landowners and eligible entities to conserve, restore and protect our nation’s wetlands, productive agricultural lands and grasslands,” said Georgia State Conservationist Terrance O. Rudolph. “NRCS is honored to be trusted by our customers to help them make long term conservation goals a reality while protecting our nation’s stewardship goals at the same time.”
The ACEP is a program that has two components, Wetlands Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE).
ACEP-WRE applications are accepted directly from producers and landowners on eligible lands. These easements will restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat. Eligible lands include farmed wetlands and degraded 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. Those eligible entities will submit applications to NRCS on behalf of producers and landowners 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.
All applications must be submitted to NRCS-GA by October 25, 2024. Conservation program applications are available at your local USDA Service Center or on their Application and Forms web page.