The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that $350 million is available to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands and wetlands across the nation.
The funding is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which protects critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and encourages private owners to maintain land for farming and ranching. Through the voluntary sale of an easement, landowners limit future development to protect these key resources.
ACEP's agricultural land easements not only protect the long-term viability of the nation's food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses, they also support environmental quality, wildlife habitat, historic preservation and protection of open spaces.
Native American tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs are eligible to partner with USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Services to purchase conservation easements.
Wetland reserve easements allow landowners to restore, enhance and protect habitat for wildlife on their lands; reduce damage from flooding; recharge groundwater; and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities.
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Eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Tribal landowners also have the option of enrolling in 30-year contracts.
For more information, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or a local USDA Service Center.
