Conservation easement signups begin

Published 1:32 pm Tuesday, April 7, 2015

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Oregon is accepting applications from private landowners, tribes, and eligible businesses and entities to restore and protect working agricultural lands and wetlands through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).

The ACEP contains two separate components: Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE). To be considered for the current round of funding, applications must be submitted to NRCS by May 8 for the WRE component, and by May 15 for the ALE component. Applications are available at local USDA Service Centers and on the Oregon ACEP web page.

Nationally, NRCS is making $332 million in financial and technical assistance available under the ACEP. These dollars will help productive farm and ranch lands remain in agriculture and protect the nation’s critical wetlands and grasslands.

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, but they also support environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open spaces.

To learn more about ACEP and other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit www.or.nrcs.usda.gov.