SALINA, KANSAS, August 22, 2025. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the Statewide funding deadlines for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Kansas landowners and eligible entities may apply at any time, but to be considered for FY 2026 funding opportunities, applications must be received by the following date and time:

• By 4 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on Friday, December 5, 2025 – Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE). 

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers funding for the purchase of conservation easements to help retain productive farm and ranch lands in agricultural use, and to restore, enhance, and protect critical wetlands.  There are two voluntary components under ACEP, each with a different purpose. 

• ACEP–ALE assists landowners and entities with establishing an easement on agricultural land to prevent the conversion of productive croplands and grasslands to non-

agricultural uses.   

• ACEP–WRE restores wetlands to provide habitat for wildlife (priority species), improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and protect biological diversity.

For ACEP–WRE, Kansas NRCS is prioritizing eligible lands that:   

• Are high in organic carbon; or
• geographically specific priorities,
• including playa wetlands and grasslands. 

Eligible landowners may enroll in a permanent easement or a 30-year easement. Tribal landowners have the option of enrolling land in a 30-year contract.

NRCS and Partners provide one-on-one assistance to the landowner(s) to identify a conservation easement that works best for farming or ranching operations.  Please contact your local Kansas NRCS office to ensure you receive guidance on the correct application process.

“Conservation easements offer a multitude of advantages to Kansans, encompassing the safeguarding of open landscapes, wildlife habitats, and wetlands, as well as the restoration and preservation of vital natural resources,” stated David S. Doctorian, State Conservationist.   “We invite private landowners, Tribal entities, and non-governmental organizations to reach out to their NRCS State Office via email at SM.FPAC.KS.Easement.Acquisition@usda.gov for more information on the application process.”  

All ACEP–WRE applications are ranked according to the potential for protecting, restoring and enhancing wetlands.  Compensation is based on the lowest individual land appraisal, the established Geographic Area Rate Cap [GARC] for Kansas, or landowner offer.  The GARC rates are posted on the ACEP-WRE Section of the Kansas NRCS website.  The ACEP–ALE conservation easements federal share is determined by a before-and-after appraisal completed on the property.

It is important that applicants provide accurate records of ownership to USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA).  All landowners must work with their local FSA office to ensure that all required documents are filed (including Form CCC–902, Farm Operating Plan, as well as the adjusted gross income and conservation compliance forms) before 4 p.m., CST, Friday, January 23, 2026. 

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

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