National IRA Funding for Conservation Easements Now Available To Pennsylvania Landowners

(HARRISBURG, PA- October 16, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Pennsylvania has announced funding for landowners interested in restoring, enhancing, and protecting agricultural land and wetlands through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). This year, Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding has provided additional financial opportunities for the program, as agricultural land and wetlands play a critical role in climate mitigation. While NRCS does accept ACEP applications year-round, producers and landowners should apply by November 13, 2023 to be considered for funding in the current cycle.

ACEP provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. ACEP IRA funds are available to purchase both Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and  Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE). ACEP ALE provides partners a cost-match to purchase perpetual easements on working farms. ACEP ALE is administered through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agricultural Land Preservation; the Land Conservancy of Adams County; and the Lancaster Farmland Trust. The ACEP WRE is a program to restore wetlands previously converted for agriculture and provide long-term protection to wetland habitat and services. ACEP WRE restoration and easements are administered directly through  NRCS and the local USDA Service Centers.  

“This is a great opportunity to combat the climate crisis and conserve Pennsylvania’s lands, biodiversity, and natural resources,” said Denise Coleman, NRCS Pennsylvania State Conservationist.

Land protected by Agricultural Land Easements provides additional public benefits, including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat and protection of open space. Wetland Reserve 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.

All new ACEP applications submitted through November 13, 2023 are eligible for consideration for National IRA funding.

To learn more about ACEP and other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCS or contact your local USDA Service Center.