USDA-NRCS Announces Application Deadline Established for Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) in Kansas

SALINA, KANSAS, December 3, 2024 ‒ United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing statewide funding deadlines for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Kansas landowners and eligible entities may apply at any time, but applications must be received by the following dates to be considered for FY 2025 funding opportunities,:

• Friday, December 20, 2024 – Applications for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) Agricultural Land Easements (ALE).
• Friday, January 3, 2025 – Applications for General WRE-ALE.

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, ACEP offers funding for the purchase of conservation easements. These purchases are intended to help retain productive farm and ranch lands for agricultural use and to reestablish and protect critical wetlands. There are two voluntary programs under ACEP, each with a different application process. Please contact your local NRCS office to ensure you receive guidance on the correct application process.

• ACEP–ALE creates 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 (including threatened and endangered species), improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater and protect biological diversity.

Eligible landowners may choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement. Tribal landowners have the option of enrolling in 30-year contracts.

NRCS and Partners provide one-on-one assistance to create a conservation easement that works best for the farming or ranching operation. Please contact your local NRCS office for specific information regarding an application.

“Conservation easements provide many public benefits to Kansans, including the protection of open spaces, wildlife habitat, and wetland restoration and protection,” David Doctorian, State Conservationist for Kansas NRCS said. “We encourage private landowners, Tribes, and non-governmental organizations to contact their local NRCS office to apply.”

All ACEP–WRE applications are ranked according to the potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. Compensation with a payment rate is based on an individual land appraisal, established Geographic Area Rate Cap (GARC), or landowner offer, whichever is less. The GARC rates are posted on the ACEP Section of the Kansas NRCS website. The ACEP–ALE conservation easements payment is determined by an 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 to ensure all required documents are filed including CCC–902, Farm Operating Plan, adjusted gross income and conservation compliance forms.

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

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