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Protect Maine’s Wetlands: Apply for Wetland Reserve Easement assistance by Dec. 6

Public encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible for consideration for FY 2025
Publish Date
A landowner in Chippewa County, Wisconsin worked with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Chippewa County Land Conservation and Forest Management (LCFM) to restore a wetland area and create a riparian buffer.

While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, landowners who wish to receive ACEP-WRE funding for Fiscal Year 2025 should apply by Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

BANGOR (Nov. 12, 2024) – The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting applications until Dec. 6, 2024, for one of its signature programs to assist landowners who wish to protect, restore, and enhance vital wetland habitats on their property.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE) program provides financial and technical assistance to landowners who seek easements to: provide habitat for migratory waterfowl and other wetland dependent wildlife, including threatened and endangered species; improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals; reduce flooding; recharge groundwater; protect biological diversity; provide resilience to climate change; and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

“Wetlands are critical to the health of Maine’s environment and economy,” NRCS-Maine State Conservation Matt Walker explained. “Whether it is a wooded swamp or a vernal pool, wetlands are vitally important to the people and wildlife that call Maine home. We encourage any landowners, from Caribou to Kittery, to contact your local USDA Service Center and ask an NRCS specialist if a Wetland Reserve Easement is right for your property.”

While applications are accepted on a continuous basis, landowners who wish to receive ACEP-WRE funding for Fiscal Year 2025 should apply by Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

Why Protect Wetlands?
They provide numerous benefits, including:
• Water Quality: Wetlands filter pollutants and excess nutrients, improving water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes.
• Flood Prevention: Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing excess rainfall and reducing the risk of floods.
• Wildlife Habitat: Wetlands provide essential habitat for a wide variety of fish, wildlife, and plants, including many threatened and endangered species.
• Recreation and Education: Wetlands offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

Program Objectives:
ACEP-WRE helps landowners restore and protect wetlands by:
• Purchasing conservation easements: NRCS provides financial assistance to purchase easements on eligible wetlands.
• Restoring wetland hydrology and vegetation: NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to restore degraded wetlands.
• Providing long-term protection: Easements ensure the permanent protection of wetlands.

Landowner Eligibility:
• Landowners must have owned the land for at least 24 months.
• Landowners must be citizens of the United States or legal residents.
• Landowners must be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions.

Land Eligibility:
• Land must be privately owned.
• Land must contain eligible wetland types, such as those listed above.
• Land must have restoration potential.
• Land must not be currently enrolled in another easement program.

How to Apply:
Contact your local NRCS-Maine field office to learn more and apply for ACEP-WRE. For program specific questions call or email Easement Specialist Abby Stepanauskas at (603) 757-3649 or abby.stepanaukas@usda.gov.

Don't miss this opportunity to protect Maine's wetlands for future generations!

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