North Dakota NRCS Announces Application Deadline for the Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
Applications due by Friday, November 4, 2022
BISMARCK, ND, October 5, 2022 – North Dakota State Conservationist, Mary Podoll, announced FY2023 Agriculture Conservation Easement Program applications are due by Friday, November 4, 2022. All applications submitted by close of business will be considered for funding in fiscal year 2023.
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) is a voluntary program which provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits. Under the Agricultural Land Easements component, NRCS helps Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations protect working agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. Under the Wetlands Reserve Easements component, NRCS helps to restore, protect and enhance enrolled wetlands.
Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. 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.
To find out more about EQIP or to complete an application, please visit your local NRCS service center or visit our website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs.
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