Contact:
Scott Crockett, State Resources Conservationist
PALMER, February 21, 2020 – Thanks to funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), opportunities are available to protect Alaska’s farmlands, grasslands and wetlands through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Native American Tribes, state and local governments, and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs are eligible to partner with NRCS to purchase conservation easements on private lands. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact their local NRCS office for more information.
Applications for ACEP may be submitted at any time; however applicants wishing to be considered for this year’s funding must submit applications to the NRCS State Office by 4:00 p.m. on March 27.
ACEP helps restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible lands; protect the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land by limiting nonagricultural uses of that land that negatively affect the agricultural uses and conservation values; and protect grazing uses and related conservation values by restoring or conserving eligible land.
"We are excited to offer another year of funding for long-term conservation easements on farm and ranch lands in Alaska,” said NRCS State Conservationist Alan McBee. “Conservation easements help ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in this state and across the country.”
Through ACEP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to secure easements for both working agricultural lands and for wetlands. The program has two components: one for Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and one for Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).
Under the ALE component, NRCS provides matching funds to eligible entities to purchase permanent easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of the land. These easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses, keeping the land in agriculture for future generations. They support and maximize protection of land devoted to food and fiber production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland are all eligible for ALE.
Under the WRE component, NRCS provides matching funds for the purchase of 30-year or permanent easements and for wetland restoration activities. These easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat for a variety of fish, migratory birds and other wildlife. WRE projects also improve water quality, reduce flood damage, and encourage outdoor education and recreation. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.
Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the new ACEP interim rule and policy. All applicants must ensure their eligibility documentation is current for fiscal year 2020 and compliant with the new ACEP interim rule and policy requirements as published in the 2018 Farm Bill.
Applications must be properly completed, submitted on the appropriate forms, and accompanied by all required supporting documentation by close of business March 27 to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2020.
To learn more about ACEP and the requirements for submitting a complete application, visit the NRCS Alaska ACEP web-page at Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. For additional information on applying for NRCS conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or your local USDA Service Center:
- Fairbanks: (907) 479-3159
- Kenai: (907) 283-8732
- Wasilla: (907) 373-6492
- Delta Junction: (907) 859-4241
- Homer: (907) 235-8177
- Juneau: (907) 586-7220.
NRCS employees provide technical assistance based on sound science and suited to a customer's specific needs. NRCS provides financial assistance for many conservation activities. Participation in programs is voluntary and non-regulatory. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).
