News Release

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Applications Due May 31, 2018

News from U.S. Department of Agriculture's
Farm Production and Conservation
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Pacific Islands Area
300 Ala Moana Blvd., #4-118
Honolulu, HI 96850

Honolulu, Hawaii March 21, 2018 – Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

Whether you want to ensure your land is never sold to a developer or improve wetland habitat on your property, there’s a conservation easement for you.  A conservation easement through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) secures your conservation legacy for future generation and protects your land from unwanted uses.  Applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) are due May 31, 2018. The program is open to private landowners, state and local governments, Indian tribes and non-profit groups.

ACEP has two components:

• Wetland Reserve Easements provide funding directly to private landowners for the purchase of a 30-year or permanent easement, and for restoration activities. These easements restore and enhance wetlands which support wildlife, improve water quality and reduce flooding. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.
  
  To apply, private landowners should contact their local USDA Service Center and visit with the NRCS District Conservationist.
   
• Agricultural Land Easements provide funds to eligible entities, such as non-profit conservation groups, to purchase permanent easements that protect the agricultural uses and conservation values of the land. These easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland are all eligible for ALE.
  
  Landowners interested in ALE must work with an eligible entity. Eligible entities must submit applications to the NRCS Pacific Islands Area (PIA) State Office. Additional instructions are available on the NRCS PIA website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/pia/home/.

 

 

 

Douglas R. Maguire, MBA
Public  Affairs  Officer

United States Department of Agriculture
Farm Production and Conservation
Natural Resources Conservation Service
300 Ala Moana Blvd., #4-118
Honolulu, HI  96850
(808) 541-2600
www.pia.nrcs.usda.gov

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