Apply by March 5 for wetlands and farmlands easements funding
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Delaware is now accepting applications from landowners and groups interested in restoring and protecting wetlands and conserving working farms through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
This signup includes both the Wetland Reserve Easement and Agricultural Land Easement components of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, which compensates landowners for enrolling their land in easements. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis; however, the deadline to apply in order to be considered for fiscal year 2021 funding is Friday, March 5.
“Our easement program provides resources for Delaware producers to protect their agricultural lands from development, and restore and return beneficial wetlands to their natural conditions,” said Kasey Taylor, Delaware NRCS state conservationist.
The ACEP Wetland Reserve Easements component restores and enhances wetlands in order to provide habitat for wildlife, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater and more.
NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to private and tribal landowners. Eligible landowners may choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement.
A Landowner’s Guide to ACEP: Wetland Reserve Easements provides a detailed overview of the program and enrollment process. It is available online at nrcs.usda.gov. For ACEP Wetlands Reserve Easement applications, go to nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.
The ACEP Agricultural Land Easement component protects the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive croplands and grasslands to non-agricultural uses. Eligible partners include state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. The ALE conservation easements payment is determined by an appraisal completed on the property.
For more information, call the USDA Service Center in Sussex County at 302-856-3990, Ext. 3.
