Source: USDA'S NRCS, 10/1/19

In response to recent flooding impacting many parts of North Carolina, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced the availability of funding conservation easements on agricultural lands damaged by flooding and other natural disasters. Funds are made available through the floodplain easement component of the Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWPP-FPE).  In May of 2019, NRCS promoted the program and received letters of interest from potential applicants. NRCS is currently working with those individuals to apply for current available funding under the program. All additional landowners interested in the EWP-FPE have until October 25, 2019, to apply. 

“Landowners across the United States have faced—and continue to face—significant challenges from flooding and natural disasters,” said NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr. “To provide relief and assist agricultural landowners during this difficult time, this easement program offers an option that alleviates the stress of operating in a floodplain while still retaining ownership of their property.”

The EWPP-FPE program is a voluntary program through which eligible applicants agree to sell a permanent conservation easement to the United States through NRCS. Compensation is based on the value of the easement as determined by an appraisal or market analysis. These easements may occur on private agricultural land damaged by flooding and natural disasters. NRCS will work to restore the easement to its natural floodplain condition.

NRCS is encouraging individuals that may wish to participant in the future to contact the program state program coordinator about future funding potential. Application deadline October 25, 2019

Property owners interested in applying for EWPP-FPE can review program information on the North Carolina EWP_FPE. If you have any questions, please contact North Carolina Easement Program Coordinator, 919-873-2160 (phone) or Brian.Loadholt@usda.gov.