Source: USDA NRCS, 4/16/15

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is now accepting applications from North Carolina landowners and entities (governmental and non-governmental groups) interested in protecting the state's wetlands and working farms through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).  

This signup is for both the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) components of this 2014 Farm Bill program. Applications are accepted on a continual basis, but NRCS encourages eligible Landowners (applying for ALE) and entities (applying for WRE) to apply on or before May 18, 2015, to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2015.

ALE focuses on saving productive crop, grass, pasture, and nonindustrial private forestland from conversion to non-agricultural uses. Eligible partners include state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland or grassland protection programs. Under the ALE, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement. Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

WRE applicants must have farm records established with USDA's Farm Service Agency and the land must have been owned for two years. Eligible land includes farmed wetlands that can be successfully and economically restored; former or degraded wetlands with a history of agricultural use; wetlands farmed under natural conditions; and “prior-converted” cropland converted on or before December 23, 1985. CRP land established with trees may also be eligible for enrollment through a waiver process.
Landowners have two options under WRE:

• Permanent Easements – NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays up to 100 percent of the restoration costs.
• 30-Year Easements – NRCS pays the landowner 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement and 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.

For more information on ACEP, the components and applying for the program, please contact your NRCS field office today, or visit our easements page on our state USDA-NRCS website at www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov.