Agricultural News
NRCS Accepting Applications for Conservation Easements Between Now and January 20, 2017
Thu, 05 Jan 2017 12:15:20 CST
Applications to be considered for 2017 funding in the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to protect critical water resources and wildlife habitat are due January 20, 2017.
Administered by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), ACEP provides financial and technical assistance to help conserve agricultural lands and wetlands and their related benefits.
"Conservation easements are a key component in the voluntary conservation mix that has been so successful in Oklahoma," said Melanie Oliver, NRCS Resource Conservationist. "ACEP empowers landowners to limit land development and protect vital natural resources."
ACEP is comprised of two components, Wetlands Reserve Easements and Agricultural Land Easements.
Wetlands Reserve Easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities. Wetlands easements are available to private landowners and Native American tribes.
Agricultural Land Easements protect the long-term viability of the nation's food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. Native American Tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations are eligible to partner with NRCS in these easements.
To apply for a Wetland Reserve Easement, landowners should contact their local NRCS field office. To apply for an Agricultural Land Easement, entities should review the application process on the NRCS Oklahoma ACEP webpage. All applications are due January 20, 2017.
Source - NRCS/USDA
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