 Opportunities for Alaska private landowners to protect wetlands and farmlands through conservation easements
Apply by January 14 with the Natural Resources Conservation Service
PALMER, Alaska – November 2, 2021 –The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Alaska has funding available to help private landowners protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands from future development. This funding is available through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), with the next application deadline coming up on January 14, 2022.
ACEP is open to Alaska Native Tribes and Tribal corporations, state and local governments, individuals, and non-governmental organizations that own privately-owned farmlands, wetlands or grasslands. Through ACEP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to secure easements for both working agricultural lands and for wetlands.
The program has two components: one for Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and one for Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).
Under the ALE component, NRCS provides matching funds to eligible entities to purchase permanent easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of the land. An example of an eligible entity is a land trust. ALE easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses, keeping the land in agriculture for future generations. They support and maximize protection of land devoted to food and fiber production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland are all eligible for ALE. Landowners reserve the right to operate their land as they have done previously.
Under the WRE component, NRCS provides matching funds for the purchase of 30-year or permanent easements and for wetland restoration activities. These easements restore and enhance wetlands and improve habitat for a variety of fish, migratory birds and other wildlife. WRE projects also improve water quality, reduce flood damage, and encourage outdoor education and recreation. Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.
“Conservation easements help ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in Alaska,” said State Conservationist Alan D. McBee. “With continued threats of development to farmlands not just in Alaska but across the nation, this program is of paramount importance to protect agricultural lands and keep them productive for future generations, as well as protecting critical wetland habitats.”
Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the new ACEP final rule and policy. All applicants must ensure their eligibility documentation is current for fiscal year 2022 per the program rules. Only properly completed and executed applications that are submitted on the appropriate forms and accompanied by all required supporting documentation by close of business January 14 will be considered for funding in fiscal year 2022.
Submit completed applications to: Jackie Kragel, Easement Program Manager. Email: Jackie.Kragel@usda.gov. Phone: (907)761-7716.
To learn more about ACEP and the requirements for submitting a complete application, visit the NRCS Alaska ACEP webpage at Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. For additional information on applying for NRCS conservation programs, visit www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted or your local USDA Service Center:
Fairbanks: (907) 479-3159
Kenai: (907) 283-8732
Wasilla: (907) 373-6492
Delta Junction: (907) 895-4241
Homer: (907) 235-8177
Juneau: (907) 586-7220
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