NRCS Washington announces application batching deadline for agricultural land easements
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. (Dec. 17, 2021) – The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Washington is currently accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easements Program-Agricultural Lands Easement (ACEP-ALE). Applications must be submitted by close of business Feb. 25, 2022 to be considered for fiscal year 2022 funding.
Through ACEP-ALE, the Natural Resources Conservation Service provides funds to eligible entities so they can purchase permanent easements that protect the agricultural use and conservation value of the land.
These easements prevent productive working lands from being converted to non-agricultural uses, while supporting and maximizing the protection of land devoted to food and fiber production. Cropland, rangeland, grassland, pastureland and non-industrial private forestland are all eligible for ACEP-ALE.
“We made great strides in our ACEP efforts last year, awarding more than $1.1 million dollars across six contracts covering more than 3,000 acres across Washington," said Roylene Comes At Night, NRCS-Washington State Conservationist. "We're excited to continue our momentum and increase our efforts in this program in Fiscal Year 2022.”
Easement priority areas in Washington include critical threatened and endangered species, sage grouse habitat, grasslands, and more. NRCS will rank applications for funding consideration based on identified natural resource concerns and priority areas throughout the state.
Learn more about ACEP-ALE opportunities and how to apply in Washington by visiting the NRCS Washington ACEP ALE webpage.
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