COLUMBUS, Ohio — The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Ohio is announcing batching periods for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to utilize Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding. Applications are being accepted for both components of ACEP, the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) program and the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) program.
In fiscal year 2025, two batching periods will be utilized for IRA-ACEP. The first application cut-off is October 4, 2024, and the second application cut-off is December 20, 2024. All those interested in applying for ACEP utilizing IRA funds are encouraged to submit an application prior to the end of the batching period to be considered for funding in fiscal year 2025.
NRCS participates in funding two types of conservation easements: the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) component helps prevent farmland and nonindustrial forestland from being converted to nonagricultural uses, and the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) component helps restore farmed or converted wetlands that were previously degraded due to agricultural uses. Eligible applicants may be entities such as state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations with farmland protection programs that will serve as easement holders.
Priority for Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) will be given to agricultural lands that are under the greatest threat of conversion to non-agricultural uses. Applications must be submitted by eligible entities with the legal authority to hold Farmland Easements. For assistance finding eligible entities in Ohio, who may assist individual landowners, please reach out to NRCS. Applicants should use current ALE forms posted on Ohio NRCS’s website: Agricultural Conservation Easement Program | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov)
NRCS may provide up to 50% of the Agricultural Land Easement value to assist eligible entities with the acquisition of parcels and the required matching funds may include acquisition expenses, landowner donation and stewardship costs, with no cash match required.
Eligible properties for Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) include farmed wetlands that can be successfully and economically restored, former or degraded wetlands with a history of agricultural use, and “prior-converted” cropland converted on or before Dec. 23, 1985. Landowners who apply can select between a 30-year easement or easements in perpetuity.
Individual landowners may apply directly to NRCS for the WRE component of ACEP. NRCS may pay up to 95 percent of the land value for a WRE, in addition to the cost of easement acquisition and restoration of the wetland. See Wetland Reserve Easements | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov) for other application details, including application requirement checklists.
Get Started
Find Ohio’s ranking dates as well as other program information on the Ohio NRCS Website. To learn more about other technical and financial assistance available through NRCS conservation programs, visit Get Started with NRCS or contact your local USDA Service Center.
— USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service