Application Deadlines Established in Kansas for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

Application Deadlines Established in Kansas for Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

SALINA, KANSAS, October 24, 2023 ‒ The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kansas is announcing the Statewide funding deadlines for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Kansas landowners and eligible entities may apply at any time, but to be considered for FY 2024 funding opportunities, applications must be received by the following dates:

• Monday, November 13, 2023 - Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE)
• Friday, December 22, 2023 - general Wetland Reserve Easements
• Friday, March 8, 2024 - general Agricultural Land Easements

Under the 2018 Farm Bill, ACEP offers funding for the purchase of conservation easements to help retain productive farm and ranch lands in agriculture use, and to reestablish and protect critical wetlands. There are two voluntary programs under ACEP, each with a different application process.

• ACEP-ALE creates an easement on agricultural land to prevent the conversion of productive croplands and grasslands to non-agricultural uses.
• ACEP-WRE restores wetlands in order to provide habitat for wildlife (including threatened and endangered species), improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and protect biological diversity.

Additionally, NRCS is expanding the National priority areas that are eligible for the IRA funding for ACEP easements in FY 2024. For ACEP-ALE, Kansas NRCS is giving precedence to the security of:

• Grasslands in areas of highest risk for conversion to non-grassland uses, in order to prevent the release of soil carbon stores.  
• Agricultural lands under threat of conversion to non-agricultural uses.  

For ACEP-WRE, NRCS is prioritizing: 

• Land with soils that are high in organic carbon.  
• Eligible lands in existing forest cover that will be managed as forests.  
• Several geographically specific priorities (such as ephemeral wetlands in grassland ecosystems).  

Eligible landowners may choose to enroll in a permanent easement or a 30-year easement. Tribal landowners have the option of enrolling in 30-year contracts.

NRCS and Partners provide one-on-one assistance to the landowner(s) in order to create a conservation easement that works best for the farming or ranching operation. Please contact your local NRCS office to ensure you receive guidance on the correct application process.

"Conservation easements offer a multitude of advantages to Kansans, encompassing the safeguarding of open landscapes, wildlife habitats, and wetlands, as well as the restoration and preservation of vital natural resources," stated Kris R. Ethridge, Acting State Conservationist. We invite private landowners, Tribal entities, and non-governmental organizations to reach out to their nearest NRCS office for more information on the application process."

All ACEP-WRE applications are ranked according to the potential for protecting and enhancing habitat for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. Compensation with a payment rate is based on an individual land appraisal (established by the Geographic Area Rate Cap [GARC]), or landowner offer, whichever is less). The GARC rates are posted on the ACEP Section of the Kansas NRCS website. ACEP-ALE conservation easements payment is determined by an appraisal completed on the property.

It is important that applicants provide accurate records of ownership to USDA Farm Service Agency. All landowners must work with their local FSA to ensure all required documents are filed (including Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan, as well as the adjusted gross income and conservation compliance forms).

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America's food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

Contact your local USDA Service Center to set up an in-person or phone appointment. Visit www.farmers.gov to create a secure account, apply for NRCS programs, electronically sign documents, and manage your conservation contracts. 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
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