By Andi Anderson
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana is making funds available to help landowners protect and restore key farmlands, grasslands, and wetlands. The funding is provided through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), created to protect critical water resources and wildlife habitat, and encourage private owners to maintain land for farming.
Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE) allow landowners to restore, enhance, and protect habitat for wildlife on their lands, reduce damage from flooding, recharge groundwater, and provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities. Eligible landowners can choose to enroll in a permanent or 30-year easement.
ACEP’s Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses. They also support environmental quality, wildlife habitat, historic preservation, and protection of open spaces.
Eligible entities:
WRE: Landowners
ALE: State and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and Native American Tribes that have farmland or grassland protection programs
Funding pool deadlines:
WRE: November 17, 2023
ALE: January 17, 2024
Last year, Indiana NRCS selected 22 applications for over $11 million in conservation easements on over 1,300 acres. Once restored, these acres will join over 80,000 acres of additional easements in the state. Many of these easements lie in critical migratory areas for waterfowl and other birds.
Benefits:
- Protection of critical water resources and wildlife habitat
- Encouragement of private owners to maintain land for farming
- Restoration, enhancement, and protection of habitat for wildlife
- Reduction of damage from flooding
- Recharge of groundwater
Provision of outdoor recreational and educational opportunities
Photo Credit: pexels-puwadon-sang-ngern
Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture