The Nevada Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is currently accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), a valuable initiative designed to safeguard and restore agricultural lands and wetlands within the state.
ACEP offers two distinct programs: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). ALE focuses on preserving cropland and grassland on working farms and ranches by limiting non-agricultural development, while WRE aims to restore wetlands that have been degraded due to agricultural activities.
Landowners who enroll in ACEP retain ownership of their land but are obligated to adhere to specific land-use requirements. ALE requires landowners to limit non-agricultural development, while WRE mandates the cessation of agricultural activities on the protected wetland. In exchange for these commitments, NRCS provides financial assistance and technical support to landowners, aiding them in achieving their conservation goals.
To participate in ACEP, eligible entities, such as government agencies, tribes, or non-governmental organizations working with landowners, must submit applications by specific deadlines. For ACEP-ALE, the deadline is October 4th, 2024, while for ACEP-WRE, it is December 20th, 2024.
