Jackson, Miss – The United States Department of Agricultural Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).  The deadline is October 26, 2018.

This program consists of two components:  the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) option and the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) option.  The ALE assists conservation organizations to prevent the conversion of productive working lands to non-agricultural uses and maximize protection of land devoted to food production.  The WRE option restores, protects, and enhances enrolled wetlands and improves wildlife habitat.  Eligible WRE lands include farmed or prior-converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.

“This is an exciting new opportunity for even more people to get involved in the long-term conservation of our natural resources,” said Assistant State Conservationist for Easements, Jason Keenan.  “We invite any interested applicant to visit with us at one of three scheduled easement application seminars to learn more about the easement programs USDA-NRCS can offer.”

Tuesday, October 2 – Clarksdale – 11:00-2:00 – Coahoma County MSU Extension Office, 503 E 2nd St, Clarksdale, MS 3861 

Wednesday, October 3 – Belzoni – 11:00-2:00 – Humphreys County Multi-Purpose Building, 417 Silver City Road, Belzoni, MS 39038

 Thursday, October 4 – Jackson – 12:00-2:30 – Mississippi Ag Museum Ethnic Heritage Building, 1150 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS  39216

USDA-NRCS and Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership welcome any interested landowners to attend. Lunch will be served at each of these meetings. Anyone planning to attend a meeting should register online at https://lowerdelta.org/workshops/ or call 662-873-6261.

If you need an accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Mississippi’s Lower Delta Partnership at 66.873.6261.

Applications are currently being accepted and can be obtained anytime at your local field office or available online at www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

Editor Note:  We will be making every effort to highlight these programs.  Several advocacy groups have sprouted up fighting for the types of programs offered in this particular grant.  We’re willing to accept they weren’t aware of the grant program being developed, debated, approved, or signed.

The Conservation Easement application deadline for consideration is October 26, 2018.