USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking public comment on its interim rule for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP).
The program helps landowners protect working agricultural lands and wetlands.
“The new changes to ACEP under the 2018 Farm Bill make it stronger and more effective and will result in even better protection of our nation’s farmlands, grasslands and wetlands,” said NRCS Chief Matthew Lohr.
More than $300 million will be invested in conservation easements for fiscal year 2020.
Changes include authorizing assistance to partners in “Buy-Protect-Sell” transactions; requiring a conservation plan for highly erodible land that will be protected by an agricultural land easement; and
increasing flexibility for partners to meet cost-share matching requirements. Comments will be accepted for the interim rule through March 6 and can be submitted at regulations.gov by searching Docket Number NRCS-2019-0006. A final rule will be published following the comment period.
