Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)

Eligible applicants include private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities such as state and local governments.

Projects must:
- Protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches through Agricultural Land Easements (ALE).
- Protect, restore, and enhance wetlands through Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).
- Preserve grazing uses and related conservation values.
- Enhance wetlands on eligible land.

Applicants must:
- Have control of the property (e.g., official tax ID, property deed or lease agreement).
- Provide a farm number (if applying for financial assistance).

Noneligible items:
- Projects that do not align with conservation goals.
- Land that does not meet eligibility criteria for ALE or WRE components.

ACEP provides conservation easements to limit nonagricultural uses of land and protect working farms and wetlands. The program does not offer direct financial assistance but supports the conservation and enhancement of eligible lands through easements.

Contact your local NRCS office to begin the application process. Complete an application and other required forms. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis but are considered for funding in different ranking periods. Ask your local NRCS district conservationist about deadlines for the ranking period.