The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Pennsylvania now has $1.5 million in funding available through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) to help state and local agencies and land trusts protect agricultural lands and wetlands within the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The deadline for applications is August 16.

“For over 25 years, NRCS has worked with landowners to protect Pennsylvania’s prime farmlands,” said State Conservationist Denise Coleman. “Conservation easements are important tools for people who are trying to maintain agricultural viability, improve soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat on their land.”

Funding is available for the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) program. Through ACEP ALE, NRCS provides funds to eligible entities to purchase permanent easements on private agricultural lands.

This program helps keep working lands working, especially in areas experiencing urban and suburban development pressure.

For ALE, $1,315,900.00 in funding is available for cooperating/partner entities to acquire conservation easements.

Click Here for more information on the program.

Partners interested in agricultural land easements should contact Hathaway Jones, Easement Coordinator at: 717-237-2100 or send email to: hathaway.jones@usda.gov.

Visit the NRCS-PA webpage for more information on assistance available to landowners.

Related Articles:

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-- Dept. Of Agriculture Protects 2,264 Acres Of Farmland In 18 Counties; 613,884 Acres Protected

-- PA Farm Bureau, Sand County Foundation, Partners Now Accepting Nominations For PA Leopold Conservation Award

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-- Four Revolutionary War Era Cannons Unearthed At Thomas P. Bentley Nature Preserve In Chester County 

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NewsClips:

-- PennLive - Marcus Schneck: Erie National Wildlife Refuge On List For Expansion Of Hunting, Fishing

-- TribLive: Westmoreland Land Trust Nature Backpacks Are Ready To Check Out At County Libraries

-- Fast Company: Should We Protect Nature For Its Own Sake?  For Its Economic Value?  Because It Makes Us Happy?  Yes - By Bradley J. Cardinale, Penn State Ecosystem Science & Management

[Posted: June 17, 2022]

6/20/2022