NRCS Announces ACEP-WRE Sign-Up Deadline

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana is making available up to $22 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program—Wetlands Reserve Easements. 

Private landowners across the state are encouraged to apply. 

According to a news release from USDA, even though NRCS accepts conservation program applications on a continuous basis, “your ACEP-WRE application deadline is Friday, February 24th to be considered for 2017 funding.”  Applications received after that deadline will be evaluated for the funding year beginning October 1, 2017.

The ACEP-WRE program is designed to restore and protect wetlands across the country.  Eligible lands include farmed or converted wetlands that can be successfully and cost-effectively restored.

The Wetlands Reserve Easements program “helps private landowners successfully enhance and protect habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality and reduce flooding, recharge groundwater and provide opportunities for educational and recreational activities.”

The USDA news release goes on to say easement rates vary by region, bur landowners may receive up to $3410 per acre for enrolling eligible land in WRE.  Additionally, “NRCS will pay 100% of the restoration cost for permanent easements and 75% of the restoration cost for 30-year easements.”

For more information contact your local NRCS office.