Program Description
The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), created through the 2014 Farm Bill, funds easements for working agricultural lands and wetland restoration and protection projects. ACEP is comprised of two components: Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) and Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE). The Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership is an enrollment option under ACEP-WRE.
Fiscal Year 2017 Signup
Landowners and entities interested in using conservation easements to address natural resource concerns can submit applications at any time. Though signup is continuous, funding selections are made at specific times during the fiscal year.
- There are two applications deadlines for fiscal year 2017 ACEP-WRE funding in Montana. The first deadline was October 21, 2016, and the second deadline is February 17, 2017. The first round applications will be ranked and funded first.
- The application deadline for fiscal year 2016 ACEP-ALE funding in Montana will be announced at a later time.
If you are interested an Agricultural Land Easement contact one of the entities eligible to hold ALE easements in Montana. If you are interested in a Wetland Reserve Easement contact your local field office.
Information on the National NRCS Web Site
Prior-Year Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Montana Archives
Archived Information on Former Easement Programs in Montana
The Agricultural Act of 2014 established the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). It repeals the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program (FRPP), the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), and the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) but does not affect the validity or terms of any FRPP, GRP, or WRP contract, agreement or easement entered into prior to the date of enactment on February 7, 2014 or any associated payments required to be made in connection with an existing FRPP, GRP, or WRP contract, agreement or easement.
