The NRCS is offering the Florida Agriculture Conservation Easement Grant to restore and protect wetlands and associated uplands.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) was established under the Agricultural Act of 2014, Public Law 113-79 Section 1265C (b)(4) (16 U.S.C. 3865). This authorized NRCS to establish the agricultural conservation easement program for the conservation of eligible land and natural resources through easements or other interests in land and combines the purposes and coordinates the functions of the wetlands reserve program, the grassland reserve program, and the farmland protection program. Under Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE), NRCS restores, protects, and enhances wetlands and associated uplands.

The purpose of the NRCS easement program ACEP-WRE is voluntary conservation by landowners. The easement programs promote the restoration, enhancement, protection, maintenance, and management of wetlands, and associated uplands that would contribute significantly to functions and values of these habitats. Through the easement programs, landowners may receive assistance to install or implement structural and/or vegetative and associated upland restoration practices on eligible land. The easement programs allow NRCS to request the services of and enter into cooperative agreements with non-Federal entities to assist in providing specialized assistance necessary to implement restoration plans. NRCS is directing resources toward the restoration of degraded wetlands.

Applicants will be responsible for assisting NRCS and landowners by providing technical assistance necessary to design and implement ACEP-WRE restoration plans, while at the same time improving and protecting habitats for environmental benefits. Performance may include any part or all operations necessary to design, construct, inspect, manage, and monitor various restoration, enhancement, and creation practices.

Performance may also include other restoration-related conservation practices that meet NRCS standards and specifications.