Deadline: 03-Aug-20
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCS) has announced the Easement Programs Restoration and Stewardship Assistance.
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 programs (ACEP-WRE, WRP) is voluntary conservation by landowners. The easement programs promote the restoration, enhancement, protection, maintenance and management of wetland systems 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.
Applicants will be responsible for assisting NRCS and landowners by providing technical assistance necessary to design and implement ACEP-WRE and WRP 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.
Funding Information
- The total amount of Federal funding NRCS expects to award through this announcement is up to $1 million.
- Projects may be up to three years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on a project start date of September 15, 2020.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants and applications must meet eligibility criteria by the application deadline to be considered for award.
- This opportunity is open to all qualified U.S. based non-federal entities and individuals.
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=327997
