The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the Statewide funding deadlines for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Kansas landowners and eligible entities may apply at any time, but to be considered for FY 2026 funding opportunities, applications must be received by the following date and time:
- By 4 p.m. Central Standard Time (CST) on Friday, December 5, 2025 – Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE), and Agricultural Land Easements (ALE).
Under the 2018 Farm Bill, the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) offers funding for the purchase of conservation easements to help retain productive farm and ranch lands in agricultural use, and to restore, enhance, and protect critical wetlands. There are two voluntary components under ACEP, each with a different purpose.
- ACEP–ALE assists landowners and entities with establishing an easement on agricultural land to prevent the conversion of productive croplands and grasslands to non-
agricultural uses.
- ACEP–WRE restores wetlands to provide habitat for wildlife (priority species), improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and protect biological diversity.
For ACEP–WRE, Kansas NRCS is prioritizing eligible lands that:
- Are high in organic carbon; or
- geographically specific priorities,
- including playa wetlands and grasslands.
Eligible landowners may enroll in a permanent easement or a 30-year easement. Tribal landowners have the option of enrolling land in a 30-year contract.
NRCS and Partners provide one-on-one assistance to the landowner(s) to identify a conservation easement that works best for farming or ranching operations. Please contact your local Kansas NRCS office to ensure you receive guidance on the correct application process.
Source : usda.gov