Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service Releases Cut-off Dates for ACEP - ALE

Kentucky Natural Resources Conservation Service Releases Cut-off Dates for ACEP - ALE

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages people and groups wanting to protect agricultural lands to consider enrolling their property into conservation easements.

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kentucky reminds property owners of funding available for conservation easements to protect working ag lands, through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE).

ACEP - ALE helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and state and local governments protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches through conservation easements. Through ACEP agricultural land easements, NRCS provides funds to conservation partners to purchase conservation easements on private working lands. This program helps keep working lands working, especially in areas experiencing development pressure.

• Applications for ACEP-ALE that meet eligibility and ranking criteria and that are received by March 31, 2026, will be considered for the second round of fiscal year 2026 funding. Landowners do not apply directly to NRCS for funding under this program. Landowners who wish to be considered for ACEP-ALE must make application to an eligible entity.

Applications received after these ranking dates will be automatically deferred to the next funding period. Entities interested in agricultural easements should contact their local USDA service centeror visit the Kentucky NRCS ACEP-ALE website.

More Information

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don't have an account, sign up today.

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

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