NRCS in Idaho Accepting Applications from Producers, Landowners for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program

BOISE, Idaho - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications from agricultural producers and forest landowners in Idaho for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which helps producers enroll wetlands, grasslands and farmlands into conservation easements.

While USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) accepts ACEP applications year-round, Idaho producers and landowners should apply by Oct. 17, 2025, to be considered for funding in the current cycle. Applications received after the ranking date will be considered during the next funding cycle.

Funding is provided through a competitive process. State Technical Committees, composed of conservation and agricultural-related agency and organization representatives, work with NRCS to identify resource priorities and how best to address them.

The ACEP enrollment options for this funding cycle are:

• Agricultural Land Easements (ALE): Protects farmlands and grasslands by limiting non-agricultural uses of the land. Agricultural Land Easements are either perpetual, or the maximum duration allowed under State law.
• Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE): restore, protect, and enhance wetlands on eligible land. The easements provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, and protect biological diversity. Easements are for 30 years, or perpetual.
• Find all needed forms and Easement deadlines for ACEP and other conservation programs at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/ranking-dates. To learn more or apply, please visit your local NRCS Idaho field office, or contact Tracie O'Neill, NRCS Easement Coordinator, at [email protected]or (208) 716-7926.

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 more than 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.

#

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.