USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in N.H. Accepting FY26 RCPP Entity Held Easement Applications

DOVER, N.H. - December 18, 2025 - Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New Hampshire announced a signup deadline of February 6, 2026, for entity held easement applications under the New Hampshire Source Water Protection Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) project 2361.

NRCS's Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)New Hampshire Source Water Protection Partnership Project aims to protect high priority source water areas; restore and/or protect habitat for threatened fish and wildlife species; and enhance landscape resilience. The project is funded under the Northeast Forests and Waters Critical Conservation Area (CCA)designation.

This signup is specific to the Entity-Held-Easement components.

In partnership with land trusts or other entities, such as state and local governments, RCPP entity-held-easements help private landowners protect agricultural or nonindustrial private forest lands and associated natural resource areas through conservation easements.

To be considered for New Hampshire Source Water Protection Partnership RCPP funding in fiscal year 2026, eligible entity partners must apply by February 6, 2026.

Funding is provided through a competitive process, and all applications will be evaluated based on how well they align with one or more of the RCPP project goals of protecting ground and surface water quality, terrestrial and aquatic habitat, or plant productivity and health. Applications may include protection of productive farmland and/or forest land.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural or nonindustrial private forestland, or associated land on which NRCS determines an eligible activity would help achieve mutual conservation benefits.

For help applying, eligible entities should contact Tracey Boisvert, Easement Specialist, at [email protected].

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