AL Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP): Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE)

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) aims to safeguard agricultural viability and related conservation values by preventing non-agricultural uses detrimental to these objectives. It supports the protection, restoration, and enhancement of eligible grazing lands and wetlands. Specifically, the Wetlands Reserve Easements (WRE) focus on assisting private and tribal landowners in protecting, restoring, and enhancing degraded wetlands. These easements offer a multitude of benefits, including habitat provision for wildlife, water quality improvement, flood reduction, groundwater recharge, biodiversity protection, climate change resilience, and opportunities for education, science, and limited recreational activities. Enrolment options vary, including permanent easements, 30-year easements, term easements, and special 30-year contracts for Indian tribes, with NRCS covering a significant portion of both the easement and restoration costs.