By Blake Jackson
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Pennsylvania has opened a second round of fiscal year 2026 funding for landowners and agricultural producers seeking long-term land protection through federal easement programs.
Opportunities are available under the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
Private landowners interested in enrolling land in the Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP-WRE) may apply directly through their local USDA Service Center.
Those pursuing Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE) or RCPP-funded easements must submit applications through participating county farmland preservation boards or qualified land trusts.
Although NRCS accepts applications year-round, proposals are reviewed and ranked during designated cutoff periods based on their conservation benefits.
To be considered for this second funding round in fiscal year 2026, complete applications must be submitted by March 13, 2026. Applications received after that date will remain on file for future consideration, depending on available funding.
Through these easement initiatives, NRCS offers both technical guidance and financial assistance to help landowners protect wetlands and productive farmland, strengthen environmental resilience, and improve natural resource conditions on private lands across Pennsylvania.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Government & Policy