ACEP-ALE is different than other easement
programs. ACEP-ALE requires an entity to assist with the cost of
purchasing the easement and the entity also holds the easement
instead of NRCS. This often appeals to some landowners because
they feel more comfortable with the entity serving as the
easement holder. Eligible entities include state and local
governments and non-governmental organizations that have
farmland or grassland protection programs.
For the FY2023 Signup, great resources are available to help
explain the Ag Land Easement program requirements for entities
and landowners. NRCS worked with American Farmland Trust (AFT)
to create documents that walk a landowner or entity through the
easement process. These resource materials are located on the
NRCS IL website: www.il.nrcs.usda.gov.
The ACEP-ALE signup process is continuous; applications can be
taken at any time. NRCS will begin funding applications early
this fiscal year, setting the first application cutoff for
December 23, 2022. All eligible applications received through
December 23, 2022, will be considered for funding.
Entities interested in participating in ACEP-ALE must submit an
NRCS-CPA-41 Entity Application Form along with NRCS-CPA-41A
Parcel Application Form, for all the parcels they would like to
fund in FY23.
To learn more, producers and entities should call to set up
appointments with local NRCS office staff. Visit
www.nrcs.usda.gov to find your local office contact information.
[Paige Buck, State Public Affairs
Specialist
USDA NRCS Illinois]
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