As of September 1st, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service(NRCS) started accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Many may not know the importance of conservation and agricultural easements, so I thought I would share some insight into what they are and how important they can be to conservation and agriculture.

An Agricultural Conservation Easement is a voluntary legal contract between a landowner and an organization (either nonprofit or government entity) that the owner restricts future uses of their land, and relies on the organization to monitor and enforce the easement’s provisions.  The main goal of ACEP is to prevent agriculture land from being converted to non-agricultural uses and to restore and protect wetlands and wildlife habitat. In urban areas, these easements can protect open space and provide a buffer for wetlands, or prairie remnants.  These easements can also provide space for natural areas, parks, and trail systems.

Here in Nebraska, less than 1% (.35%) of land is under agricultural and conservation land easement.  This amounts to 176,066 total acres. On average, Nebraska only adds about 5000 acres of land easement per year.  The Lower Platte South NRD and the City of Lincoln is currently protecting waterways with conservation easements as Lincoln develops on the south side of the city.  The Nebraska Land Trust has been instrumental in protecting property from any parties that want to develop, or mine these easements.  Two great examples of Nebraska Land Trust projects are The Sisters of Mercy site along the Platte River, and the Chapek land in Washington County(https://www.nelandtrust.org/914-2/). Throughout the United States easements are consistently viewed as a way to achieve conservation objectives, and not take the land off the tax roll or out of agricultural production.

Agriculture and Conservation Easements benefit both the private landowners, and the general public. Habitat restorations can be costly projects, difficult for landowners to accomplish on their own.  Entering into an easement helps the landowner achieve their projects, and be financially compensated.  The general public also benefits as scenic views, wildlife habitat, water quality and historic sites are protected from development, fragmentations, and degradation.

A great article by Joanna Pope of the NRCS tells the story of how a Cherry County family protected their land from development and in-turn protected this scenic area near the Niobrara River:

Pope, J. 2011. Home on the Range – Permanently. Nebraska Natural Resources Conservation Service. https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/nrcs142p2_028123.pdf

These easements are just one way we can work in Nebraska to protect our scenic landscapes, rivers, wildlife, prairies, forests, and historic sites for future generations.  Keep abreast of additional information about conservation easements on the Nebraska Audubon website: ne.audubon.org/conservation/conservation-easements