Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Easement Restoration

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and Emergency Watershed Protection Program-Floodplain Easements (EWP-FPE) are voluntary programs to conserve, protect, and enhance the nation’s wetland and floodplain ecosystems. These programs promote the restoration, enhancement, protection, maintenance and management of wetland systems and adjacent land that would contribute significantly to wetland functions and values. Through easement programs, landowners may receive assistance to install or implement structural or vegetative wetland/floodplain and associated upland restoration practices on eligible land. Policy provides that the Secretary may request the services of, and enter into cooperative agreements with, non-Federal entities to assist in providing specialized assistance necessary to implement conservation plans under these programs. To that end, the agency is directing resources toward the restoration of degraded wetlands and floodplains across the state of Iowa. The NRCS is requesting proposals from qualified individuals and organizations that share a common interest in the conservation and restoration of wetland and floodplain resources throughout Iowa under the framework of a five year agreement with approximately $8 million in funding, if available.