Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Sign-Up

Playa wetlands in South Central Nebraska are important wildlife habitat and critical recharge points to Ogallala Aquifer. Natural Resource Districts have documented an acre of wetlands can recharge sufficient groundwater to irrigate 3.5 acres of cropland with 6 inches of allocation.
Currently there is an open enrollment sign-up period for the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Agriculture Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) focused on playa wetlands. To ensure eligible producers are aware of this opportunity we wanted to provide you an overview of the program ahead of the sign-up deadline.

The ACEP provides a variety of options for flood-prone cropland or wetland acres. Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) option compensates landowners at 90% of appraised land value for acres enrolled in ACEP – WRE. The restored wetland and associated upland buffer provide wildlife habitat, recharge the aquifer, and reduce runoff to minimize flood damage. Once restored, these areas can provide income through grazing and/or hunting leases.
Another option is the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership (WREP) easement option. This option allows landowners to retain the ability to pass a pivot over enrolled acres. This ensures enrolled acres do not negatively impact irrigation of the adjacent cropland acres. Like with the WRE option the landowner is compensated for enrolled acres and all restoration costs.

With both options the Rainwater Basin Joint Venture partnership can provide 85% cost-share for infrastructure, such as fencing, livestock watering systems, pivot crossings in the fence, and pivot modifications to facilitate crossing the wetland (e.g., flotation tires) and improve irrigation efficiency (e.g. Variable Rate Irrigation components).

Visit the link for more information. If you have any questions or would like to set up a no obligation site review, please contact Kaycee Zuschlag to schedule a site visit or discuss the program.