Deadline Approaching! Protect Maine’s Agricultural Lands and Wetlands

Wetlands and agricultural lands are critical to the health of Maine’s environment and economy. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maine is accepting applications for two programs that provide financial and technical assistance to landowners who wish to protect, restore, and enhance vital agricultural lands and wetland habitats.

Application Deadline: May 29, 2026

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maine is accepting applications for two programs that provide financial and technical assistance to landowners who wish to protect, restore, and enhance vital agricultural lands and wetland habitats on their property:  

• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP-ALE)  
• Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE)  

Wetlands and agricultural lands are critical to the health of Maine’s environment and economy. They provide numerous benefits, including:

• Water Quality  
• Flood Prevention  
• Wildlife Habitat  
• Recreation and Education  
• Food and Fiber Production  
• Scenic Open Space  

NRCS provides financial assistance to eligible partners for purchasing perpetual Agricultural Land Easements (ALE) that protect the agricultural use and conservation values of eligible land. In the case of working farms, the program helps farmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Eligible partners include American Indian tribes, state and local governments and non-governmental organizations that have farmland, rangeland or grassland protection programs.

Under the ALE component, NRCS may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement. Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the ALE. Ensuring the Future of Agriculture

• ACEP-ALE Handout 2026   (Word)
• ACEP-ALE Land Eligibility Checklist    (PDF)
• ACEP-ALE Landowner Eligibility Checklist  (PDF)

Contact the NRCS-ME Bangor State Office to learn more and apply for ACEP-ALE or ACEP-WRE.