The Jefferson County Farmland Protection Board is accepting applications from county landowners who wish to place a conservation easement on their land. Applications will be accepted through 5 PM on Friday, October 14, 2021. The funding cycle begins July 1, 2022 and runs through June 30, 2023.
The Board will forward qualified applications for full funding to the NRCS/USDA state office in Morgantown, WV for application to the ACEP/ALE (Agricultural Conservation Easement Program/Agricultural Land Easement). The Board also will consider agricultural properties that qualify for the American Battlefield Protection Program (ABPP).
Both federal programs provide a 50:50 match using USDA or ABPP funds. Additional paperwork and eligibility requirements will involve considerable processing time. Landowners who wish to pursue full funding are strongly encouraged to speak with the staff and submit applications as soon as possible to complete additional paperwork requirements.
The Board expects to verify local scores in December and complete acquisition decisions at their January meeting.