Natural Resources Conservation Service

Description

The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Louisiana is requesting applications to provide planning, design, and implementation of restoration activities on eligible Agricultural Conservation Easement Program-Wetland Reserve Easement (ACEP-WRE), Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), and Emergency Watershed Protection Program-Floodplain Easements (EWPP-FPE). Applications are being requested from eligible government or non-government organizations, tribes, or individuals for competitive consideration. Information related to NRCS Easement Programs can be found at the following links: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/ and https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/loandscape/ewpp/ A total of up to $12 million is available in FY2020. All agreements will be five years in duration. Applications must be received by 10:59 p.m. Central Time (CT) on February 3, 2020. The purpose of the NRCS easement programs is voluntary conservation by landowners. The easement programs promote the restoration, enhancement, protection, maintenance, and management of wetland, floodplain, and forestland systems, and associated uplands that would contribute significantly to the functions and values of these habitats. Through the easement programs, landowners may receive assistance to install or implement structural and/or vegetative and associated upland restoration practices on eligible land. The easement programs allow NRCS to request the services of and enter into agreements with non-Federal entities to assist in providing specialized assistance necessary to plan, design, and implement restoration plans. NRCS is directing technical and financial resources toward the restoration of degraded wetlands, floodplains, and forestlands. Applicants will be responsible for assisting NRCS and landowners by providing technical assistance necessary to plan, design, and implement ACEP-WRE, WRP, and EWPP-FPE restoration plans, while at the same time improving and protecting habitats for environmental benefits. Performance may include any part or all operations necessary to plan, design, construct, inspect, manage, and monitor various restoration, enhancement, and creation practices. Performance may also include other restoration-related conservation practices that meet NRCS standards and specifications.

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Individuals

Contact

Rochelle McCrea <br/>Grants Management Specialist <br/>Phone 202-720-6898
Rochelle.McCrea@usda.gov