April 29, 2026 – Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announced a second signup for agricultural producers and landowners to apply for fiscal year 2026 assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). As part of this enrollment opportunity, NRCS is providing up to $200 million in funding for ACEP’s Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) component, helping to meet strong landowner demand and expand the conservation of working lands and critical wildlife habitat across the country.  

“At NRCS, we are putting Farmers First by actively working to preserve and protect America’s agricultural land for future generations,” said NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt. “Through voluntary conservation easements, and strategic partnerships, we are committed to slowing the loss of productive farmland and keeping working lands in the hands of farmers and ranchers.” 

"Expanding access to voluntary conservation easements is a win for farmers, ranchers, and wildlife alike,” said Andrew Schmidt, Director of Government Affairs for Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever. “PF & QF thank Chief Bettencourt and Associate Chief Buckley for prioritizing programs like ACEP that help keep working lands intact while delivering lasting benefits for soil health, water quality, and upland wildlife.”  

ACEP, including ALE, helps protect productive agricultural land and grasslands by limiting conversion to non-agricultural uses. The program provides financial assistance to eligible partners to secure voluntary easements, ensuring these lands remain in agriculture and continue to provide critical economic and conservation benefits.  

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever  

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 500,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 754 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 580,000 habitat projects benefiting 31 million acres. 

Media Contact 
Mikayla Peper  
715-294-0688  
MPeper@quailforever.org