GAINESVILLE, Florida – October 6th, 2026 – Florida landowners interested in aligning their land uses with conservation values and practices have an opportunity to apply for Entity Held Conservation Easements in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and North Florida Land Trust (NFLT) beginning October 6 through November 5, 2026.

The NRCS and NFLT will accept applications for the fiscal year 2027 through the NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. The program promotes coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners who offer value-added contributions to expand their collective ability to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. As part of these RCPP projects, NRCS and its partners have funding to pay landowners up to 50 percent of the value of conservation easements placed upon their land. Landowners are encouraged to seek guidance from a financial planner or tax expert to understand the IRS regulations on easements.

NRCS and NFLT will review applications for land eligibility, negotiate conservation easement terms, and/or develop a land management plan. Applications received after November 5th may be considered for other sign-up periods, as funding allows.

North Florida Land Trust is leading the RCPP project (1924) to protect the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor (O2O), in partnership with approximately 26 federal, state, and private organizations. The O2O includes priority lands for the Florida Ecological Greenways Network (FEGN) and is a critical linkage in the Florida Wildlife Corridor. By protecting the natural beauty and sustainability of the landscape and connector lands, the O2O will continue to provide habitat for the Florida black bear and imperiled species like the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake, and gopher tortoise. In addition, there are opportunities for protecting iconic Florida ecosystems, including legacy longleaf pine forests, sandhill, and scrub in the O2O.

Due to the complex nature of these projects, landowners interested in these funding opportunities are strongly encouraged to reach out for guidance in the options available prior to applying. Applicants will need to take appropriate steps necessary to establish farm records and certifications.

Application Requirements:

• Establish/update farm records with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the applicant and the land attime of application.
• Be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements.
• Applicable documentation required for signature authority.
• Have control of land, where “control” means possession of the land by ownership.

The NRCS and NFLT encourage landowners and farmers who are historically underserved (HU) to apply. HU farmers are defined as farmers who are beginners, socially disadvantaged, veterans, and/or who have limited resources.

Participating in the RCPP helps secure the future of the nation’s food supply, prevents land with high conservation value from being developed or converted to a non-agricultural use, and provides public benefits including environmental quality, historic preservation, wildlife habitat, and protection of open space.

If you are a landowner interested in conserving your land in partnership with NFLT and NRCS, please contact:

Joel Benn, Conservation Transactions Coordinator at jbenn@nflt.org or (904)-557-7980

Michael Ruiz, NRCS Easement Specialist, michael.ruiz@usda.gov or (352) 477-0891

Websites linked in story:

Natural Resources Conservation Service (Florida): https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/conservation-by-state/florida

North Florida Land Trust: https://nflt.org/

Regional Conservation Partnership Program: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/rcpp-regional-conservation-partnership-program/florida/regional-conservation

Farm Service Agency: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/florida

Highly Erodible Land Determinations: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/resources/guides-and-instructions/highly-erodible-land-determinations

The USDA NRCS and NFLT partner through the RCPP to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns in the Ocala to Osceola Wildlife Corridor Project Area in Florida.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

NRCS News Release Contacts:
Michael Ruiz, Easement Specialist, michael.ruiz@usda.gov
Marcus Shorter, ASTC-Easements, marcus.shorter@usda.gov