- The Forest Legacy Program makes available a transaction grant that supports the acquisition of conservation easements on private property. Landowners qualify when they prepare a resource management plan as part of a land acquisition. The federal government will provide transaction grants of up to 75 percent of the land purchase cost. For more information on the Forest Legacy Program, contact your local USDA Forest Service Forest Legacy Program coordinator.
- The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program provides matching funds of up to 50 percent to prospective landowners purchasing ranches and farmland. Landowners participating in this transaction grant program must agree to preserve their land for agriculture and implement a conservation plan for erodible land. Call (800) 370-4879 for more information on the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program.
- The Farmable Wetlands Program restores wetlands on farmland and creates land buffers to improve the area's water cycle and wetland vegetation. This transaction grant "rents" land up to 40 acres and provides cost-share assistance for wetland redevelopment. Landowners receive transaction grant payments over a period of 10 to 15 years. Visit your local Farm Service Agency or fsa.usda.gov for more Information on the Farmable Wetlands Program.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers the wetland conservation grant for the North American Wetlands Conservation Act. The program allows for transaction grants to purchase or redevelop land to support migratory birds and other wetland wildlife. The FWS requires applicant contributions to match dollar for dollar. Contact the Division of Bird Habitat Conservation at (703) 358-1784 for more information on the North American Wetlands Conservation Act.
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