Landowner Resources

Acres for America

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Description

Acres for America is the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's premier land conservation program and was established to provide urgently needed funding for projects that conserve important large-scale habitats for fish, wildlife, and plants through land acquisitions and perpetual conservation easements.

Learn more: https://www.nfwf.org/acresforamerica/Pages/home.aspx

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Non-profit 501(c) Organizations, State Government Agencies, Local Governments, Municipal Governments, Indian Tribes, and Educational Institutions 

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Component

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Description

The Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) Program provides financial assistance to eligible partners protect agricultural lands and limit non-agricultural uses of the land. The program also protects grazing uses and related conservation values by conserving grassland, including rangeland, pastureland and shrubland. Under the ALE component, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) may contribute up to 50 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement. Where NRCS determines that grasslands of special environmental significance will be protected, NRCS may contribute up to 75 percent of the fair market value of the agricultural land easement.

Learn more: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/acep/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

American Indian Tribes, State and Local Governments and Non-governmental Organizations that have Farmland, Rangeland or Grassland Protection Programs

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local NRCS office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Center locator.

Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) Component

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Description

The Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) Program restores, protects, and enhances wetlands through wetland reserve easements. For acreage owned by an Indian tribe, there is an additional enrollment option of a 30-year contract.

Through the wetland reserve enrollment options, the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) may enroll eligible land through:  

Permanent Easements – Permanent easements are conservation easements in perpetuity. NRCS pays 100 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 75 to 100 percent of the restoration costs.

30-year Easements – 30-year easements expire after 30 years. Under 30-year easements, NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.  

Term Easements - Term easements are easements that are for the maximum duration allowed under applicable State laws. NRCS pays 50 to 75 percent of the easement value for the purchase of the term easement. Additionally, NRCS pays between 50 to 75 percent of the restoration costs.

30-year Contracts – 30-year contracts are only available to enroll acreage owned by Indian tribes, and program payment rates are commensurate with 30-year easements.

For wetland reserve easements, NRCS pays all costs associated with recording the easement in the local land records office, including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey and appraisal fees, and title insurance.

Learn more: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/acep/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners and Indian Tribes

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local NRCS office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Center locator.

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA)

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Description

Agricultural Management Assistance helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing, or natural resource conservation practices. The Natural Resource Conservation Service administers the conservation provisions, while the Agricultural Marketing Service and the Risk Management Agency implement the production diversification and marketing provisions.

Learn more: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/ama/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners, Agricultural Producers and Indian Tribes

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local NRCS office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Center locator.

Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC-CO) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Programs

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC-CO) Program provides revenue loss coverage at the county level. ARC-CO payments are issued when the actual county crop revenue of a covered commodity is less than the ARC-CO guarantee for the covered commodity. Price Loss Coverage Program payments are issued when the effective price of a covered commodity is less than the respective reference price for that commodity. The effective price equals the higher of the market year average price or the national average loan rate for the covered commodity.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/arcplc_program/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Anne Arundel and Charles County Forestry Grants

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Education and Training, Grant
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Chesapeake Bay Trust

Description

The Chesapeake Bay Trust provides funding for forestry and land protection projects in Anne Arundel County and Charles County. These programs provide grants to implement reforestation and increase the amount of protected forestland in the state. Grants are intended to fund programs which increase tree cover, create more green space, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. The Trust also funds educational and community engagement projects to raise conservation awareness. While projects do not usually create conservation easements, the goal is to create and maintain more open undeveloped spaces, and this may benefit nearby military facilities.

Learn more: https://cbtrust.org/grants/forestry-and-forested-land-protection/

Learn more: https://cbtrust.org/grants/charles-county-forestry/

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Education and Training, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners, Local Governments (Counties, Cities, Towns, and Municipalities), and Conservation Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Maryland

Contact

The Chesapeake Bay Trust
(410) 974-2941

Arizona Adopt-A-Ranch Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Game and Fish Department

Description

The Arizona Adopt-A-Ranch Program is a voluntary program that enables interested members of the public to “adopt” a ranch to perform ranch maintenance. Volunteers work directly with the landowner(s) and Arizona Game and Fish Department to maintain access on the land. The program helps to mitigate problems associated with public recreational access. The program is part of the larger Landowner Relations and Habitat Enhancement Program that partners with landowners to protect and enhance surrounding habitat and provide public recreational access throughout the state.

Learn more: https://www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/LandOwners/

Category

• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Permitees, Lessees, Conservation Organizations, Local Government (Cities, Counties, Towns and Municipalities) and Federal Government and State Agencies

Location

Arizona

Contact

Troy Christensen
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Adopt-A-Ranch and Respect
Programs Coordinator
(602) 319-0645

Arizona Citrus Research Council and Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Agriculture

Description

The Arizona Citrus Research Council supports the development of citrus research programs and projects within the Arizona citrus industry. Council programs and projects target production, plant pest and disease control, efficient fertilization and irrigation techniques, and varietal development. The council is comprised of 5 producers appointed by the Governor.

Learn more: https://agriculture.az.gov/boards-councils/arizona-citrus-research-council

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Citrus Producers

Location

Arizona

Contact

Lisa James
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Administrator
(602) 542-3262

Arizona Community Challenge Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Description

The Arizona Community Challenge Grant Program provides funding for projects that enhance lands and manage natural resources under the Arizona Forest Action Plan. The program is intended to promote citizen involvement in supporting long-term, sustainable urban, and community forestry programs at the local level.

Learn more: https://dffm.az.gov/grants/community/Community-Challenge-Grants

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Nonprofit Organizations, Public Educational Institutions, and Tribal Governments

Location

Arizona

Contact

Department of Forestry and Fire Management
(602) 771-1400

Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Agriculture

Description

The Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council (AGRPC) Grant Program helps Arizona grain producers identify solutions to production issues. The AGRPC provides all research findings, abstracts, and reports resulting from grant funds to Arizona grain producers.

Learn more: https://agriculture.az.gov/boards-councils/arizona-grain-research-promotion-council

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Academic Institutions, Consortia Tribal Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Arizona

Contact

Lisa James
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Administrator
(602) 542-3262

Arizona Heritage Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Game and Fish Department

Description

The Arizona Heritage Fund protects endangered species, acquires sensitive wildlife habitat, and provides access to recreational and educational opportunities. Grants are awarded for projects that occur on publicly held lands as specified under the Arizona Game and Fish Administrative Rules. Eligible applicants may sponsor a private or not-for-profit organization to act as the applicant and grant participant.

Learn more: https://www.azgfd.com/wildlife/heritagefund/grantapply/

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Federal Government, State Agencies, Tribal Governments, Local Governments (Cities, Counties, and Towns), School Districts, Charter Schools, Political Subdivisions, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Arizona

Contact

Ryan Babel
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Acting Heritage Grants Coordinator, Funds Planning Section
(623) 236-7521

Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council and Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Agriculture

Description

The Arizona Iceberg Lettuce Research Council conducts research for an Arizona industry that produces more than 29 million cartons of iceberg lettuce annually. The Council reviews and awards a wide range of research proposals on topics such as variety development and lettuce pest eradication. Awards are also made for programs relating to production, harvesting, handling, and hauling lettuce from fields to markets. The council is comprised of 7 members that are appointed by the Governor.

Learn more: https://agriculture.az.gov/boards-councils/iceberg-lettuce-research-council

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Lettuce Producers

Location

Arizona

Contact

Lisa James
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Administrator
(602) 542-3262

Arizona Invasive Plants Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Description

The Arizona Invasive Plant Grant Program supports the management of invasive and noxious plants that threaten forested, woodland, and rangeland areas in Arizona. The program aims to increase the local capacity to manage and prevent encroachment of invasive and noxious weeds through Cooperative Weed Management Areas. Projects should focus on invasive plant species found on the Arizona Noxious Weed List, however other plants may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Learn more: https://dffm.az.gov/grants/forest-health/invasive-plant-grants

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Nonprofit Organizations, Tribal Governments, and Public Educational Institutions

Location

Arizona

Contact

Department of Forestry and Fire Management
(602) 771-1400

Arizona Landowner Respect Program

• Landowner Benefit: Other
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Game and Fish Department

Description

The Arizona Landowner Respect Program is a voluntary program designed to improve sportsmen ethics. The program is intended to increase cooperation between landowners/lessees and the public in order to avoid potential conflicts. The program is part of the larger Landowner Relations and Habitat Enhancement Program, which partners with landowners to protect and enhance surrounding habitat and provide public recreational access throughout the state.

Learn more: https://www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/LandOwners/

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Other

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Lessees

Location

Arizona

Contact

Don Larsen
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Landowner Relations & Habitat Enhancement Program Manager
(623) 236-7624

Arizona Military Installation Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs

Description

The Arizona Military Installation Fund is a state-funded program that provides funding for acquisition of private property, real estate, real estate rights, property management, and infrastructure to help mitigate encroachment and preserve military installations in Arizona. The land must be located near a military installation or range or otherwise address some mission encroachment issue. Annual applications are prioritized based on proximity to the installations, noise contour zones, and accident potential zones as well as factors such as use limitation on the property, length of ownership, and measures previously taken to mitigate impact from the installation.

Learn more: https://dema.az.gov/resources/military-affairs-commission/military-installation-fund

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), and Private Landowners

Location

Arizona

Contact

Lucrecia Hernadez
Department of Emergency and Military Affairs
(602) 464-6349

Military Installation Fund
(602) 267-2732

Arizona Mitigation Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs

Description

The Arizona Mitigation Grants Program provides funding for hazard mitigation plans and projects that reduce overall risks from future hazardous events. Landowners that require mitigation projects following a natural disaster are eligible applicants. The program includes mitigation grants such as the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grant and the Flood Mitigation Assistance Grants.

Learn more: https://dema.az.gov/emergency-management/operationscoordination/recovery-branch/mitigation-grant-process

Category

• Community Resilience

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), and Private Landowners

Location

Arizona

Contact

Lucrecia Hernadez
Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs
(602) 464-6349

Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Program Small Grant

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona State Parks and Trails

Description

The Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Program provides funding to pay for contractors working with federal, state, county, local, and tribal governments to develop and maintain off-highway vehicle routes and trails throughout the state. Activities may include the development or maintenance of trailheads, staging areas, and associated off-highway vehicle routes and trail facilities. All projects must be on lands designated as off-highway vehicle routes and must be open to the public. Off-Highway Vehicles include off-highway all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, recreational utility vehicles, and snowmobiles. Grant proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed when accepted.

Learn more: https://azstateparks.com/funding-opportunities

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Tribal Governments, State and Federal Agencies, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Arizona

Contact

Mickey Rogers
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-6942

Jeff Schmidt
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-7124

Matt Eberhart
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-2146

Arizona Recreational Trails Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona State Parks and Trails

Description

The Arizona Recreational Trails Program develops and maintains recreational trails and trail-related facilities for both non-motorized and motorized recreational trail uses. The Trail Maintenance Program is funded through the Recreational Trails Program for non-motorized trail projects. Projects may include land acquisition, facility development, and trail maintenance.

Learn more: https://azstateparks.com/recreational-trails-program

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State and Federal Agencies, Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Tribal Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Arizona

Contact

Mickey Rogers
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-6942

Jeff Schmidt
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-7124

Matt Eberhart
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-2146

Arizona Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Agriculture

Description

The Arizona Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for projects that address consumer or producer education, food safety, marketing and promotion, pests and plant health, and research. The program is administered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: https://agriculture.az.gov/about-us/divisions/agricultural-consultation-training/specialty-crop-block-grant-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State or Local Organizations, Government Entities, Producer Associations, Academia, Community Based Organizations, and other Specialty Crop Stakeholders

Location

Arizona

Contact

Lisa James
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Administrator
(602) 542-3262

Ashley Estes
Arizona Department of Agriculture
(602) 542-0972

Arizona Specialty Crop Block Multi-State Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Agriculture

Description

The Arizona Specialty Crop Multi-State Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through collaborative, multi-state projects. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for collaborative, multi-state projects that address food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific common issues, and marketing and promotion. The program is administered by the Arizona Department of Agriculture, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: https://agriculture.az.gov/about-us/divisions/agricultural-consultation-training/specialty-crop-multi-state-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State Government, Tribal Governments, Individuals, Public Entities, Nonprofit Organizations, and Associations

Location

Arizona

Contact

Lisa James
Arizona Department of Agriculture
Administrator
(602) 542-3262

Ashley Estes
Arizona Department of Agriculture
(602) 542-0972

Arizona State Fuel Mitigation Grant Programs

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Description

The Arizona State Fuel Mitigation Grant Programs protect communities from the risk of wildfire by funding hazardous waste fuels mitigation treatments. These programs include the State Fire Assistance Grant program, also known as the Wildland Urban Interface Grant program, and the Wildland Fire Hazardous Fuels Grant program. The programs are funded under the Federal Emergency Management Agency Hazardous Mitigation Grant Process.

Learn more: https://dffm.az.gov/grants/hazard-fuels/wfhf

Category

• Community Resilience
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Arizona Fire Departments and Fire Districts, Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Nonprofit Organizations, Tribal Governments, and Private Landowners

Location

Arizona

Contact

Department of Forestry and Fire Management
(602) 771-1400

Arizona State Historic Property Tax Program

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona State Parks and Trails

Description

The Arizona State Historic Property Tax program offers a substantial reduction in the state property tax assessment for owners of qualifying homes. The program reduces the property taxes between 35-45percent (dependent on special assessments). In order to qualify, a property must be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and must meet the minimum maintenance standards established by the Arizona State Parks Board either individually or as a contributor to a historic district. The State Historic Preservation Office determines program eligibility and monitors property maintenance, and the county assessor enacts tax classification changes and manages issues of property value and tax calculation.

Learn more: https://azstateparks.com/state-historic-property-tax-reclassification-spt-for-owneroccupied-homes

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

Arizona

Contact

Mickey Rogers
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-6942

Jeff Schmidt
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-7124

Matt Eberhart
Arizona State Parks and Trails
(602) 542-2146

Arizona Tree Resource Enhancement & Engagement Grants

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Description

The Arizona Tree Resource Enhancement and Engagement (TREE) Grant Program is a competitive cost-share tree care program. The program provides reimbursement of $1,500 to $5,000 to assist currently recognized Tree City USA communities and Tree Campus USA campuses with the management, improvement, or conservation of community trees. TREE funding projects include tree planting to reach canopy cover goals, tree inventory, removal or pruning of hazardous trees, tree ordinance review/development, and training of volunteers and city/county employees to best care for community forests.

Learn more: https://dffm.az.gov/tree-resource-enhancement-and-engagement-grants

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Communities or Public Educational Entities, Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), and Tribal Governments

Location

Arizona

Contact

John Richardson
Department of Forestry and Fire Management
(602) 771-1400

Arizona Water Protection Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Water Resources

Description

The Arizona Water Protection Fund is a competitive grant program that provides funding for the development and implementation of measures that will restore, maintain, and enhance river and riparian resources throughout Arizona. This includes projects that benefit fish and wildlife that are dependent on these resources. The Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission typically awards grants under three categories: capital projects, research and data collection, and water conservation. A wide range of projects has been funded including channel restoration, riparian revegetation, wetland creation/restoration, fencing and other grazing management improvements, upland restoration, erosion control, and applied ecological research.

Learn more: http://www.azwpf.gov/FY2019GrantCycle.htm

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Individuals, Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Tribal Governments, Organizations, and Political Subdivision

Location

Arizona

Contact

Reuben Teran
Arizona Water Protection Fund
c/o Arizona Department of Water Resources
(602) 771-8528

Arizona Water Quality Improvement Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Environmental Quality

Description

The Arizona Water Quality Improvement Grant Program funds projects that address polluted runoff, also known as “non-point source pollution.” This type of pollution occurs when rainfall, snowmelt, or irrigation picks up pollutants and carries them to rivers, lakes, or groundwater. Some common pollutants in Arizona are bacteria, nutrients, and sediment, with potential sources that include agriculture, forestry, grazing, septic systems, recreation, non-permitted regulated urban runoff, construction, and physical changes to stream channels. The program allocates money from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and fulfills the requirements of Section 319 Clean Water Act.

Learn more: https://azdeq.gov/WQIGP_Apply

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Private and Public Entities, Government Entities, Tribal Governments, Universities, Nonprofit Organizations, Environmental Groups, Watershed Partnerships, and Private Individuals

Location

Arizona

Contact

Samuel "Jake" Breedlove
Program Coordinator
(602) 771-4243

Arizona Western Bark Beetle Initiative Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management

Description

The Arizona Western Bark Beetle Initiative Grant Program focuses on reducing adverse bark beetle impacts through thinning and removal of green host trees and related slash treatments, in areas where ponderosa pine is the main host tree. Funding through this grant aims to protect high value trees and forests, create and maintain healthy stands of trees, reduce bark beetle attacks and tree mortality, encourage landowners to implement prevention and restoration projects, restore and maintain healthy ecosystems, and reduce wildland fire risk secondarily. Minimum acreage is 10 acres.

Learn more: https://dffm.az.gov/grants/forest-health/western-bark-beetle-initiative-grant-program

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), Nonprofit Organizations, and Public Educational Institutions

Location

Arizona

Contact

Department of Forestry and Fire Management
John Richardson
(602) 771-1400

Arizona Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Arizona

Agency

• Arizona Game and Fish Department

Description

The Arizona Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Program works to accomplish habitat restoration. The program supports projects that are designed to bolster populations of game and nongame species, support landscape-scale habitat restoration, and leverage capacity of external partnerships and funding sources. The program is part of the larger Landowner Relations and Habitat Enhancement Program that partners with landowners to protect and enhance surrounding habitat and provide public recreational access throughout the state. The program is funded through a combination of State and Federal funding.

Learn more: https://www.azgfd.com/Wildlife/LandOwners/

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Permitees, Lessees, Conservation Organizations, Local Government (Cities, Counties, Towns and Municipalities) and Federal Government and State Agencies

Location

Arizona

Contact

Dan Sturla
Arizona Game and Fish Department
Wildlife Habitat Enhancement Coordinator
(623) 236-7282

Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loan Program makes and guarantees loans to beginning farmers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial lenders. Each fiscal year, the Farm Service Agency targets a portion of its direct and guaranteed farm ownership and operating loan funds to beginning farmers.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/beginning-farmers-and-ranchers-loans/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers who are in their first 10 years of operation

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Best Management Practices Cost-Share Programs

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service works with multiple partners, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, FDEP, Florida's water management districts, and Florida's soil and water conservation districts, to provide funds that assist farmers in implementing Best Management Practices (BMPs). BMPs are practical, cost-effective actions that agricultural producers can take to conserve water and reduce the amount of pesticides, fertilizers, animal waste and other pollutants entering our water resources. BMPs are designed to benefit water quality and water conservation while maintaining or even enhancing agricultural production.

Learn more: https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Water/Agricultural-Best-Management-Practices

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Florida

Contact

For more information on current cost-share programs, please contact

Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP)

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Biomass Crop Assistance Program (BCAP) is part of the national strategy to reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign oil, improve domestic energy security, and reduce carbon pollution by developing more agricultural products made in rural America. BCAP provides funds to assist farmers and forester landowners with growing, maintaining, and harvesting biomass that can be used for energy or bio-based products.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/energy-programs/BCAP/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Bio-Fuel Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAAs)

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances (CCAAs) encourage landowners that support at-risk species on their properties to engage in voluntary proactive conservation by offering assurances in return that limit future conservation obligations. The CCAA program specifically targets non-federal landowners and provides them with the assurance that if they implement various conservation activities, they will not be subject to additional restrictions if the respective species were to be listed under the Endangered Species Act.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/permits/enhancement/ccaa/index.html

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Non-federal Landowners

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional USFWS Representative.

Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCAs)

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCAs) are formal, voluntary agreements between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and one or more parties to address the conservation needs of one or more candidate species or species likely to become candidates in the near future. Participants voluntarily commit to implement specific actions designed to remove or reduce threats to the covered species, so that listing may not be necessary. The degree of detail in CCAs can vary widely, and there are no specific permits or assurances associated with them.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/cca.html

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Federal and Non-federal Landowners

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional USFWS Representative.

Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology

• Landowner Benefit: Education and Training
• Location: Florida

Agency

• University of Florida

Description

The University of Florida Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology conducts interdisciplinary research and provides science-based education on landscape practices to protect and conserve Florida’s natural resources. The center has several extension programs to help landowners.

Learn more: http://clce.ifas.ufl.edu/grants/

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Education and Training

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Emily Eubanks
Center for Landscape Conservation and Ecology
(352) 273-4511

Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, Small Watershed Grants-- Implementation

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Locations: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

Agency

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Description

The Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund protects the Chesapeake Bay by helping local communities clean up and restore their polluted rivers and streams. Small Watershed Grants (SWG)—Implementation grants range from $20,000 to $200,000 and are awarded to projects within the Chesapeake Bay watershed that promote community-based efforts to protect and restore the bay’s natural resources and its tributary rivers and streams. Funded projects result in improvements to local stream health and habitat, and/or the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay. 

Learn more: https://www.nfwf.org/chesapeake/Pages/small-watershed-grants.aspx

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

non-profit 501(c) organizations, local governments, municipal governments, Indian tribes, and K-12 educational institutions.

Location

Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund, Small Watershed Grants—Planning and Assistance

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Locations: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

Agency

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Description

The Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund protects the Chesapeake Bay by helping local communities clean up and restore their polluted rivers and streams. Small Watershed Grants (SWG)—Planning and Technical Assistance grants fund projects that focus on assessment, planning, design, and other technical activities that build capacity for future conservation efforts. Potential SWG-Planning and Assistance grants can be enhanced through Technical Assistance Providers. View a list of participating Technical Assistance Providers, including their expertise, geographic service area and contact information.  SWG-Planning and Assistance grants are a maximum of $50,000 and have no matching requirements. 

Learn more: https://www.nfwf.org/chesapeake/Pages/small-watershed-grants.aspx

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Indian tribes, educational institutions, and for-profit entities.

Location

Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP)

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOC, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Description

The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program purchases threatened coastal and estuarine lands or obtains conservation easements from willing landowners. Lands selected to be protected through the program are ecologically important or possess other coastal conservation values, such as historic features, scenic views, or recreational opportunities.

Learn more: https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/landconservation/

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Cultural and Historic Significance
• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

State and Local Governments

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact the Office of Coastal Management at: https://coast.noaa.gov/contactform/

Coastal Program

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

The Coastal Program is a voluntary, community-based program that provides technical and financial assistance through cooperative agreements to coastal communities, conservation partners, and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat on public and private lands. The Coastal Program is delivered through a network of locally-based field staff in 23 priority coastal areas around the country. Coastal Program staff coordinates with project partners, stakeholders, and other U.S. Fish and Wildlife programs to identify geographic focus areas and develop habitat conservation priorities within these focus areas. Geographic focus areas are where the Coastal Program directs resources to conserve habitat for Federal trust species. 

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/coastal/

Category

• Coastal Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Non-federal Landowners

Location

Nationwide

Contact

To learn more, please contact your Regional Coastal Program Representative.

Compatible Use and Joint Land Use Study Grants

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• Department of Defense (DoD)

Description

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Office of Economic Adjustment provides technical and financial assistance to state and local governments to plan and implement civilian actions necessary to alleviate and /or prevent incompatible civilian development and other civilian activities that are likely to impair the continued operational utility of a DoD installation, range, special use air space, military operations area, and/or military training route. The program enables states and communities to assist local installations to optimize their mission: support lethality; and enhance the readiness and military value of their local installation.

Learn more: http://www.oea.gov/

Category

• Community Resilience

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Interstate, Intrastate, State (includes District of Columbia, public institutions of higher education and hospitals), Local, State-designated Indian Tribes,

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact the Office of Economic Adjustment at, http://www.oea.gov/

Conservation Partners Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Description

The Conservation Partners Program, a partnership between the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, provides grant funding to support organizations that provide staff and technical assistance to private landowners to maximize the benefits of Farm Bill programs on working lands.  Through these regional grants, the Conservation Partners Program has begun to place expert staff where they can maximize outreach to the private landowner. In this way, Farm Bill conservation dollars can be utilized most efficiently and effectively.

Learn more: https://www.nfwf.org/conservationpartners/Pages/home.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Non-profit 501(c) Organizations, Farmer and Commodity-led Organizations, Educational Institutions, Tribal Governments, and State or Local units of Government

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

• Landowner Benefit: Rental Payment
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), an offshoot of the Conservation Reserve Program, targets high-priority conservation issues identified by government and non-governmental organizations. While both programs focus on environmentally sensitive land, CREP is a partnership between state governments and the federal government. This partnership is in place to address high priority conservation concerns. Farmland that falls under these conservation issues is removed from production in exchange for annual rental payments.  Land cannot be enrolled in CREP if your state does not have a CREP agreement.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-enhancement/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Rental Payment

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

• Landowner Benefit: Rental Payment
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Conservation Reserve Program pays a yearly rental payment in exchange for farmers removing environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and planting species that will improve environmental quality. 

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/conservation-reserve-program/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Rental Payment

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producer

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) –Transition Incentives Program (TIP)

• Landowner Benefit: Rental Payment
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Transition Incentive Program (TIP) provides annual payments for an additional two years beyond the expiration of a Conservation Reserve Program contract to participants who sell their land, or lease it long-term, to a beginning, veteran, or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has developed a website to provide a tool to connect retired or retiring land owners or operators with beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers or ranchers who are interested in the Transition Incentives Program. For more information, please visit FSA's TIP Net.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/transition-incentives/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Rental Payment

Applicant Eligibility

Retiring Landowners and Operators

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

• Landowner Benefit: Other
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Description

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities that will address priority resource concerns. Participants earn CSP payments for conservation performance—the higher the performance, the higher the payment. 

Learn more: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp/

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Other

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners, Agricultural Producers and Indian Tribes

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local NRCS office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Center locator.

Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA)

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Description

The Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Program provides landowners with the conservation technology and delivery systems needed to achieve the benefits of a healthy and productive landscape.  CTA helps landowners address opportunities, concerns, and problems related to the use of natural resources and helps landowners make sound natural resource management decisions on private, tribal, and other non-federal lands.

Learn more: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/technical/cta/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local NRCS office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Center locator.

Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act), Conservation Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

Section 6 Conservation Grants provide financial assistance to states and territories to implement conservation projects for listed species and at-risk species. Funded activities include habitat restoration, species status surveys, public education and outreach, captive propagation and reintroduction, nesting surveys, genetic studies, and development of management plans. States and territories must contribute a minimum non-federal match of 25 percent of the estimated program costs of approved projects, or 10 percent when two or more states or territories implement a joint project.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

States or Territories that have entered into cooperative agreements with USFWS for endangered and threatened species conservation

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional USFWS Program Contact.

Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act), Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

Section 6 Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance Grants provide funds to states and territories to support the development of Habitat Conservation Plans through support of baseline surveys and inventories, document preparation, outreach, and similar planning activities. States and territories must contribute a minimum non-federal match of 25 percent of the estimated program costs of approved projects, or 10 percent when two or more states or territories implement a joint project.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

States or Territories that have entered into cooperative agreements with USFWS for endangered and threatened species conservation

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional USFWS Program Contact.

Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act), Habitat Conservation Planning Land Acquisition Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

Section 6 Habitat Conservation Planning Land Acquisition Grants provide funding to states and territories to acquire land associated with approved Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP). Grants do not fund the mitigation required of an HCP permittee; instead, they support land acquisition by the State or local governments that complement mitigation. States and territories must contribute a minimum non-federal match of 25 percent of the estimated program costs of approved projects, or 10 percent when two or more states or territories implement a joint project.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

States or Territories that have entered into cooperative agreements with the Service for endangered and threatened species conservation

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your regional program contact. A list contacts can be found at the regional contact page.

Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund (Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act), Recovery Land Acquisition Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

Section 6 Recovery Land Acquisition Grants provide funds to states and territories for the acquisition of habitat for endangered and threatened species in support of draft and approved recovery plans. Acquisition of habitat to secure long-term protection is often an essential element of a comprehensive recovery effort for a listed species. States and territories must contribute a minimum non-federal match of 25 percent of the estimated program costs of approved projects, or 10 percent when two or more states or territories implement a joint project.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/endangered/grants/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

States or Territories that have entered into cooperative agreements with the Service for endangered and threatened species conservation

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your regional program contact. A list contacts can be found at the regional contact page.

Cooperative Funding Initiative Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Southwest Florida Water Management District

Description

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Cooperative Funding Initiative Program provides a cost-share of up to 50 percent reimbursement for projects that address water supply, flood protection, water quality, or natural systems. Projects designed to further the implementation of the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Strategic Plan, Water Management Plan, Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans, Surface Water Improvement and Management Plans, and Regional Water Supply Plan receive priority. The program may provide funding to assist with the cost of data collection; research; feasibility studies; conservation and environmental education initiatives; ecosystem restoration; water resource investigation and plan development; and design, permitting and construction of capital projects.

Learn more: https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/finance/cooperative-funding-initiative

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Counties and Municipalities), Water Supply Authorities, and Other Entities

Location

Florida

Contact

Contacts by County
Frank Gargano
Southwest Florida Water Management District
(352) 796-7211

Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Levy, Marion, Sumter (Brooksville Headquarters)
Joel Brown
Southwest Florida Water Management District
(813) 985-7481

Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas (Tampa Service Office)
Cindy Rodriguez
Southwest Florida Water Management District
(863) 534-1448

Hardee, Highlands, Polk (Bartow Service Office)
Dennis Ragosta
Southwest Florida Water Management District
(941) 377-3722

Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota (Sarasota Service Office)

Cooperative Funding Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• South Florida Water Management District

Description

The South Florida Water Management District Cooperative Funding Program provides funding for alternative water supply and water conservation projects. For the alternative water supply component of the program, the program supports the development of alternative water supply projects that will diversify the supply while reducing dependence on freshwater resources. Examples of alternative water supply projects include aquifer storage and recovery, reclaimed water plant expansions and transmission mains, reverse osmosis plants, and brackish water supply wells. The water conservation component of the program supports water conservation efforts of public and private water providers and users. Examples of water conservation projects include high-efficiency indoor plumbing retrofits and/or rebates; automatic line flushing devices and/or hydrant flushing devices; pre-rinse spray valves; and irrigation retrofits, including soil moisture sensors, rain sensors, and irrigation head upgrades.

Learn more: https://www.sfwmd.gov/doing-business-with-us/coop-funding

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments, Special Districts, Water Supply Authorities, Agricultural Water Users, Commercial Water Users, Industrial Water Users, Institutional Water Users, and Homeowner Associations

Location

Florida

Contact

Stacey Adams
South Florida Water Management District
(561) 682-2577

Crop Insurance

• Landowner Benefit: Insurance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Risk Management Agency (RMA)

Description

Crop Insurance protects agricultural producers against crop losses resulting from natural causes. The program, administered by the Risk Management Agency (RMA), offers several different plans for crops and livestock. Availability of these crop policy plans varies by state and county. For a listing of insurance companies offering crop insurance coverage, visit RMA Agent Locator.

Learn more: https://www.rma.usda.gov/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Insurance

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact the Risk Management Agency at:

Dairy Margin Coverage Program (DMC)

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program is a voluntary risk management program for dairy producers. DMC replaces the Margin Protection Program for Dairy. DMC continues to offer protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all milk price and the average feed price falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/dairy-margin-coverage-program/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Dairy Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Dairy Wastewater System Improvement Cost-Share Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Suwannee River Water Management District

Description

The Suwannee River Dairy Wastewater System Improvement Cost-Share Program provides funding to dairy producers interested in projects designed to conserve water and/or nutrients through upgrades to their wastewater systems.

Learn more: www.srwmd.state.fl.us/366/Agricultural-Cost-Share-Program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Dairy Producers

Location

Florida

Contact

Suwannee River Water Management District
(386) 362-1001

Delaware Agricultural Land Preservation Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Delaware Agricultural Land Preservation Program protects agricultural lands by purchasing development rights from landowners. The program allows landowners to preserve farmland by engaging in a two-phase process. The first phase involves establishing an Agricultural Preservation District--a ten-year agreement where the landowner can only use the land for agriculture. During this phase, other parties may purchase an Agricultural Preservation District through a contingent sale application that exempts participants in the transaction from realty transfer tax if certain conditions are met. The second phase allows landowners to sell their development rights if they choose. If a landowner chooses to permanently preserve the farmland, then the agreement is replaced by a permanent agricultural easement.

Learn more: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/agland-preservation-planning/the-preservation-program/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

Delaware

Contact

Austin Short
Department of Agriculture
Deputy Secretary/Program Manager
(302) 698-4505

Delaware Coastal Programs

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Technical Assistance
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Coastal Programs offer financial and technical assistance to local governments and other entities who want to preserve and manage Delaware’s costal and ocean resources. More specifically, the Coastal Training Program provides technical assistance and training to local governments to help them better understand strategies for addressing climate change resilience challenges and wetland restoration. The Resilient Community Partnership provides grants and technical assistance to local governments that are geared toward helping communities deal with coastal and climate hazards more effectively. This assistance helps communities assess their vulnerabilities, prioritize potential planning and adaption options, and implement resilience plans.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/coastal-programs/planning-training/

Category

• Coastal Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments and Other Entities

Location

Delaware

Contact

Kelly Valencik
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Delaware Coastal Programs
(302) 735.3417

Delaware Community Water Quality Improvement Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Community Water Quality Improvement Grant is a subprogram of the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund that is designed to support projects that improve water quality in Delaware watersheds that have been designated as impaired. The projects must enhance water quality as part of a watershed improvement plan. Each project requires a 25 percent match, which may be sourced from federal, state, or local funds. Eligible projects include stream and wetland restoration and the development of new best management practices.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/community-water-quality-improvement/

Category

• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Delaware Nonprofit Organizations, Local Conservation Districts, Educational Institutions, Community Organizations, and Homeowner Associations

Location

Delaware

Contact

Sharon Webb
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Division of Watershed Stewardship
(302) 739-9922

Delaware Cost-Share Programs

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Delaware Forest Service offers several cost-share programs to private landowners for a variety of projects, including tree planting and timber stand improvement. The Service cooperates and coordinates with the United States Department of Agriculture to implement these programs. Available programs include the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, the Federal Environmental Quality Improvement Program, and the State of Delaware Forestry Cost-Share Program.

Learn more: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/landowner-assistance/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Delaware

Contact

Samuel L. Topper
Department of Agriculture
Senior Forester
Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist
(302) 856-2893

Delaware Forest Stewardship Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Delaware Forest Stewardship Program provides private landowners with assistance to help sustainably manage their forestland properties. The Department will send a forester to visit the land and discuss resource management objectives. After the objectives are discussed, the forester will prepare a Forest Stewardship Plan. The Forest Stewardship Plans provide guidance on how landowners can achieve objectives, such as increased production of timber or wildlife and riparian habitat enhancement.

Learn more: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/forest-stewardship/

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Delaware

Contact

Samuel L. Topper
Department of Agriculture
Senior Forester
Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist
(302) 856-2893

Delaware Free Forest Management Plans Timber Harvest Assistance

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Delaware Forest Service helps landowners develop management plans for woodlots. The Service can conduct a forest inventory, supervise reforestation and timber stand improvement projects, and assist with timber sales by providing sample timber sale contracts and lists of potential buyers. The Forest Service maintains a list of consultants that appraise the timber value of the landowner’s property.

Learn more: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/landowner-assistance/

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Delaware

Contact

Samuel L. Topper
Department of Agriculture
Senior Forester
Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist
(302) 856-2893

Delaware Land Conservation Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Land Conservation Loan Program allows municipalities who have wastewater projects on the fundable portion of the Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Project Priority List to enter into sponsorship agreements with partners like the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. Eligible projects include conservation easements and land purchases. Projects must conserve forestland, open space, or wetlands, and they must be managed in perpetuity.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/land-conservation/

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Municipalities

Location

Delaware

Contact

Carla Cassell-Carter
Acting Chief of Administration
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Environmental Finance
(302) 739-9941

Delaware Landowner Incentive Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Landowner Incentive Program provides both financial assistance and technical assistance to private landowners who want to develop or enhance wetland, riparian forest, and grassland habitat designed to benefit threatened or at-risk species. Financial and technical assistance are offered in several categories including wetlands restoration and enhancement, upland early successional habitat enhancement, reforestation and selective thinning, and invasive species control. The program offers two types of financial assistance: cost-sharing and conservation easements. For restoration efforts on agricultural lands, landowners may receive $146.52 per year in compensation. The Department also offers technical assistance to private landowners who are interested in restoring or protecting their property.

Learn more: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/fw/dplap/services/LIP/Pages/LIP%20Practices%20Available.aspx

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Delaware

Contact

Jason Davis
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
(302) 735-3600

Delaware Open Space Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Tax Relief
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Open Space Program coordinates the state’s efforts to acquire ecologically valuable land for conservation. The program accepts permanent conservation easements; uses private, federal, and state funds to purchase lands to expand state parks and preserves; and encourages land donations by promoting tax benefits and estate planning tools.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/parks/open-space/

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Private and Public Landowners

Location

Delaware

Contact

Robert Ehemann
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Outdoor Recreation Planner

Delaware Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Trails Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Outdoor Recreation Parks & Trails Program is a matching grant program that acquires land and provides funding for development to improve and expand public parkland and outdoor recreation facilities. Eligible projects include land acquisition, planning and design of parks or trails, and construction of outdoor recreation facilities. The acquired land must permanently be used for public outdoor recreation. Staff from the Division of Parks and Recreation provides technical assistance to local agencies and other entities.

Learn more: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/parks/Services/Pages/Grants.aspx

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities and Counties), and Park Districts

Location

Delaware

Contact

Robert Ehemann
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Outdoor Recreation Planner

Delaware Property Tax Exemptions (Commercial Forest Plantation Act)

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Commercial Forest Plantation Act gives landowners a property tax exemption for forests that are managed for timber production. The exemption lasts 30 years but must be renewed if the ownership or rights to the land change. Landowners must have a Forest Management Plan approved by staff from the Delaware Forest Service in order to receive a property tax exemption. The landowner must follow the Plan. Application forms must be completed by a Delaware Forest Service forester.

Learn more: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/forest-service/landowner-assistance/

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Delaware

Contact

Samuel L. Topper
Senior Forester
Wood Utilization & Marketing Specialist
(302) 856-2893

Delaware Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Delaware Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for projects that address consumer or producer education, food safety, marketing and promotion, pests and plant health, and research. The program is administered by the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/communications-marketing/specialty-crop-block-grant-program/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Individual Producers, Producer Groups, Organizations and Associations, State and Local Organizations, and Academia

Location

Delaware

Contact

Jo-Ann Walston
Department of Agriculture
(302) 698-4592

Delaware State Revolving Agricultural Nonpoint Source Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The State Revolving Agricultural Nonpoint Source Loan Program provides low interest funds to help farmers manage dairy parlor waste and manure, dead poultry, poultry manure, and other sources of dairy and poultry related pollution. The program is aimed to help farmers manage poultry and dairy related waste in a both environmentally friendly and cost-effective manner. Applicants for managing poultry waste must have a grower contract with a poultry integrator company that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to participate in the program. Applicants for managing diary waste must have a producer or supplier contract with a dairy cooperative or milk processor that has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to participate in the program.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/dairy-loans/

https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/poultry-loans/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Private Dairy and Poultry Producers

Location

Delaware

Contact

Sharon Webb
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Division of Watershed Stewardship
(302) 739-9922

Delaware Surface Water Matching Planning Grant

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Surface Water Matching Planning Grants provide funding for projects that help manage water pollution for nonpoint and point sources. The program assists eligible entities plan and develop surface water projects. Eligible projects include restoring streams and wetlands, studying small watersheds, and developing surface water and drainage plans. The main goal of the program is to improve water quality in impaired watersheds. The program is a set aside in the Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund Non-Federal Administrative Account.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/surface-water-planning-grants/

Category

• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Counties and Municipalities), Government agencies, Governmental Subdivisions and Programs

Location

Delaware

Contact

Jim Sullivan
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Division of Watershed Stewardship
State Street Commons
(302) 739-9922

Delaware Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Technical Assistance
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Delaware Urban and Community Forest Grant Program provides grant opportunities and technical assistance. The grant program is available for eligible entities to implement tree projects on public lands. Projects may include planting trees or conducting tree inventories. Forest Service staff provide technical assistance to cities, towns, and communities to help them develop and maintain urban forests.

Learn more: http://delaware.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/61194454e0d54df8b71926a6f88963fe

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities and Towns), Community Groups, Homeowner Associations, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Delaware

Contact

Kesha Braunskill
Department of Agriculture

Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Loan
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund provides loans and grants using federal seed grants and matching state funds to finance projects that provide water quality benefits. Eligible projects include municipal wastewater treatment, nonpoint source pollution abatement, watershed protection, restoration, and estuary management. The Department prepares a Project Priority List that ranks the proposed projects according to anticipated benefit to water quality in the state. The amount of funding, the priority ranking of each proposal, and the readiness of the project’s participants to begin the project determine which projects are selected.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/revolving-fund/

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Municipalities, Private Organizations, Nonprofit Organizations and Private Individuals

Location

Delaware

Contact

Greg Pope
Acting Chief of Administration
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Environmental Finance
(302) 739-9941

Delaware Water Quality Improvement Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Water Quality Improvement Loan Program issues loans to fund projects that improve water quality. Eligible projects include the establishment and restoration of riparian areas, wetlands, shorelines, floodplains, and other habitats; the outright purchase of wetlands, forested lands, or agricultural lands; the purchase of conservation easements for wetlands, forested lands, or agricultural lands; and the development of urban forestry programs. In addition, projects must have proven water quality benefits. Projects must be managed for the entire course of the improvement. The program allocates money from the United States Environmental Protection Agency and fulfills the requirements of Section 319 Clean Water Act.

Learn more: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/environmental-finance/water-quality-improvement/

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities and Towns)

Location

Delaware

Contact

Carla Cassell-Carter
Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Environmental Finance
Acting Chief of Administration
(302) 739-9941

Delaware Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program

• Landowner Benefits: Education and Training, Other, Technical Assistance
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Description

The Delaware Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program is designed to assess the condition, or health, of wetlands and the functions and ecosystem benefits that wetlands provide. This information is used to inform the citizens of Delaware and to improve existing education, restoration, protection, and land use planning efforts. The Delaware Wetland Monitoring Strategy will guide future efforts of the program in the areas of protocol development, wetland monitoring and assessment activities, research, and application of information.

Learn more: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/DelawareWetlands/Pages/Wetland-Monitoring-and-Assessment.aspx

Category

• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Education and Training, Other, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

General Public

Location

Delaware

Contact

Alison Rogerson
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
(302) 739-9939

Delaware Young Farmers Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Delaware

Agency

• Delaware Department of Agriculture

Description

The Delaware Young Farmers Program helps qualified beginning or young farmers purchase farmland for sustainable agricultural uses. The program offers a 30-year, no interest loan to help young farmers purchase farmland. Eligible applicants must be 18 to 40 years of age with at least 3 years farming experience.

Learn more: https://agriculture.delaware.gov/agland-preservation-planning/young-farmers-program/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Delaware

Contact

Austin Short
Department of Agriculture
Deputy Secretary/Program Manager
(302) 698-4505

Dispersed Water Management Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• South Florida Water Management District

Description

The South Florida Water Management District Dispersed Water Management Program encourages private landowners to retain water on their land, accept and detain regional runoff for storage, or both. Landowners may participate in the program through cost share cooperative projects, easements, or payments for environmental services.

Learn more: https://www.sfwmd.gov/our-work/water-storage-strategies

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Ansley Marr
South Florida Water Management District
(561) 682-6419

Districtwide Agricultural Cost-Share Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• St. Johns River Water Management District

Description

The St. Johns River Districtwide Agricultural Cost-Share Program provides funding for water conservation and run-off nutrient reduction projects. Eligible projects include surface drip irrigation, center pivot or linear move overhead, center pivot retrofits, expanded waste storage, soil moisture/climate sensor telemetry, fertilizer application equipment with GPS, micro-Irrigation, irrigation/drain tile, tailwater recovery and reuse, over saran irrigation (freeze protection), precision agriculture equipment, variable frequency drive for pumps, and other conservation/quality projects that meet program objectives. Participants must enroll in applicable Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services best management practices.

Learn more: https://www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding/#agriculture-2019

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Florida

Contact

Dale Jenkins
St. Johns River Water Management District
(386) 312-2304

Mark Brandenburg
St. Johns River Water Management District
(407) 659-4806

Districtwide Cost-Share Funding Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• St. Johns River Water Management District

Description

The St. Johns River Water Management District Districtwide Cost-Share Funding Program provides funding to assist with the construction cost of projects. Projects designed to further the implementation of the St. John’s River Water Management District’s Core Mission Areas, Strategic Plan, Water Management Program, Surface Water Improvement and Management Plans, and Regional Water Supply Plan receive priority. The program may provide funding for up to 33 percent of the construction costs for selected alternative water supply, water quality, flood protection, and natural systems projects and up to 50 percent of the construction costs for water conservation projects. Projects may span a maximum of two years from the start of construction.

Learn more: https://www.sjrwmd.com/localgovernments/funding/#FY2019-2020-general

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Counties and Municipalities), Water Supply Authorities, Public Entities, and Private Entities

Location

Florida

Contact

Dale Jenkins
St. Johns River Water Management District
(386) 312-2304

Mark Brandenburg
St. Johns River Water Management District
(407) 659-4806

Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program (ELAP)

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm Raised Fish Program provides emergency assistance to eligible producers of livestock, honeybees, and farm-raised fish. It covers losses due to an eligible adverse weather or loss condition, including blizzards, disease (including cattle tick fever), water shortages, and wildfires.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-assist-for-livestock-honey-bees-fish/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Emergency Conservation Program (ECP)

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Disaster Relief, Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) provides funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to restore farmland damaged by natural disasters and for emergency water conservation measures in severe droughts.  The ECP does this by giving ranchers and farmers funding and assistance to repair the damaged farmland or to install methods for water conservation.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/emergency-conservation/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Disaster Relief, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Emergency Farm Loan Program

• Landowner Benefits: Disaster Relief, Loan
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Emergency Farm Loan Program is triggered when a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or emergency is declared by the President under the Stafford Act. These loans help producers who suffer qualifying farm-related losses directly caused by the disaster in a county declared or designated as a primary disaster or quarantine area. In addition, farmers located in counties that are contiguous to the declared, designated, or quarantined area may qualify for Emergency loans.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/emergency-farm-loans/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief, Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP)

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Disaster Relief, Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP), which is very similar to the Emergency Conservation Program, provides funding to restore privately owned forests damaged by natural disasters. The EFRP does this by authorizing payments to owners of private forests to restore disaster-damaged forests.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/emergency-forest-restoration/index

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Disaster Relief, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Nonindustrial Private Forest Owners

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Description

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides technical and financial assistance to eligible agricultural producers to address soil, water, air, and related natural resource concerns on agricultural land and non-industrial private forestland. EQIP provides payments up to 75 percent of the incurred costs and income foregone of certain conservation practices and activities. However, certain historically under-served producers may receive up to 90 percent of the incurred costs and income foregone and be eligible for advance payments up to 50 percent of the cost needed to purchase materials or contracting services to begin installation of approved conservation practices. Farmers and ranchers may elect to use a certified Technical Service Provider for technical assistance needed for certain eligible activities and services.

Learn more: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local NRCS office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Center locator.

Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Southwest Florida Water Management District

Description

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems Program is a cost-share program that provides funding incentives to agricultural landowners for the implementation of best management practices (BMP). The purpose of the program is to expedite the implementation of production-scale, best management practices in the agricultural sector, which will result in reductions in groundwater withdrawals and improvements in water quality, water resources, and ecology. The program is implemented by the South Florida Water Management District in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Eligible projects include implementation of BMPs that reduce withdrawals from the Upper Floridan aquifer or from any combination of ground, surface, or reclaimed water sources and have a cost-benefit that is equal to or less than the Model Farms Costs: BMPs that improve ground or surface water quality impacted by ground water withdrawals: BMPs that improve natural system functions within the Upper Myakka River Watershed: and BMPs that reduce frost/freeze protection withdrawals authorized by a District Water Use Permit from the Upper Floridan aquifer within a designated boundary.

Learn more: https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/agriculture/facilitating-agricultural-resource-management-systems-farms

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Florida

Contact

Chris Zajac
Southwest Florida Water Management District
(813) 985-7481, ext. 4413

Farm Operating Loans (Direct and Guaranteed)

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers farm operating loans to family farmers and ranchers to promote, build and sustain family farms in support of a thriving agricultural economy. FSA provides guaranteed and direct loans. Under a guaranteed loan, a commercial lender makes and services the loan, and FSA guarantees it against loss up to a maximum of 95 percent of loan value. For those not yet meeting the qualifications for a loan guarantee from a commercial lender, FSA also makes available direct loans, which are serviced by FSA. FSA has the responsibility of providing credit counseling and supervision to its direct borrowers by making a thorough assessment of the farming operation. The goal of FSA's farm loan programs is to graduate its borrowers to commercial credit. Once a farmer is able to obtain credit from the commercial lending sector, the agency's mission of providing temporary, supervised credit is complete.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-operating-loans/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Farm Ownership Loans (Direct and Guaranteed)

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

Farm Ownership Loans help agricultural producers purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch, construct a new or improve an existing farm or ranch building, pay closing costs, and pay for soil and water conservation and protection. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides guaranteed and direct loans. Under a guaranteed loan, a commercial lender makes and services the loan, and FSA guarantees it against loss up to a maximum of 95 percent of loan value. For those not yet meeting the qualifications for a loan guarantee from a commercial lender, FSA also makes direct loans, which are serviced by an FSA Official. FSA has the responsibility of providing credit counseling and supervision to its direct borrowers by making a thorough assessment of the farming operation.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/farm-ownership-loans/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Farm Storage Facility Loans

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

Farm Storage Facility Loans provide low-interest financing to agricultural producers to build or upgrade facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include grains, oilseeds, peanuts, pulse crops, hay, honey, renewable biomass commodities, fruits and vegetables, floriculture, hops, maple sap, milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, eggs, meat/poultry (unprocessed), rye and aquaculture. Eligible facility types include grain bins, hay barns, bulk tanks, and facilities for cold storage. Drying and handling and storage equipment is also eligible, including storage and handling trucks. Eligible facilities and equipment may be new or used, permanently affixed or portable.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/price-support/facility-loans/farm-storage/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP)

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Rental Payment
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Farmable Wetlands Program (FWP) is designed to restore previously farmed wetlands and wetland buffer to improve both vegetation and water flow. FWP is a voluntary program to restore up to one million acres of farmable wetlands and associated buffers. Participants must agree to restore the wetlands, establish plant cover, and to not use enrolled land for commercial purposes. Plant cover may include plants that are partially submerged or specific types of trees.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/conservation-programs/farmable-wetlands/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Rental Payment

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Farmer’s Tax Guide

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Description

The Farmers Tax Guide is designed to offer Federal income tax credit to farmers. No application is needed to use this program. However, you must file your taxes using the guidelines in Publication 225. For more information, view Publication 225, Farmer’s Tax Guide online or www.irs.gov/forms.

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

N/A

Location

Nationwide

Contact

Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Description

The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program focuses on the stewardship and restoration of coastal, wetland, and riparian ecosystems across the country. The program requires the establishment and/or enhancement of diverse partnerships and an education/outreach component that will help shape and sustain behavior to achieve conservation goals. Funding priorities for this program include on-the-ground wetland, riparian, in-stream and/or coastal habitat restoration; education and training activities, either through community outreach, participation and/or integration with K-12 environmental curriculum; ecological, educational and community benefits; and partnerships: Five Star projects engage a diverse group of community partners to achieve ecological and educational outcomes.

Learn more: https://www.nfwf.org/fivestar/Pages/home.aspx

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Non-profit 501(c) Organizations, State Government Agencies, Local Governments, Municipal Governments, Indian Tribes, and Educational Institutions

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact:

Florida Beach Management Funding Assistance Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Description

The Florida Beach Management Funding Assistance Program provides grants to local governments for the planning and implementation of beach and inlet management projects. Projects may protect upland structures and infrastructure, provide critical habitat for threatened and endangered species, provide recreational opportunities, and support local economies through tourism.

Learn more: https://floridadep.gov/water/beaches-funding-program

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments

Location

Florida

Contact

Rob Buda
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-8336

Florida Conservation Property Tax Assessments

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Revenue

Description

Florida provides a conservation assessment for land used for conservation. The owner must convey the development right of the land or establish a covenant for conservation purposes for a term of not less than 10 years. The land must meet the requirements of a conservation easement, be designated as environmentally endangered by resolution of a municipality or county, be designated as conservation land in an adopted local comprehensive plan or be used for outdoor recreational or park purposes.

Learn more: http://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Forms.aspx

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Department of Revenue
(850) 717-6570

Florida Conservation Property Tax Exemptions

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Revenue

Description

Florida provides a full property tax exemption for land that is dedicated in perpetuity and used exclusively for conservation purposes. A partial exemption (up to 50 percent of the assessed value) is also available for land that is dedicated in perpetuity and used for allowed commercial purposes. Land that is comprised of less than 40 contiguous acres does not qualify for an exemption unless the land is used for conservation purposes to fulfill a clearly delineated state conservation policy and yield a significant public benefit as determined by the Acquisition and Restoration Council. In making a determination of public benefit, the Acquisition and Restoration Council must give particular consideration to land that contains a natural sinkhole or natural spring that serves a water recharge or production function; contains a unique geological feature; provides habitat for endangered or threatened species; provides nursery habitat for marine and estuarine species; provides protection or restoration of vulnerable coastal areas; preserves natural shoreline habitat; or provides retention of natural open space in otherwise densely built-up areas.

Learn more: http://floridarevenue.com/property/Pages/Forms.aspx

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Department of Revenue
(850) 717-6570

Florida Deepwater Horizon Program Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

Description

The National Fish and Wildlife Federation’s Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund supports projects that remedy harm to natural resources (habitats and species) affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Department of Environmental Protection and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission work directly with the National Fish and Wildlife Federation to identify projects for Florida. After consultation with the Governor’s office, the Department of Environmental Protection and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission submit projects to the National Wildlife Federation for funding consideration. Funding is available for projects that restore and maintain the ecological functions of landscape-scale coastal habitats, restore and maintain the ecological integrity of priority coastal bays and estuaries, and replenish and protect living resources.

Learn more: https://floridadep.gov/wra/deepwater-horizon

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Any Individual or Organization

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2836

Florida Deepwater Horizon Program Natural Resource Damage Assessment

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Description

Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) funds are used to offset damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The NRDA goals include restoring and conserving habitat, restoring water quality, replenishing and protecting coastal and marine resources, and providing and enhancing recreational opportunities. The Department of Environmental Protection and Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in consultation with the Governor’s office, submit projects to the Florida Trustee Implementation Group for funding consideration. Example projects include stormwater improvements, pier construction, dune restoration, land acquisition, living shoreline projects, hydrologic restoration, and shorebird predation control.

Learn more: https://floridadep.gov/wra/deepwater-horizon

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Any Individual or Organization

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2836

Florida Deepwater Horizon Program The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act)

• Landowner Benefits: Disaster Relief, Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Description

The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast Act of 2012 dedicates penalties to the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund for ecosystem restoration, economic recovery, and tourism promotion in the Gulf Coast region. The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council awards grants for projects under the Council-Selected Restoration Component (Bucket 2). The Governor’s office submits projects for Bucket 2 funding consideration. Example projects include stormwater improvements, wastewater projects, hydraulic restoration, living shorelines projects, and land acquisition.

Learn more: https://floridadep.gov/wra/deepwater-horizon

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Any Individual or Organization

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2836

Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

Description

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity coordinates and implements the Florida Defense Infrastructure Grant Program. The program provides grants for projects related to encroachment, transportation and access, utilities, communications, housing, environment, and security. Grants may be used for land purchases, easements, and other activities.

Learn more: http://www.floridajobs.org/business-growth-and-partnerships/military-community-programs/florida-defense-infrastructure-grant-program

Category

• Community Resilience
• Habitat Restoration
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State Government, Local Governments (Counties and Municipalities), and Special Districts

Location

Florida

Contact

Liz Miller
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
(850) 717-8968

Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

Description

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity coordinates and implements the Florida Defense Reinvestment Grant Program. The program provides grants for projects to support community-based activities that protect existing military installations, diversify the economy of a defense-dependent community, or develop plans for the reuse of closed or realigned military installations. Eligible applicants include defense-dependent counties and cities and local economic development councils located within such communities

Learn more: http://www.floridajobs.org/business-growth-and-partnerships/military-community-programs/florida-defense-reinvestment-grant-program

Category

• Community Resilience

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments and Local Economic Development Councils

Location

Florida

Contact

Liz Miller
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
(850) 717-8968

Florida Forever Program Parks and Open Space Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida Communities Trust

Description

The Florida Communities Trust administers the Parks and Open Space Program, which is funded through the Florida Forever Program. The Parks and Open Space Program provides grants for the acquisition of community-based projects, urban open spaces, parks, and greenways to implement local government comprehensive plans. Eligible applicants include local governments and nonprofit environmental organizations.

Learn more: https://floridadep.gov/lands/land-and-recreation-grants/content/fct-florida-communities-trust-home

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments and Nonprofit Environmental Organizations

Location

Florida

Contact

Linda Reeves
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Contacts by County
Bill Bibby
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Pam Lister
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Rita Ventry
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Florida Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Description

The Gopher Tortoise Recipient Site Program allows public and private landowners to certify their properties as gopher tortoise recipient sites. Recipient sites are lands where displaced tortoises may be relocated using a permitting system created under the management plan. Landowners who have their lands certified as recipient sites may receive financial compensation from the donor site owner. Technical and financial assistance is available for several habitat management activities. Long-term protected recipient sites may qualify to receive up to four gopher tortoises per acre depending on site characteristics. Long-term protected recipient sites must be protected by a conservation easement. Short-term or unprotected recipient sites may qualify to receive up to two gopher tortoises per acre depending on site characteristics. Eligible applicants include public and private landowners with 40 acres of contiguous suitable uplands for long-term protected recipient sites or 25 acres of contiguous suitable uplands for short-term or unprotected recipient sites.

Learn more: https://myfwc.com/license/wildlife/gopher-tortoise-permits/recipient-site/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

State Government, Local Governments, and Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(850) 921-1031

Florida Historic Preservation Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of State

Description

The Florida Special Category Grant Program provides grants to assist major local, regional, and statewide efforts to preserve significant historic and archaeological resources; to assist major archaeological excavations or research projects; and to assist in the development and fabrication of major museum exhibits that will promote knowledge and appreciation of the history of Florida. Eligible project types include development projects, archeological research projects, museum exhibit projects, and acquisition of a single historic property or archaeological site or group of historic properties or archaeological sites. The maximum grant amount is $500,000.

Learn more: https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/grants/special-category-grants/

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Public Entities (Counties, Municipalities, School Districts, Community Colleges, Colleges, Universities, and State Agencies) and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Florida

Contact

Timothy Knoepke
Florida Department of State
(850) 245-6333

Florida Historic Preservation Grant Program Florida Small Matching Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of State

Description

The Florida Small Matching Grant Program provides grants to assist local, regional, and statewide efforts to preserve significant historic and archaeological resources and to promote knowledge and appreciation of the history of Florida. Eligible project types include survey projects, planning projects, National Register of Historic Places nomination projects, education and publication projects, main street projects, historical marker projects, and statewide special projects. The maximum grant amount is $50,000, depending on the project type.

Learn more: https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/grants/small-matching-grants/

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Public Entities (Counties, Municipalities, School Districts, Community Colleges, Colleges, Universities, and State Agencies) and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Florida

Contact

Timothy Knoepke
Florida Department of State
(850) 245-6333

Florida Historic Property Tax Exemption

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of State

Description

Florida allows counties and municipalities to adopt ordinances to allow a property tax exemption for up to 100 percent of the increase in assessed improvements resulting from an approved rehabilitation of a qualified historic property. The exemption may remain in effect for up to 10 years. The exemption applies only to the portion of the property tax levied by the unit of government granting the exemption.

Learn more: https://dos.myflorida.com/historical/preservation/architectural-preservation-services/property-tax-exemption-for-historic-properties/

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Property Owners

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Department of State
(850) 487-2333

Florida Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Description

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Land and Recreation Grants staff administers grants to local governments through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF is a federal competitive program that provides grants for acquisition or development of land for public outdoor recreation.

Learn more: https://floridadep.gov/lands/land-and-recreation-grants/content/lwcf-assistance

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

county governments, municipalities in Florida and other legally constituted local governmental entities with the responsibility for providing outdoor recreational sites and facilities for the general public

Location

Florida

Contact

For more information, please contact the Land and Recreation Grants office at (850) 245-2501

Florida Landowner Assistance Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Description

The Florida Landowner Assistance Program is a cooperative, voluntary effort among Florida private landowners, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and other partners to improve habitat conditions for fish and wildlife. The Landowner Assistance Program provides conservation plans and technical assistance for habitat management techniques. These techniques include prescribed burning, mechanical and chemical vegetation enhancements, wildlife openings, wetlands enhancement and restoration, native tree and grasses restoration, and nest box construction. In addition, the Landowner Assistance Program provides information about other available resources, including information about financial assistance and technical assistance from state agencies and federal agencies.

Learn more: https://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/lap/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Anthony Grossman
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(850) 410-5268

Contacts by Region
Arlo Kane
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(850) 767-3616

Northwest
Ginger Morgan
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(386) 758-0525

North Central
Mark Asleson
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(352) 732-1225

Northeast/South
Luis Gonzalez
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(863) 648-3200

Southwest

Florida Longleaf Pine Private Landowner Incentive Program

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Florida Forest Service

Description

The Florida Longleaf Pine Private Landowner Incentive Program provides technical guidance and incentive payments to non-industrial private forest landowners for conducting certain approved forest management practices that help establish or improve longleaf pine stands. To participate in the program, landowners must own 5 to 5,000 acres of land in designated counties. The program offers incentive payments for invasive exotic plant control, timber stand improvement, prescribed burning, longleaf understory native vegetation establishment, mechanical underbrush treatment, and longleaf pine seedling establishment. The practice must be maintained for at least 5 years.

The program is administered by the Florida Forest Services, and it is funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from the Southern Company, United State Department of Defense, United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, The Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Halliburton Company, and United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

Learn more: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/For-Landowners/Programs/Longleaf-Pine-Private-Landowner-Incentive-Program

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners (Private Individuals or Entities, Joint Owners, Nonprofit Organizations, or Corporations)

Location

Florida

Contact

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Protection
(850) 681-5874
Contacts by County
Florida County Foresters
https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/Field-Operations/County-Foresters/Find-a-County-Forester

Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Description

The Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program provides grants to qualified local governmental entities to acquire or develop land for public outdoor recreation purposes. Land owned by a local governmental entity must be dedicated in perpetuity as an outdoor recreation site for the use and benefit of the general public. Land under control other than ownership, such as by lease, must be dedicated for a minimum period of 25 years. Eligible applicants include county governments, municipalities (incorporated cities, towns, or villages), and independent special districts of Florida with legal responsibility for the provision of outdoor recreational sites and facilities for use and benefit of the public.

Learn more: https://floridadep.gov/lands/land-and-recreation-grants/content/frdap-assistance

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Counties and Municipalities) and Special Districts

Location

Florida

Contact

Linda Reeves
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Contacts by County
Tamika Bass
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Alachua, Citrus, Collier, Escambia, Franklin, Gadsden, Hillsborough, Indian River, Jefferson, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Martin, Miami-Dade, Nassau, Ockeechobee, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Seminole, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla
Angie Bright
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Baker, Bay, Brevard, Broward, Charlotte, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Highlands, Jackson, Lafayette, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Monroe, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Lucie, Sumter, Volusia, Walton
LaShae Grice
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
(850) 245-2501

Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Flagler, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Holmes, Liberty, Okaloosa, St. Johns, Union, Washington

Florida Rural and Family Lands Protection Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The Florida Rural and Family Lands Protection Program acquires perpetual agricultural land conservation easements to protect agricultural lands threatened by development. To qualify, agricultural land must protect the integrity and function of working landscapes, ensure opportunities for viable agricultural activities on working lands threatened by conversion to other uses, and meet at least one of the following public purposes: perpetuate open space on working lands that contain significant natural areas; protect, restore, or enhance water bodies, wetlands, watersheds, or aquifer recharge areas including uplands and springsheds; promote a more complete pattern of protection by establishing or maintaining buffers to natural areas, ecological greenways, and functioning ecosystems, while protecting military installations; or promote the restoration, enhancement, or management of species habitat, consistent with the purposes for which the easement is acquired.

Learn more: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Consumer-Resources/Protect-Our-Environment/Rural-and-Family-Lands-Protection-Program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

A. Keith Rowell
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(850) 681-5818

Hank Vinson
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(850) 681-5828

Florida Safe Harbor Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Description

Florida’s Safe Harbor Program is a voluntary program for private landowners who want to manage their lands to provide habitat for imperiled species. The program is for state-listed species other than the red-cockaded woodpecker. The program provides private landowners with assurances against future land use restrictions if they manage their land to provide habitat for imperiled species. Landowners can develop their own agreements, or they can enroll in programmatic agreements administered by an agency or conservation organization.

Learn more: https://myfwc.com/conservation/terrestrial/safe-harbor/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Tom Ostertag
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(850) 488-3831

Florida Safe Harbor Program for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Description

Florida’s Safe Harbor Program for red-cockaded woodpeckers is a voluntary program for private landowners who want to manage their lands to support the recovery of the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. The program provides private landowners with assurances that no additional regulatory restrictions will result if the landowners are able to increase woodpecker populations on their properties. To participate in the program, a landowner enters into a Safe Harbor Agreement. If a landowner decides to no longer participate in the program, the landowner can cancel the Safe Harbor Agreement with a 60-day notice. The program is authorized through an agreement between the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Learn more: https://myfwc.com/conservation/terrestrial/rcw/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Rebecca Pfaller
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(850) 488-3831

Florida Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Florida Forest Service

Description

The Florida Southern Pine Beetle Assistance and Prevention Program provides cost-share or incentive payments to non-industrial private forest landowners for conducting certain approved forest management practices that help prevent and reduce the occurrence of southern pine beetle infestations. To participate in the program, landowners must own 5 to 5,000 acres of land in designated counties. The approved practices include first pulpwood thinning, prescribed burning, mechanical underbrush treatment, and seedling establishment. The practice area must be maintained as a forest stand for at least 5 years. This program is administered by the Florida Forest Service and funded by the United States Forest Service.

Learn more: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/Forest-Health/Forest-Insects/Southern-Pine-Beetle/Southern-Pine-Beetle-Prevention

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners (Private Individuals or Entities) Joint Owners, Nonprofit Organizations, or Corporations)

Location

Florida

Contact

Jeffrey Eickwort
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(352) 395-4689

Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The Florida Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for projects that address consumer or producer education, food safety, marketing and promotion, pests and plant health, and research. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Grant-Opportunities/Florida-Specialty-Crop-Block-Grant-Program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments, Nonprofit Organizations, Individuals, Public Entities, Commercial Entities, and Associations

Location

Florida

Contact

Joshua Johnson
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(850) 617-7340

Florida Specialty Crop Multi-State Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The Florida Specialty Crop Multi-State Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops through collaborative, multi-state projects. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for collaborative, multi-state projects that address food safety, plant pests and disease, research, crop-specific common issues, and marketing and promotion. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Grant-Opportunities/Florida-Specialty-Crop-Multi-State-Program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State Government, Tribal Governments, Individuals, Public Entities, Nonprofit Organizations, and Associations

Location

Florida

Contact

Joshua Johnson
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(850) 617-7340

Florida State Wildlife Grants Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Description

Florida's State Wildlife Grants Program is supported by the Federal, State, and Tribal Wildlife Grants Programs, which provide annually appropriated funding to every state and territory. The program provides grants for projects that address conservation needs identified in the State Wildlife Action Plan. Eligible applicants include persons affiliated with other state agencies, local government entities, educational facilities, organizations, or individuals. Individuals must partner with other state agencies.

Learn more: https://myfwc.com/conservation/special-initiatives/fwli/grant/

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State Government, Local Governments, Individuals, Organizations, Private Landowners, and Education Facilities

Location

Florida

Contact

Andrea Alden
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
(850) 617-9558

Florida Statewide Endangered and Threatened Plant Conservation Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Florida Forest Service

Description

The Florida Statewide Endangered and Threatened Plant Conservation Program provides grants for projects to conserve federal- and state-regulated rare plants. The program issues small- to medium-size grants commonly ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 per year. These grants are given as 75:25 matching funds. Each applicant is responsible for acquiring the project's match (25 percent) for the federal funds (75 percent). Eligible applicants include individuals and non-federal institutions. Projects are funded on an annual basis. The program is funded through grants from the Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service under Section 6 of the United States Endangered Species Act.

Learn more: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Business-Services/Grant-Opportunities/Florida-Statewide-Endangered-and-Threatened-Plant-Conservation-Program

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State Government, Local Governments, and Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Michael Jenkins
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(850) 681-5876

Florida Tree Enhancement Programs

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
• Florida Forest Service

Description

The Florida Forest Service administers federal, state, and privately sponsored tree planting programs designed to assist private rural landowners and urban communities. Tree enhancement programs relate to maintaining native plant species, including those providing for prescribed burning, treating non-native invasive plant species, site preparation, timber stand improvement, and other related practices.

Learn more: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Contacts by County
Florida County Foresters
https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/Field-Operations/County-Foresters/Find-a-County-Forester

Forest Legacy Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Forest Service (USFS)

Description

The Forest Legacy Program (FLP) is a conservation program administered by the U.S. Forest Service in partnership with state agencies to encourage the protection of privately-owned forest lands through conservation easements or land purchases. FLP projects must be at least 75 percent forested and located in landscapes that the state has designated as a Forest Legacy Areas.

Learn more: https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/private-land/forest-legacy

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

State and Territorial Forestry Agencies

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact a Forest Legacy Program Manager or your Forest Legacy State Coordinator.

Forest Stewardship Program (FSP)

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Forest Service (USFS)

Description

The Forest Stewardship Program works with state forestry agencies, cooperative extension, and conservation districts to connect landowners with the information and tools they need to manage their forests and woodlands. Forestry professionals assist landowners in meeting their objectives to sustain healthy working forests for current and future generations.

Learn more: https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/private-land/forest-stewardship

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Forest Landowners

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional Community Forest Program contact or your Forest Stewardship Program State Coordinator.

Georgia 319 Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Georgia 319 Grant Program is funded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The program’s goal is to reduce nonpoint source pollution. The state awards grants for watershed restoration projects, which include agricultural best management practices and cleanup of impaired streams. Grant projects must restore waterways which have been polluted by nonpoint source pollution.

Learn more: https://epd.georgia.gov/section-319h-georgias-nonpoint-source-implementation-grant

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local governments, (Counties, Cities, Towns, Municipalities) Interstate/Intrastate Agencies, Educational Institutions, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Georgia

Contact

Joyce McClain
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
(404) 651-8525

Georgia Conservation Tax Credit Program

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Revenue

Description

The General Assembly created the Georgia Conservation Tax Credit to provide landowners with a financial incentive to donate land for conservation. Georgians seeking to help preserve natural resources can donate a conservation easement to the state or an accredited land trust qualified organization and potentially qualify for credit against their state income tax. The State will only award up to $30 million in tax credits per calendar year, and the credit expires December 31.

Learn more: https://gadnr.org/GCTCP

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Georgia

Contact

Chris Canalos
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Resources Division
(706) 557-3225

Georgia Development Authority

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Agriculture

Description

The Georgia Development Authority serves as an agricultural lending alternative to traditional financial institutions. The Development Authority’s purpose is to provide accessible credit to farmers, a group which has been traditionally underserved by financial institutions. The Development Authority provides farm loans to qualified applicants and makes credit more accessible to farmers. This program offers agribusiness loans to purchase land or equipment and alternative loans to pay school fees or to refinance other debts.

Learn more: http://www.gdaonline.com/Content/Default/1/5/0/about/the-history.html

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Georgia

Contact

Thomas G. Carter
Executive Director
(770) 207-4250

Georgia Environmental Finance Authority

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Environmental Finance Authority

Description

The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) is a state entity which provides local governments loans for conservation projects. These loans are meant to fund local environmental initiatives, including water infrastructure projects, energy efficiency projects, and land conservation projects. GEFA has a variety of different loan programs, including conservation loans. As of 2019, the 20-year interest rate for this type of loan is 1.44 percent, and the maximum loan amount is $3,000,000.

Learn more: https://gefa.georgia.gov/about-us

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, and Infrastructure Authorities)

Location

Georgia

Contact

Sarah Oken 
Program Manager, Water Resources Division
Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (\
(404) 584-1075

Georgia Family Farm Tax Exemption

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Revenue

Description

The General Assembly enacted a tax exemption for qualified farm and harvested agricultural products from small family owned farms. A family owned farm is defined as a business entity owned by one or more citizens who are related to one another. Eligible farms must gain 80 percent of their gross income from agricultural uses. Farm products grown and harvested in Georgia on eligible farms may be exempt from all ad valorem property tax.

Learn more: https://forms.agr.georgia.gov/GATE

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Georgia

Contact

Georgia Department of Revenue
State Government Office
(877) 423-6711

Georgia Forest Legacy Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Technical Assistance
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Forestry Commission

Description

The Georgia Forest Legacy Program is a partnership between the Georgia Forestry Commission and the United States Forest Service. The partnership provides grants for conserving important forests that are threatened by development or conversion into other non-forest uses. This program allows for donations and purchase of conservation easements for those who wish to keep the land in forestry use. Working Forest Conservation Easements strip development rights from a property but allow landowners to continue deriving economic value from their land. The Legacy program provides financial and technical assistance.

Learn more: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/forest-management/private-forest-management/landowner-programs/forest-legacy/

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Georgia

Contact

Buford Sanders
Georgia Forestry Commission
(478) 951-8238

Georgia Forest Stewardship Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Georgia Forest Stewardship Program provides technical support for landowners from a professional team of experts and biologists. The program helps landowners manage forested property and customize long-term sustainability plans. The plans include maps of locations of natural resource stand types, descriptions and recommendations for each, and 10-year management schedules. Furthermore, the plans will notify the landowner of any special natural resource concerns and financial assistance programs available.

Learn more: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/forest-management/private-forest-management/management-plans/

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Georgia

Contact

Brad Alexandria
Georgia Forest Stewardship Program
(229) 308-8561

Georgia Heritage Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Historic Preservation Division

Description

The General Assembly created the Georgia Heritage Grant Program in 1994 to preserve properties with historical and cultural significance to Georgia. The program provides grants to local governments and nonprofit organizations to assist with the preservation and restoration of historic property. Only properties which meet the criteria for inclusion on the Georgia Register of Historic Places are eligible for this program. Grant recipients must agree in writing to maintain the property and comply with the program’s preservation standards for at least 5 years.

Learn more: https://georgiashpo.org/heritagegrant

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Counties, Cities, Towns, Municipalities), and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Georgia

Contact

Allison Asbrock
Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation District
Outreach Program Manager and Grants Coordinator
(770) 389-7868

Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act provides stewardship opportunities for sensitive water, land, and wildlife areas, including land near military installments. This program provides grants to any city, county, department, agency, or approved nongovernmental entity on the condition that the grant’s primary purpose is the stewardship of “conservation land.” Eligible entities may apply to fund programs which protect water quality and wildlife habitat, prevent commercial encroachment on military installations, or promote conservation.

Learn more: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20172018/HB/332

And: https://gadnr.org/gosp

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Counties, Cities, Towns, Municipalities, Recreation Authorities), State Agencies, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

Georgia

Contact

Rob Stokes
Outdoor Stewardship Grant Specialist
(404) 463-8570

Taylor Brown
Grants Unit Supervisor
(404) 463-8601
Email:

Georgia Private Land Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Georgia Private Land Partnership helps private landowners implement conservation measures to preserve wildlife habitat. The land partnership’s goal is to partner with private landowners and provide professional support to help them meet their wildlife habitat and population objectives. This program is voluntary, and the objectives are determined by the landowner.

Learn more: https://georgiawildlife.com/privatelandsprogram#partnership

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Georgia

Contact

Georgia Private Lands Program
(229) 420-1183

Georgia Small Landowner Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Forestry Commission

Description

The Georgia Small Landowner Program provides technical assistance to landowners who want to conserve small woodlands. The Commission provides step-by-step guidance on how to practice sustainable forestry management. Any landowner with 10 acres or less can utilize the Small Landowner Program.

Learn more: http://www.gatrees.org/community-forests/management/plan-resources/

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private landowners with fewer than 10 acres

Location

Georgia

Contact

Al Hoke
Georgia Small Landowner Program
Safety and Training Manager
(678) 476-6222

Georgia Southern Beetle Cost Share Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Forestry Commission

Description

The Georgia Southern Pine Beetle Cost Share Program helps landowners combat southern pine beetle infestations. This type of beetle infests pine trees and can critically damage wooded areas. The cost-share program provides technical assistance, financial incentive, and staff to help landowners develop management plans to fight forest infestations. Eligible land must be non-industrial, at least 10 acres, and either privately owned or owned by a local government agency.

Learn more: http://www.gfc.state.ga.us/forest-management/forest-health/pine-bark-beetles/spb-cost-share-program/index.cfm

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Local Governments (Counties, Cities, Towns, Municipalities)

Location

Georgia

Contact

Georgia Forestry Commission
(478) 751-3500

Georgia Specialty Crop Block Grant program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Agriculture

Description

The Georgia Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for projects that address consumer or producer education, food safety, marketing and promotion, pests and plant health, and research. The program is administered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: http://agr.georgia.gov/grants.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State and/or Local Organizations, Producer Associations, Academia, Community-Based Organizations, Individuals, and other Specialty Crops Stakeholders

Location

Georgia

Contact

Jen Erdmann
Assistant Director of Grants/SCBGP Coordinator
(404) 656-3600

Georgia State Tax Credits for Historic Property

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Department of Revenue

Description

The General Assembly created two tax credit programs to encourage landowners to preserve and restore historic property. The Georgia State Income Tax Credit Program for Rehabilitated Historic Property allows eligible landowners to apply for state income tax credits in return for restoring their properties. Participants may apply for a tax credit equaling 25 percent of all qualifying restoration expenses up to $100,000 for personal residences. Landowners restoring commercial or industrial properties may be eligible for tax credits ranging from $300,000 to $10 million. The Preferential Property Tax Assessment Program is designed to allow eligible landowners apply for an 8 ½ year property tax assessment freeze.

Learn more: https://georgiashpo.org/tax-stateprograms

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Private and Commercial Landowners

Location

Georgia

Contact

Molly McLamb
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Tax Incentives Architectural Reviewer and Specialist
(770) 389-7847

Rachel Rice
Tax Incentives Program Manager
(770) 389-7849

Georgia Water Quality Cost-Share Projects

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance
• Location: Georgia

Agency

• Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission

Description

The Georgia Water Quality Cost-Share Projects assist interested Georgians with water planning and conservation. The projects provide technical and financial support for the preservation of dams, river basins, and waterways. Protection of the water quality is a crucial part of the program’s objective. The scope of the projects range depending on the level of importance and sustainability. Projects that take place within the Georgia Sentinel Landscape receive priority consideration for this program.

Learn more: https://gaswcc.georgia.gov/watersheds-water-resources

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Any Georgian

Location

Georgia

Contact

Ben Hyer
Rural Water Resources Program Manager
Georgia Soil and Water Commission
(706) 552-4470

Habitat Conservation Planning (HCP)

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) are planning documents for landowners who have federally listed wildlife species on their property or habitat that would likely support these species and desire economic actions that are incompatible with maintaining those species. Because the Endangered Species Act prohibits activities that would be harmful to listed species, the way landowners use their property may be affected. As a compromise, HCPs can be developed that allow landowners to conduct activities that might be detrimental to listed species as long as the landowners have an approved HCP for mitigating those impacts. HCPs are highly variable and reflect a landowner’s interests, the needs of the species, and the recommendations of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Learn more: www.fws.gov/endangered

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional USFWS Representative.

Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)

Description

The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands through easements and financial assistance. Through HRFP, landowners promote the recovery of endangered or threatened species, improve plant and animal biodiversity, and enhance carbon sequestration. HFRP provides landowners with 10-year restoration agreements and 30-year or permanent easements for specific conservation actions. Some landowners may avoid regulatory restrictions under the Endangered Species Act by restoring or improving habitat on their land for a specified period of time.

Learn more: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/easements/forests/

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners and Indian Tribes

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local NRCS office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Center locator.

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

• Landowner Benefit: Education and Training
• Location: Florida

Agency

• University of Florida

Description

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is a federal-state-county partnership dedicated to developing knowledge in agriculture, human and natural resources, and life sciences. By making that information accessible, the Institute hopes to enhance and sustain the quality of human life. The institute has several extension programs to help landowners.

Learn more: https://ifas.ufl.edu/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Education and Training

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Florida

Contact

Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
(352) 392-1761

Jackson Blue Spring Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Northwest Florida Water Management District

Description

The Jackson Blue Spring Grant Program provides funding for projects that improve water quality and reduce water use demands in and around Jackson Blue Spring. Eligible projects include irrigation system improvements, pump upgrades (high to low pressure), remote controlling systems for irrigation, control panel upgrades, end gun controls, fertigation systems, and other precision agriculture tools and services. Enrollment in applicable Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services best management practices is required.

Learn more: https://nwfwater.com/Water-Resources/Funding-Programs/Jackson-Blue-Spring-BMP-Cost-Share

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Florida

Contact

Christina Coger
Northwest Florida Water Management District
(850) 539-5999

Landowner Incentive Program (LIP)

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

The Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) provides grants to States to protect and restore wildlife habitat on private lands that benefits Federally listed, proposed or candidate species, or other species determined to be at-risk. States compete for two sets of LIP funding. Tier I grants provide funding to States to staff and operate programs that work with landowners. Typically, these grants pay for a state program coordinator who works for the wildlife agency and field biologists who interact with landowners and help plan projects. Tier II grants provide funding to states which the state in turn awards to private landowners for the protection, restoration, or management of rare wildlife habitats.

Learn more: https://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/LIP/lip.htm

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

States, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Insular Areas fish & wildlife agencies

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Coordinator.

Landscape Scale Restoration Program (LSR)

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Forest Service (USFS)

Description

The Landscape Scale Restoration (LSR) Program is a competitive grant program focused on landowner projects that promote collaborative, science-based restoration on priority forest landscapes. State forestry agencies develop projects in partnership with diverse stakeholders and effectively leverage local knowledge, expertise, and resources. LSR projects focus on nonindustrial private forest land or State forest land that is also rural. Projects within sentinel landscapes may receive priority consideration for this program

Learn more: https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/private-land/landscape-scale-restoration

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State and Territorial Forestry Agencies

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your State Forestry Organization.

Legacy Resource Management Program

• Landowner Benefit: Other
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• Department of Defense (DoD)

Description

The Department of Defense’s (DoD) Legacy Resource Program provides financial assistance for DoD efforts to preserve natural and cultural heritage by protecting and enhancing resources while supporting military readiness. The Legacy Program funds high priority projects that address current military mission needs and emerging issues. Legacy determines which projects to fund based on the timing of the funding request in relation to many factors that include, but are not limited to, Military Service interest, DoD priorities, available funding, any related work that is underway or already funded, and how the project relates to the current Program Areas of Emphasis

Learn more: https://denix.osd.mil/legacy/home/

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance
• Habitat Restoration
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Other

Applicant Eligibility

Individuals, Organizations (public or private), Institutions, or Agency

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact the DoD Legacy Resource Program at, https://www.denix.osd.mil/contact/.

Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP)

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program provides payments to eligible livestock owners and contract growers who have covered livestock and who are also producers of grazed forage crop acreage that have suffered grazing losses due to a qualifying drought during the normal grazing period for the county.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/livestock-forage/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Livestock Owners and Contract Growers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP)

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) provides benefits to livestock producers for livestock deaths in excess of normal mortality caused by adverse weather. In addition, LIP covers attacks by animals reintroduced into the wild by the federal government or protected by federal Law, including wolves and avian predators. LIP payments are equal to 75 percent of the market value of the applicable livestock.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/livestock-indemnity/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Livestock Owners and Contract Growers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Longleaf Stewardship Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Locations: Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia

Agency

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Description

The Longleaf Stewardship Fund is a landmark public-private partnership that expands, enhances, and accelerates longleaf pine ecosystem restoration across the Southeastern United States. The Fund targets specific “Significant Geographic Areas” anchored by military bases, national forests, national wildlife refuges, and other protected lands to expand, improve and connect existing longleaf habitat. In addition, the Fund supports local partnerships that restore longleaf pine and provide technical assistance to private landowners across the range. Investments are made to achieve specific conservation outcomes, and success will be tracked to evaluate gains in healthy longleaf forest and the recovery of native wildlife.

Learn more: https://www.nfwf.org/longleaf/Pages/home.aspx

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local governments, municipal governments, Indian tribes, and educational institutions. 

Location

Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia

Contact

For more information, please contact Jon Scott, at .

Maryland Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share Program

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Grant
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Agriculture

Description

The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Water Quality Cost-Share (MACS) Program provides farmers grants to install conservation best management practices on their properties. MACS provides participants with information on best management practices and how to implement the conservation measures effectively. The program provides famers with assistance in developing manure management systems with the goal of increasing agriculture productivity and protecting the environment. Program grants can cover up to 87.5 percent of the implementation costs of conservation measures, which include soil erosion prevention and nutrient management.

Learn more: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/macs.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Maryland

Contact

Norman Astle
Program Administrator
(410) 841-5864

Maryland Agriculture and Land Preservation Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Agriculture

Description

The Maryland Agriculture and Land Preservation Fund purchases preservation easements from landowners to preserve farmland and woodland. Eligible land must be at least 50 contiguous acres and have the capability to produce food. Easements purchased under this program are perpetual. Farmers who donate easements through this program may also be eligible for tax benefits.

Learn more: https://mda.maryland.gov/malpf/Pages/Overview.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Maryland

Contact

Michelle Cable
Executive Director
(410) 841-5860

Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Agriculture

Description

The Maryland Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a cooperative program between Maryland and the United States Department of Agriculture. CREP pays landowners for conservation easements on their land. The easement program compensates farmers for voluntarily removing low-producing and environmentally sensitive croplands adjacent to waterways from production.

Learn more: https://dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/Pages/habitat/milo.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Maryland

Contact

Norman Astle
Program Administrator
(410) 841-5864

Maryland Cover Crop Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Agriculture

Description

The Maryland Cover Crop Program provides grants that incentivize farmers to plant cover crops which prevent erosion, recycle nitrogen, and reduce agricultural runoff into the Chesapeake Bay. Eligible cover crops include wheat, rye, barley, triticale, spring oats, ryegrass, canola, forest radish, Austrian winter peas, and crimson clover. Program participants must apply for planting grants each year and comply with Maryland’s nutrient management regulations.

Learn more: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/cover_crop.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Farmers and Agricultural Producers

Location

Maryland

Contact

Norman Astle
Program Administrator
(410) 841-5864

Maryland Forest Legacy Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Technical Assistance
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Forest Legacy Program is a federal partnership between the United States Forest Service and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources that works to preserve environmentally sensitive forest areas. The goal of the program is to protect forests from development or conversion into non-forest uses. The program uses federal, state, and donated funds to buy land or conservation easements from private landowners. Eligible forests must be at least 75 percent forested and in areas identified by the state as Forest Legacy Areas. Applications for the program are ranked by criteria which includes location, use, cultural value, fish and wildlife habitat and other factors.

Learn more: https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/programapps/forestlegacy.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Maryland

Contact

Colleen Kenny
Forest Health Watershed Planner
(410) 260-8530

Maryland Historic Trust Easement

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Historic Trust

Description

Through the Maryland Historic Trust Easement, landowners with property eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places or property in a historic district, may donate a perpetual easement to the Trust. Landowners who participate in the program often agree to relinquish certain development rights and maintain the property to a certain standard. Donors may be eligible for tax credits, loans, or grants from the Trust.

Learn more: https://mht.maryland.gov/easement.shtml

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

Maryland

Contact

Kate Bolansky
Easement Administrator
(410) 697-9537

Maryland Installment Purchase Agreements

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation

Description

The Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation (MARBIDCO) works with local farmland preservation agencies to purchase conservation easements from landowners. Installment Purchase Agreements (IPAs) are tools which farmland preservation agencies can use to buy conservation easements in installments. Under an IPA, the property cannot be developed for non-conservation purposes and the buyer takes immediate possession of the conservation easement. This type of installment agreement can be made in increments ranging from 5 to 30 years depending on the parties’ wishes. IPAs make conservation easement purchases more accessible to agencies and may benefit sellers by deferring some taxes.

Learn more: https://www.marbidco.org/_pages/programs_land_preservation/rural_land_preservation_programs_marbidco_ipa.htm

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Local Governments (Counties, Cities, Towns, and Municipalities), Rural Preservation Organizations

Location

Maryland

Contact

Allison Roe
Financial Programs Specialist
(410) 267-6807

Maryland Low Interest Loans for Agricultural Conservation

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Agriculture

Description

The Maryland Low-Interest Loans for Agricultural Conservation are available to help farmers install best management practices on their farms and purchase conservation equipment. The goal of this program is to give farmers the resources to implement conservation efforts that work best on their farms and control agricultural pollution. To be eligible for the loans, the proposed project must take place on a farm and be designed to address agricultural pollution. These loans are often used to supplement other conservation cost-sharing programs and are typically offered at 3 to 4 percent below market interest rates.

Learn more: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/counties/LILAC.pdf

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Maryland

Contact

Interested parties must contact their local soil conservation district, a list can be found here.

Maryland Manure Transport and Matching Service

• Landowner Benefits: Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Agriculture

Description

The Maryland Manure Transport System exists under the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1998. The goal of the program is to provide farmers with cost-share assistance for manure transport. The program helps farmers with the transportation costs of manure and provides manure renounce management technical assistance. The free program also connects farmers with excess manure to other farmers who would like to use manure as a sustainable fertilizer. Farmers with animal producing farms that have high soil phosphorous levels can receive up to $18 per ton to transport manure to other farms.

Learn more: https://mda.maryland.gov/resource_conservation/Pages/manure_management.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Maryland

Contact

Norman Astle
Program Administrator
(410) 841-5864

Maryland Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation

Description

The Maryland Next Generation Farmland Acquisition Program (“Next Gen”) is run by the Maryland Agricultural and Resource Based Industry Development Corporation, a quasi-public economic development organization chartered by the state. The program’s objective is to preserve farmland and help young or beginning farmers purchase land. A “beginner farmer” is defined as a person who has not owned or operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years prior to applying to the program. Next Gen helps young farmers purchase farmland and ultimately sell a permanent conservation easement to a rural land preservation program.

Learn more: https://www.marbidco.org/_pages/programs_land_preservation/rural_land_preservation_programs_nextgen_ngfap.htm

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

New or Beginning Farmers

Location

Maryland

Contact

Allison Roe
Financial Programs Specialist
(410) 267-6807

Maryland Program Open Space

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Technical Assistance
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Description

Maryland’s Program Open Space provides grants and technical assistance to local governments. These grants preserve natural resources through the creation of parks and protected scenic reserves. The mission of this program is to help localities acquire and preserve open spaces for public use and preservation for future generations. Examples of funded projects include: parks, forests, wildlife management areas, hunting and fishing areas, hiking trails, historic sites, and Chesapeake water access trails. Only local governments may apply for this program; however, landowners may donate a perpetual conservation easement to grantee agencies and be eligible for certain tax credits.

Learn more: https://dnr.maryland.gov/land/Pages/ProgramOpenSpace/home.aspx

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Local governments (Counties, Cities, Towns, and Municipalities)

Location

Maryland

Contact

Cheryl Wise
Conservation Easements Staff
(410) 260-8410

Maryland Property Tax Credit

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation

Description

Maryland provides a property tax credit on land that has been donated to the Maryland Environmental Trust through a conservation easement. Donors will pay no property tax on the property for 15 years after the donation.

Learn more: https://dat.maryland.gov/realproperty/pages/homeowners'-property-tax-credit-program.aspx

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Individuals, Corporations

Location

Maryland

Contact

Department of Assessments and Taxation
(410) 767-1184

Maryland Rural Legacy Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Maryland Rural Legacy Program preserves agricultural land and open space and promotes sustainable natural resource-based businesses. The program provides grants to nonprofit conservation groups and local governments (known as “sponsors”) to fund projects which preserve large contiguous tracts of land. Sponsors may purchase conservation easements from willing landowners to preserve agricultural land, green spaces, and wildlife habitat. Conservation easements purchased under this program are perpetual and must be held by a government entity.

Learn more: https://dnr.maryland.gov/land/Pages/RuralLegacy/home.aspx

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Nonprofit Conservation Groups and Local Governments Sponsors

Location

Maryland

Contact

Stacy J. Schaefer
Associate Director
Maryland Rural Legacy Program
(410) 260-8532

Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Agriculture

Description

The Maryland Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for projects that address consumer or producer education, food safety, marketing and promotion, pests and plant health, and research. The program is administered by the Maryland Department of Agriculture, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: https://mda.maryland.gov/maryland_products/Pages/Specialty-Crop-Block-Grant-Program.aspx

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State and/or Local Organizations, Producer Associations, Academia, Community-Based Organizations, Individuals, and other Specialty Crops Stakeholders

Location

Maryland

Contact

Karen Fedor
Program Manager
(410) 841-5773

Maryland State Income Tax

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation

Description

Maryland provides a state income tax credit for entities and individuals who donate conservation easements to the Maryland Environmental Trust. A claimant may claim a maximum credit of $5,000 per year and may continue to claim the credit for up to 15 years for a maximum of $80,000. The credit is based on the appraised value of the easement.

Learn more: https://dnr.maryland.gov/met/pages/tax_benefits.aspx

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Individuals, Corporations

Location

Maryland

Contact

Department of Assessments and Taxation
(410) 767-1184

Microloan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Microloan Program serves the unique financial operating needs of beginning, niche, and the smallest of family farm operations. The program offers flexible access to credit and serves as an attractive loan alternative for smaller farming operations such as specialty crop producers and operators of community supported agriculture.

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/farm-loan-programs/microloans/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Military Base Protection Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

Description

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity coordinates and implements the Military Base Protection Program. The functions of the Military Base Protection Program include, but are not limited to, securing non-conservation lands to serve as a buffer to protect military installations against encroachment and supporting local community efforts to engage in service partnerships with military installations.

Learn more: http://www.floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/programs/technical-assistance/economic-development/military-base-encroachment

Category

• Community Resilience

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

State Governments

Location

Florida

Contact

Liz Miller
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
(850) 717-8968

Mini Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Florida

Agency

• Southwest Florida Water Management District

Description

The Southwest Florida Water Management District Mini Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management Systems (FARMS) Program is a cost-share program that assists agricultural operations of 100 acres or less to conserve water and protect water quality within the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Mini-FARMS projects implement the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services-adopted best management practices. Eligible applicants include agricultural operations of 100 acres of less.

Learn more: https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/business/agriculture/facilitating-agricultural-resource-management-systems-farms

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Florida

Contact

Matt Warren
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(863) 773-2164

Patricia Hobson
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
(941) 377-3722, ext. 6516

Minnesota Advanced Biofuel Production Incentive Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Advanced Biofuel Production Incentive Program provides various incentives to produce advanced biofuel based on the eligibility requirements for producers of the fuels. The fuels must meet the definition of national Renewable Fuel Standard Program, which requires a 50 percent improvement of greenhouse emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels. Advanced biofuels are made from non-food, non-feed feedstocks, and agricultural waste.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/advanced-biofuel-production-incentive-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Biofuel Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Kevin Hennessy
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6223

Minnesota Aggie Bond Beginning Farmer Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Aggie Bond Beginning Farmer Loan Program is a federal bonding program administered by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. The program offers financing for qualified beginning farmers. By applying for a loan through the program, applicants can secure a reduced interest rate. A beginning farmer is a person who intends, over time, to become a full-time farmer.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/aggie-bond-beginning-farmer-loan-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Department of Agriculture
Rural Finance Authority Office
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6004

Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Agricultural Biofuel Blending Infrastructure Grant

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Agricultural Biofuel Blending Infrastructure Grant provides funding for biofuel blending infrastructure equipment. The program is intended to promote economic growth within the industry. Projects should aim to develop new or enhanced markets that improve biofuel blending outcomes (increasing sales, greater access to fuels, etc.). The grants can be used for equipment purchases and installation costs.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/agri-biofuel-blending-infrastructure-grant

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Biofuel Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ann Kuzj
Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6028

Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Beginning Farmer Farm Business Management Scholarship

• Landowner Benefit: Education and Training
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Beginning Farmer Farm Business Management Scholarship Program helps new farmers learn essential skills required to meet the business’s needs. Participants receive an end-of-year financial and business analysis, along with a database to compare similar farms. Individuals in the program will meet one-on-one with an instructor to design a program that fits their needs. Beginning Farmers must be Minnesota residents who have owned and operated a farm for 10 years or fewer, have less than forty credits in the program, and enroll in eight to ten credits per academic year.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/agri-beginning-farmer-farm-business-management-scholarships

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Education and Training

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Becky Balk
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6369

Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Dairy Farm Improvement Grant

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Dairy Farm Grant assists dairy producers in maximizing their profitability. This grant program reimburses the cost of equipment, services, or physical improvements that will help the dairy operation to meet requirements for Grade A milk production as established by the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance. Eligible applicants must be principal operators of dairy cow operations currently producing Grade B milk, or Grade A milk producers who require capital or operational improvements to stay compliant with Grade A requirements.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-dairy-farm-improvement-grant

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Dairy Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Michael Greene
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6458

Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Livestock Investment Grant

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Livestock Investment Grant encourages long-term industry development for Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers by helping them improve, update, and modernize their livestock operation infrastructure and equipment. Applicants must be in good standing with the state, be a current Minnesota resident, and be the principal operator of the farm. Livestock includes beef cattle, dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervidae (deer), ratitae (flightless birds including emu), and llamas.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-livestock-investment-grant

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Michael Greene
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6458

Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Growth, Research and Innovation Program Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant Program supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. The program funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, and personally satisfying.  The projects explore the profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of practices or systems from production through marketing.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/agri-sustainable-agriculture-demonstration-grant-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Sustainable Agriculture Nonprofit Organizations, and Educational Organizations

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ann Kuzj
Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6028

Minnesota Agricultural Improvement Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Improvement Loan Program aids eligible farmers in financing capital improvements. Under the program, agricultural improvements mean improvements to a farm, including the purchase and construction or installation of improvements to land, buildings, or other permanent structures. This includes equipment incorporated in or permanently affixed to the land, buildings, or structures which are useful for and intended to be used for the purpose of farming.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/agricultural-improvement-loan-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ryan Roles
Department of Agriculture
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6666

Minnesota Agricultural Land Preservation Programs

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Tax Relief
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Land Preservation Program conserves agricultural land, protects soil and water resources, and encourages orderly development of rural and urban land uses. Local governments identify long-term agricultural lands and establish protective zones that limit land use to agricultural or forestry for 8 years. In return, landowners receive property tax credits and protection for standard agricultural practices, among other benefits. There are two types of agricultural land preservation programs: The Metropolitan Agricultural Preserves Program for the 7-county Twin Cities metro area and the Minnesota Agricultural Land Preservation Program for counties outside the Twin Cities metro area.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/farmland-protection-tools

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Counties, Cities, Towns, and Municipalities), Private Landowners, and Farmers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Becky Balk
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6369

Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program

• Landowner Benefits: Education and Training, Grant, Technical Assistance
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program assists farmers and landowners in implementing conservation best practices to protect water resources. Certified participants of the program are eligible for grant awards up to $5,000 to aid in implementing best practices. The program allows participants to promote their businesses' use of conservation practices.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/minnesota-agricultural-water-quality-certification-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Education and Training, Grant, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners, Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Brad Redlin
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Pesticide & Fertilizer Management
(651) 201-6489 

Minnesota Agriculture Best Management Practices Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Agriculture Best Management Practices Loan Program is a water quality program that provides low-interest loans to farmers, rural landowners, and agriculture supply businesses. The purpose is to encourage agricultural best management practices that prevent or reduce runoff from feedlots, farm fields, and other areas that may cause pollution as identified in local water plans.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/agbmploan

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Dwight Wilcox
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6608

Minnesota Beginning Farmer Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Beginning Farmer Program helps minimize financial risk farmers face. The program offers affordable financing, a reasonable down payment, and built-in safeguards, such as farm management training and financial planning. This is a partnership approach backed by the State's financial participation. A participant may finance a purchase or possibly refinance an existing farm debt.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/beginning-farmer-loan-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ryan Roles
Department of Agriculture
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6666

Minnesota Beginning Farmer Tax Credit

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Beginning Farmer Tax Credit provides the rent or sale of farmland to beginning farmers. The Regional Finance Authority certifies beginning farmers, assists farmers with locating eligible financial management program options, and certifies that owners of agricultural assets are eligible for the tax credit. Agricultural asset is defined as agricultural land, livestock, facilities, buildings, and machinery used for farming in Minnesota.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/bftc

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Department of Agriculture
Beginning Farmer Tax Credit
(651) 201-6004

Minnesota Biomass Thermal Energy Production Incentive Program

• Landowner Benefit: Cost-Share Payments
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Biomass Thermal Energy Production Incentive Program offers a production incentive for production facilities. The production facilities must have started prior to July 1, 2015 and produce at least 250 MMBtu per quarter and during each quarter of participation to enter the program. Biomass thermal energy is heat and electricity created through biomass combustion, gasification, or anaerobic digestion of organic material from plants and animals.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/biomass-thermal-energy-production-incentive-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Cost-Share Payments

Applicant Eligibility

Biomass Thermal Energy Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Kevin Hennessy
Department of Agriculture
Ag Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6223

Minnesota Buffer Law

• Landowner Benefit: Other
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Description

The Minnesota Buffer Law requires vegetative buffers up to fifty feet along lakes, rivers, and streams. A buffer, also known as a riparian filter strip, is vegetated land adjacent to a stream, river, lake, or wetland. The law provides flexibility for landowners to install alternative practices with equivalent water quality benefits.

Learn more: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/minnesota-buffer-law

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Other

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Tom Gile
Minnesota Resource Conservation Section Manager
(507) 206-2894

Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Description

The Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program is a voluntary federal and state funded natural resource conservation program. The program uses a science-based approach to protect land and conservation practices through payments to farmers and agricultural landowners.

Learn more: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/mn-crep-landowners

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access
• Sustainable Agriculture
• Sustainable Forestry
• Water Conservation
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Local Assistance Provided
(651) 690-9028

Minnesota Cropland Grazing Exchange

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Cropland Grazing Exchange (CGE) matches livestock farmers with crop farmers who have forage (crop residues, cover crops, etc.) to harvest. The CGE is an interactive map that shows the locations of farmers who have livestock to graze and farmers who have cropland they want grazed. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture partnered with the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Sustainable Farming Association of Minnesota to develop this tool. Incorporating livestock into a cropping rotation benefits both crop and livestock farmer by improving soil health, reducing tillage, and lengthening the grazing season.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/cropland-grazing-exchange-1

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Kelly Anderson
Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(320) 634-7354

Minnesota Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Dairy Assistance, Investment, and Relief Initiative Program aids small to medium sized dairy operations that participate in the United States Department of Agriculture Dairy Margin Coverage program. To be eligible, participants must be the principal operator of a dairy cow operation that produced less than 16,000,000 pounds of milk in 2018 and sign up for five years of coverage. Two payments are made to eligible producers based on the amount of milk produced, up to 50,000 cwt.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/dairi

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Dairy Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ashley Bress
Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6648

Minnesota Disaster Recovery Loan Program

• Landowner Benefits: Disaster Relief, Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Disaster Recovery Loan Program provides funds to repair and replace farm structures, septic and water systems, seed, other crop inputs, feed, and livestock. The program allows for loans when the property is damaged by high winds, hail, tornado, floods, or excessive rainfall or snowfall. The program funds can also be used to replace flocks. Farmers will work with local lenders through the Rural Finance Authority.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/disasterloan

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief, Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ryan Roles
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6666

Minnesota Farm Opportunity Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Farm Opportunity Loan Program finances the purchase of equipment to add to the value of crops or livestock. Loans may not be used for operating expenses, such as the purchase of seed, fertilizer, or fuel. The Rural Finance Authority must have a completed Master Participation Agreement with the lender on file.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/business-dev-loans-grants/farm-opportunity-loan-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ryan Roles
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6666

Minnesota Green Acres Program

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Green Acres Program can be used to reduce property taxes for owners of agricultural property if the land value is affected by development pressure. The program allows farmers to pay property taxes based on the agricultural value of the land and defer the higher property taxes based on the land’s value.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/farmland-protection-tools

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Becky Balk
Minnesota Department of Agriculture Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6369

Minnesota Historic Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office

Description

The Minnesota Historic Structure Rehabilitation Tax Credit offers a 20 percent state tax credit for qualified historic rehabilitations.  The tax credit offers project investors an option of a grant in lieu of a credit.  The program is expected to expire in 2021. 

Learn more: https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/incentives/state/

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Property Owners

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Natascha Wiener
Senior Design Reviewer
Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office
(651) 201-3294

Minnesota Homestead Credit Refund

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Revenue

Description

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has two property tax refund programs for homeowners: The Regular Homestead Credit Refund and the Special Homestead Credit Refund. Individuals must have lived in the home on January 2, 2019 and have an income of less than $113,150 to claim the regular Homestead Credit Refund. Individuals must have a net property tax increase by more than 12 percent among other requirements to claim the special credit. In order to qualify for either refund, an individual needs a valid social security number and property that is classified as a homestead. The homeowner also must have paid property taxes by August 15, 2020.

Learn more: https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/homeowners-homestead-credit-refund

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Homeowners

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Department of Revenue
(651) 296-3781

Minnesota Livestock Equipment Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Livestock Equipment Loan Program helps to finance the purchase of livestock-related equipment. Loans may be used for the acquisition of equipment for animal housing, confinement, animal feeding, milk production, and waste management. The loan will be for a maximum of 10 years.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/livestock-equipment-loan-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Principal Operators

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ryan Roles
Department of Agriculture
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6666

Minnesota Livestock Expansion Loan Program

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Livestock Expansion Loan Program allows livestock and dairy producers to finance the construction of new facilities to expand their operations. Under the program, livestock expansion means improvements to a livestock operation, including the purchase or the improvement of land, buildings, and other permanent structures which are intended to be used for the purpose of raising livestock.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/livestock-expansion-loan-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Livestock and Dairy Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Ryan Roles
Department of Agriculture
Finance & Budget
(651) 201-6666

Minnesota One Watershed, One Plan Program

• Landowner Benefits: Grant, Technical Assistance
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources

Description

The Minnesota One Watershed, One Plan Program develops comprehensive watershed management plans. The Program supports partnerships of local governments in developing prioritized, targeted, and measurable implementation plans. The plans align local water planning purposes and procedures to create a systematic, watershed-wide approach to watershed management. The science-based approach makes use of data and information about watershed restoration strategies. The grants provided by the program can be used to develop the management plans.

Learn more: https://bwsr.state.mn.us/one-watershed-one-plan

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant, Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Local Government (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities)

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Julie Westerlund
One Watershed, One Plan Coordinator
(651) 600-0694

Minnesota Right to Farm Laws

• Landowner Benefit: Other
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Description

The Minnesota Right to Farm Laws protect farms and ranches from most public and private nuisance actions. Counties and townships have similar protections, which speaks to the importance of agriculture in local economy. Potential residents are still notified of noise, odor, and dust that result from the common farming operations.

Learn more: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/farmland-protection-tools

And: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/561.19

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Other

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Agricultural Producers

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Becky Balk
Minnesota Department of Agriculture
Marketing & Development
(651) 201-6369

Minnesota State Historical Preservation Act

• Landowner Benefit: Other
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office

Description

The Minnesota State Historical Preservation Act sets criteria to determine if a property is eligible for historic preservation based on the National Register criteria. Properties are assessed based on their quality of significance in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, and culture, among other considerations. Owners of private property nominated to the Register have an opportunity to concur with or object to the listing.

Learn more: https://mn.gov/admin/shpo/

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Other

Applicant Eligibility

Property Owners

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Minnesota State Historical Preservation Office
(651) 201-3287

Minnesota Wild and Scenic Rivers Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Minnesota Wild and Scenic Rivers Program protects six rivers in Minnesota that have outstanding natural, scenic, and historic value. The program creates river management plans for each of the designated river segments that outlines the rules and goals for that river. These rules are administered through local zoning ordinances to protect the rivers from water and visual pollution, erosion, over-development, and degradation, factors that undermine the wild, scenic, and recreational qualities for which they were designated.

Learn more: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/wild_scenic/index.html

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, and Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities)

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Dan Petrik 
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Land Use Specialist
(651) 259-5697

Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: Minnesota

Agency

• Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Description

The Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area Program (MRCCA) is a combination of state, regional and local initiatives that provides for the management and planning of the 72-mile stretch of the Mississippi River that runs through the 7-county metropolitan area. The MRCCA is home to a full range of residential neighborhoods and parks, as well as river-related commerce, industry, and transportation. Though the river corridor has been extensively developed, many intact and remnant natural areas remain, including bluffs, islands, floodplains, wetlands, riparian zones, and native aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna.

Learn more: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/waters/watermgmt_section/critical_area/index.html

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Landowners

Location

Minnesota

Contact

Dan Petrik 
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Land Use Specialist
(651) 259-5697

National Coastal Resilience Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

Description

The National Coastal Resilience Fund restores, increases, and strengthens natural infrastructure to protect coastal communities, while also enhancing habitats for fish and wildlife. Established in 2018, the National Coastal Resilience Fund invests in conservation projects that restore or expand natural features such as coastal marshes and wetlands, dune and beach systems, oyster and coral reefs, forests, coastal rivers and floodplains, and barrier islands that minimize the impacts of storms and other naturally occurring events on nearby communities.

Learn more: https://www.nfwf.org/coastalresilience/Pages/home.aspx

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Community Resilience
• Habitat Restoration
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State Governments

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact:

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program annually provides grants of up to $1 million to coastal and Great Lakes states, as well as U.S. territories to protect, restore and enhance coastal wetland ecosystems and associated uplands.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants/

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Coastal State Agencies

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your Regional Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Coordinator.

Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) Grants

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA) program provides matching grants to Neotropical migratory bird conservation projects throughout the Western Hemisphere, with at least 75 percent of funding going to projects outside the United States. The competitive grants require that grant requests be matched by partner contributions at no less than a 3-to-1 ratio. The purpose of NMBCA is to provide financial support and foster international cooperation for initiatives that will perpetuate healthy bird populations.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/birds/grants/neotropical-migratory-bird-conservation-act.php

Category

• Habitat Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Any U. S., Latin American, or Caribbean individual, corporation, government agency, trust, association, or other private entity

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact: .

Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)

• Landowner Benefit: Disaster Relief
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• USDA, Farm Service Agency (FSA)

Description

The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters. NAP provides basic coverage equivalent to the catastrophic level risk protection plan of insurance coverage, which is based on the amount of loss that exceeds 50 percent of expected production at 55 percent of the average market price for the crop

Learn more: https://www.fsa.usda.gov/programs-and-services/disaster-assistance-program/noninsured-crop-disaster-assistance/index

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Disaster Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact your local FSA office. To locate the office nearest you, visit the USDA Service Locator page.

Nontidal Wetlands Project

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Maryland

Agency

• Chesapeake Bay Trust

Description

The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Department of the Environment provide funds for projects to conserve wetlands. The program seeks to protect local watersheds, the Chesapeake Bay, Youghiogheny River, and the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Eligible projects are ones which promote cost-effective wetland preservation methods. Grants fund the following project types wetland restoration, wetland creation, wetland enhancement, and wetland preservation.

Learn more: https://cbtrust.org/grants/non-tidal-wetlands/

Category

• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Nonprofit Organizations, and Community Groups

Location

Maryland

Contact

Sarah Koser
(410) 974-2941 x 106

North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Grants 

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: Nationwide

Agency

• DOI, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Description

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) Program is a non-regulatory, incentive-based, voluntary wildlife conservation program that stimulates public-private partnerships to protect, restore, and manage wetland habitats for migratory birds and other wildlife. NAWCA grants not only increase bird populations and wetland habitat, but also supporting local economies and American traditions such as hunting, fishing, bird watching, family farming, and cattle ranching. The NAWCA program is active in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. NAWCA includes a Standard and a Small Grants Program. Both are competitive grants programs and require at least a 1-to-1 match.

Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/birds/grants/north-american-wetland-conservation-act.php

Category

• Habitat Restoration
• Wetland Restoration

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Private or Public Organizations or Individuals

Location

Nationwide

Contact

For more information, please contact Rodecia McKnight, , (703) 358-2266 or Anya Rushing (), (703) 358-2032.

North Carolina 319 Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Description

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality receives funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency for the 319 Grant Program to reduce nonpoint source pollution. The state awards grants for watershed restoration projects, which include agricultural best management practices and cleanup of impaired streams. Grant projects must restore waterways which have been polluted by nonpoint source pollution.

Learn more: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/water-resources/planning/nonpoint-source-management/319-grant-program

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments, Interstate/Intrastate Agencies, Educational Institutions, and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Rishi Bastoki
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
319 Grant Administrator
(919) 707-3623

North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

Founded in 2005, the North Carolina Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund preserves and supports the North Carolina agricultural industry. The Trust provides grants to nonprofit conservation groups, county agencies, and private landowners in partnership with a nonprofit or government agency. The grants fund farmland preservation by helping landowners sell conservation easements and maintain sustainable and profitable farms. ***Projects within the Eastern North Carolina Sentinel Landscape receive priority consideration for this program.

Learn more: https://ncadfp.org/index.htm

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Nonprofit Organizations, County Agencies, Individual Landowners Partnering with a Nonprofit or Government Agency

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Dewitt Hardee
North Carolina Agriculture Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund
Director
(919) 707-3069

North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority

• Landowner Benefit: Loan
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The General Assembly founded the North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority to provide small farmers with accessible credit. The Authority’s goal is to provide credit to family sized farms, a demographic that has traditionally been underserved by financial institutions. The Authority originates, finances, and services agricultural loans. These loans help small farmers buy and improve property, as well as establish and expand agribusiness and other agricultural activities.

Learn more: https://www.ncagr.gov/agfinance/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Loan

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Charles Walls
Program Loan Officer
North Carolina Agricultural Finance Authority
(919) 790-3949

North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund

• Landowner Benefits: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• Clean Water Management Trust Fund

Description

The North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust Fund provides grants to local governments, state agencies, and conservation nonprofits to help finance projects that specifically address water pollution problems. These projects may include the establishment of a network of riparian buffers and greenways through the acquisition of conservation easements. Some of the funded projects create buffers between residential areas and military property through protected waterways. Projects within the Eastern North Carolina Sentinel Landscape receive priority consideration for this program.

Learn more: https://cwmtf.nc.gov/

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition, Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), State Agencies and Conservation Nonprofit Organizations

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Damon Hearne
North Carolina Clean Water Management Trust
Western Region Contact
(828) 296-7230
Justin Mercer
Eastern Region Contact
(919) 707-8105

North Carolina Coastal Public Access Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Description

The North Carolina Coastal Public Access Grant Program preserves North Carolina’s coastlines for public use. The program awards grants to local governments for coastal restoration projects. The grants fund projects which restore and increase access to coastal lands.

Learn more: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/coastal-management/coastal-management-beach-waterfront-awareness-program/public-access-grant-application-package

Category

• Coastal Restoration
• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local governments

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Applicants must contact the district planner for their region. The list can be found here.

North Carolina Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The North Carolina Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the federal government. The program improves water quality by limiting agricultural pollution. CREP pays landowners for permanent conservation easements on their land. The easement program compensates farmers for voluntarily removing low-producing and environmentally sensitive croplands adjacent to waterways from production. Eligible property must be located in an approved watershed area.

Learn more: http://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/easementprograms/CREP/index.html

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Each region has their own CREP specialist, the list is found here.

North Carolina Division of Mitigation Services In-Lieu Fee Programs

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Description

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Mitigation Services (DMS) offers four voluntary In-Lieu Fee (ILF) Programs. These programs assist private and public developers in meeting environmental mitigation requirements. Participants pay the Division fees, and in turn, the Division implements required environmental practices on behalf of the participant. The programs are designed to make it easier for companies to comply with environmental practices that restore waterways.

Learn more: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/mitigation-services/about-dms/dms-programs

Category

• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Private Businesses, Landowners, and Government Entities

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Kelly Williams
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
In-Lieu Program Coordinator
(919) 707-8915

North Carolina Energy, Waste, and Water Conservation Technical Assistance

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality

Description

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Environmental Assistance provides free energy, water, and waste assessments and resources for businesses, industries, and public facilities. The Division provides free technical assistance to citizens who wish to implement energy, water, and waste reduction best management practices on their properties. The Division helps property owners and businesses increase productivity, while also preserving natural resources.

Learn more: https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/environmental-assistance-customer-service/deacs-energy-water-waste-reduction

Category

• Other
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, Businesses, and Public Facilities

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Rod Pridgeon
North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality
(919) 707-8143

North Carolina Forest Legacy Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Forest Service

Description

The North Carolina Forest Legacy Program is a partnership between the United States and North Carolina Forest Services. The goal of the program is to protect environmentally sensitive forests from non-conservation development. Landowners with environmentally sensitive forests on their property may apply for this program. The program uses a combination of state and federal funds to purchase conservation easements. Landowners also have the option to put their land in trust with the state.

Learn more: https://www.ncforestservice.gov/fsandfl/legacy_faq.htm

Category

• Sustainable Forestry

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Les Hunter
North Carolina State Parks
Forest Stewardship/Legacy Coordinator
(919) 857-4833

North Carolina Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Description

The North Carolina General Assembly created an income tax credit for the restoration of income-producing, historically significant properties and owner-occupied, residential properties. The tax credit’s purpose is to encourage the preservation of culturally significant property. Income producing properties may qualify for a 20 percent tax credit. Homeowners may receive a 15 percent credit for residential restoration.

Learn more: https://www.ncdcr.gov/about/history/division-historical-resources/state-historic-preservation-office/restoration-2

Category

• Cultural and Historic Significance

Landowner Benefit

Tax Relief

Applicant Eligibility

Landowners, and Business Owners

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Tim E. Simons
North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resouces
Income-producing project contact
(919) 814-6585

Residential restoration project contact: David Christenbury
(919) 814-6574

North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina State Parks

Description

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund provides grants to local governments for the acquisition and/or development of parks and nature preserves. Grantees may use these funds to acquire land and create a scenic land reserve or park that protects natural resources. The Trust provides dollar for dollar matching grants. Projects within the Eastern North Carolina Sentinel Landscape receive priority consideration for this program.

Learn more: https://www.ncparks.gov/more-about-us/parks-recreation-trust-fund/parks-and-recreation-trust-fund

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities)

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Nate Halubka
North Carolina State Parks
Grants & Outreach Manager
(919)707-933

North Carolina Recreational Trails Program Grant

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina State Parks

Description

The North Carolina Recreational Trails Program Grant encourages land conservation by creating and maintaining outdoor trail options for citizens. The program provides grants to local governments and nonprofits for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of state trails. Applicants may apply for grants to build trails which are accessible to the public.

Learn more: https://trails.nc.gov/trail-grants/apply-grant

Category

• Recreation and Public Access

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

Local Governments (Cities, Counties, Towns, and Municipalities), and Nonprofit Organizations

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Scott Crocker
North Carolina State Parks
Program Manager
(919) 707-9326

North Carolina Small and Minority Farm Program

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The North Carolina Small and Minority Farm Program helps traditionally underserved farmers. The program provides technical assistance to small, limited resource, and minority farmers. Some of these services include farmland preservation, providing information on agricultural law and regulations, and grant application assistance.

Learn more: https://www.ncagr.gov/SmallFarms/index.htm

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Underserved Farmers

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Archie Hart
North Carolina Small and Minority Farm Program
(919) 707-3068

North Carolina Specialty Crop Block Grant Program

• Landowner Benefit: Grant
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The North Carolina Specialty Crop Block Grant Program provides grants to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).” Funding is available for projects that address consumer or producer education, food safety, marketing and promotion, pests and plant health, and research. The program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and it is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Learn more: http://www.ncagr.gov/markets/scgrant/

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture

Landowner Benefit

Grant

Applicant Eligibility

State and/or Local Organizations, Producer Associations, Academia, Community-Based Organizations, Individuals and other Specialty Crops Stakeholders

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Sarah Pearce
Program Administrator
North Carolina Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
(919) 707-3158

North Carolina Swine Floodplain Buyout Program

• Landowner Benefit: Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

The North Carolina Swine Floodplain Buyout is a partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the United States Department of Agriculture. The program’s goal is to purchase conservation easements on swine production properties within 100-year floodplains to minimize the environmental impact of flooding near animal producing operations. Eligible swine operations must comply with state requirements and have been in the animal production industry since 2016.

Learn more: http://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/easementprograms/SwineFloodplainBuyout.html

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Conservation Easement or Land Acquisition

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

North Carolina

Contact

David B. Williams
North Carolina Swine Floodplain Buyout
Deputy Director
(919) 707-3772

North Carolina Watershed Initiatives – Nutrient Sensitive Waters Strategies

• Landowner Benefit: Technical Assistance
• Location: North Carolina

Agency

• North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Description

Certain North Carolina waterways have a history of exceeding healthy nutrient and chemical standards, thus are deemed “nutrient sensitive.” The North Carolina Nutrient Sensitive Waters Strategies Program protects these sensitive waters. The program allows local soil and water conservation districts to help farmers comply with agriculture laws and regulations, by assisting them in managing chemical runoff. The four major watersheds targeted by the program are: Falls Lake, Jordan Lake, Neuse, and Tar-Pamlico. Farmers can receive financial and technical assistance through the program, including help implementing best management practice strategies.

Learn more: http://www.ncagr.gov/SWC/watershed/NSW_strategies.html

Category

• Sustainable Agriculture
• Water Conservation

Landowner Benefit

Technical Assistance

Applicant Eligibility

Agricultural Producers

Location

North Carolina

Contact

Vernon Cox
Division of Soil and Water Conservation
Director
(919) 707-3770

North Carolina Wildlife Conservation Land Program

• Landowner Benefit: Tax Relief
• Location: North Carolina