Conservation Contract Program
(Also know as Debt for Nature)
Land Use |
Recreational land |
Focus |
Incentive program |
Resource Concern |
Soil erosion, Water quality, Wildlife habitat |
Purpose |
The environmental purpose of the program is to convert highly erodible land (HEL) or Wetland that has been farmed into a contract for conservation, recreation, or wildlife habitat. |
Landowner Benefits |
The landowner receives a cancellation of debt with FSA. |
Description |
This program enables those with debt to the Farm Service Agency (FSA) to exchange their debt for a conservation easement. A Contract Review Team consisting of officials from Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Natural Resources, and others will determine the amount of land that is wetland, wildlife habitat, upland, or highly erodible land and establish boundaries. The landowners will then be offered cancellation of a portion or all debt based on several factors. |
Practices |
The farm needs to be under a Conservation Plan. |
Costs to Landowner |
None |
Eligibility |
The landowner must have a loan through FSA that is secured by a real estate mortgage. The landowner must be eligible for and request loan servicing. |
Contract |
The landowner has option of choosing 10, 30, or 50 years. The longer the easement the more debt that gets written down. |
Other Notes |
Also known as the "Debt for Nature" program |
Landowner Initiation |
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