The Natural Resources Conservation Service is celebrating a major milestone: 5 million acres conserved through conservation easements. The total include 2.8 million acres nationwide for wetland easements and 1.9 million acres across the US for ALE easements.

     “USDA is committed to partnering with our nation’s farmers, ranchers, and private landowners to conserve our nation’s natural resources for future generations and deliver conservation and recreational benefits to rural America,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

     Thanks to a strong partnership among farm and ranch families, the NRCS, and land trusts, Montana is a national leader in the NRCS ALE Program and agricultural conservation.