Agricultural Conservation Easement Sponsorship (ACES) Grant Program

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Sponsorship (ACES) Program is administered through the Washington State Conservation Commission’s Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP). The program is designed to facilitate access to funding from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP), which is managed by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). The overarching goal of ACES is to permanently protect agricultural lands through conservation easements by partnering with local conservation districts. These easements ensure that farmland remains dedicated to agricultural use by restricting development rights and preventing conversion to non-agricultural purposes. The program operates within a broader legislative and policy framework established by the State of Washington. The WWRP was created to conserve valuable lands for recreation, habitat, and agricultural purposes, and its farmland preservation category specifically supports the acquisition of less-than-fee interests such as conservation easements. The Office of Farmland Preservation works closely with conservation districts to identify viable farmland, develop projects, and prepare applications for submission to the RCO, as conservation districts themselves are not eligible applicants. Instead, the State Conservation Commission applies on their behalf and assumes legal responsibility for easement holdings if funded. Funding supports the acquisition of agricultural conservation easements that permanently restrict development while allowing continued farming. Eligible uses include purchasing development rights, conducting appraisals, preparing baseline inventories, and developing stewardship plans. Restoration or enhancement activities may also be included but must remain secondary to acquisition costs. There is no minimum or maximum award amount under the WWRP farmland preservation category, and notably, the State Conservation Commission is not required to provide matching funds, unlike other eligible applicants which typically must provide a 50 percent match. Eligibility for projects is centered on land that is actively used for commercial agricultural production, including livestock or crops. The land must be viable for long-term agricultural use, supported by infrastructure and surrounding land uses, and at risk of conversion to non-agricultural purposes. The program prioritizes parcels that are large enough to sustain production, located within supportive agricultural communities, and facing development pressure. Conservation districts play a key role in identifying these properties and coordinating with landowners and the state. The application process is structured and competitive, following the WWRP grant cycle. Applications are submitted through the PRISM online system and must include detailed project information, maps, documentation of land eligibility, and supporting materials. Projects undergo technical review, advisory committee evaluation, and final approval by the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. Evaluation criteria include agricultural viability, threat of conversion, environmental and community benefits, and partnerships. The process spans approximately 18 months from application to award decision. For the ACES program specifically, the most recent application cycle closed on February 2, 2026. The next application window is expected to open in November 2027, with applications due in February 2028 and awards anticipated in September 2029. Projects begin after execution of a grant agreement, and easement acquisition is typically completed within two to three years. Interested conservation districts are encouraged to consult with OFP staff early in the process to ensure readiness and alignment with program expectations. Program support and guidance are provided by OFP staff, including designated coordinators and specialists who assist with project development. Contact information is available for direct engagement, and potential applicants are encouraged to initiate discussions well in advance of the application window. This proactive engagement is critical given the complexity of easement projects and the competitive nature of the funding process.

Focus on demonstrating long-term agricultural viability, clear threat of conversion, and strong partnerships with conservation districts and landowners; ensure all land eligibility documentation is complete and aligned with state definitions