Leverage resources from both nrcs and the WVU college of law land use and sustainable development clinic to improve efficiency and delivery of FB easement programs

West Virginia University Research Corporation received a $250,000 Cooperative Agreement from the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) under the Soil and Water Conservation program (CFDA 10.902), awarded on September 30, 2025, with a completion date of August 31, 2030. The agreement leverages resources from both NRCS and the WVU College of Law Land Use and Sustainable Development Clinic to improve the efficiency and delivery of Farm Bill (FB) easement programs. The collaboration combines the technical expertise of NRCS conservation professionals with specialized legal and land use planning resources from the university clinic to enhance the administration and implementation of agricultural easement initiatives.

Through this cooperative agreement, the awardee will work to strengthen easement program delivery mechanisms and expand institutional capacity to support landowner participation in Farm Bill easement programs. The partnership is designed to facilitate more effective conservation outcomes by integrating legal expertise with conservation technical assistance, thereby reducing administrative barriers and improving program access for eligible participants across the service area in West Virginia.