Conservation Reserve

The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filterstrips, or riparian buffers. Farmers receive an annual rental payment for the term of the multi-year contract. Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices.

* Purpose: To reduce erosion, increase wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and increase forestland.
* Description: Landowner sets aside cropland with annual rental payments based on amount bid.
* Practices: Tree planting, wildlife ponds, grass cover, and others environmental practices.
* Eligibility: Varies by soil type and crop history. Land is accepted into program if bid qualifies. With the continuous sign-up, certain practices are automatically eligible and accepted such as buffers, waterways and other environmental practices. Periodic signups announced throughout the year for other practices.
* Contract: 10 years, 15 years if planting hardwood trees. Transferable with change in ownership.
* Public Access: Not required.

For more information visit these links:

Conservation Reserve Program:
Conservation Reserve Program Information
Conservation Reserve Program Fact Sheet

Buffer Initiative:
Continuous Conservation Reserve Program Fact Sheet (PDF)

Check back for more information, pictures and links in the future!!


For more information please contact:
District Conservationist
Phone:
Email: