Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been hailed as one of the most successful conservation programs in the United States. It has been largely responsible for the increase in the waterfowl population we saw this past season. What is it and what are some of the new provisions.

CRP protects highly erodible and environmentally sensitive lands with grass, trees and other cover. It is extended through 2002 and allows up to 36.4 million acres to be enrolled at any one time. New enrollments can replace expired or terminated contracts. Owners or operators who entered into a contract before 1995 will be allowed to terminate contracts on certain acres after giving written notice. Contracts must have been in effect for at least five years. Lands with high environmental values, including filer strips, waterways, windbreaks, riparian areas, wetlands and lands with an erodibility index greater than 15, are not eligible for early release. CRP gives the Secretary discretionary authority to offer future early outs for CRP acres.

To learn more about CRP, contact your local office of the Farm Service Agency or your local U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Center.

Photos by Michael Kelly