conserving habitat through the federal farm bill

8/8/2019 Conserving Habitat Through the Federal Farm Bill

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A Guide for Land Trusts and Landowns


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cknowledgements

Aimee Weldon

Living Lands Project Manager, Defenders of Wildlife (-)

Senior Director of Restoration and Lands, Potomac Conservancy (-Present)

Randall Gray, Farm Bill Coordinator, Intermountain West Joint VentureFerd Hoefner, Policy Director, National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition

Brad Redlin, Agricultural Program Director, Izaak Walton League of America

Judy Boshoven, Living Lands Project Manager, Defenders of Wildlife

e authors gratefully acknowledge the generous nancial support of the Biophilia

Foundation and the Living Lands Project at Defenders of Wildlife.

For contributions of technical content, we thank the Intermountain West Joint Venture and the North American Bird

Conservation Initiative. We also thank the many land trusts, landowners and other partners who so generously provided the

case studies and personal experiences that bring this guide to life. And to the millions of dedicated and thoughtful farmers,

ranchers, foresters and partners who are committed to caring for the land and all of its inhabitants, we are deeply indebted.e following partners contributed to the content or production of this guide:

Defenders of Wildlife | Intermountain West Joint Venture | Izaak Walton League of America

National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition | North American Bird Conservation Initiative | Potomac Conservancy

We also thank the following individuals for their assistance with this guide:

Aimee Delach, Amielle DeWan, Noah Kahn, Sara OBrien, Pine Roehrs, Allison Barra Srinivas

Editorial Sta: Kate Davies, Editor; Charles Kogod, Photo Editor; Peter Corcoran, Designer

For additional information, contact:Aimee Weldon

Potomac Conservancy Georgia Avenue Suite Silver Spring, Maryland

--, ext. | [email protected]

Defenders of Wildlifeth Street, N.W.

Washington, D.C. ..

Rodger Schlickeisen, PresidentJamie Rappaport Clark, Executive Vice President

Cover photo: Larry Michael/NPL/MindenPictures


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Table of Contents

I. Getting the Lay of the Land: The Basics ......................... 5

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L B G C N < : D G L N B

f you care about private land conservation,you cant afford not to know the federalarmill, the single greatest

source of private land conservation funding in the nitedtates.

e 2008 Farm Bill oers more incentives than ever to helpprivate landowners conserve and improve farms, ranches,

prairies, wetlands and forests. And whether youre interestedin protecting wildlife habitat or rural lifestyles from the threatof development, restoring stream ows for better trout shingor making your agricultural practices more sustainable, theFarm Bill has programs to help you.

The Beneficiaries: Private Lands and Wildlife

Private agricultural landowners are the primary recipients ofFarm Bill conservation funds. With more than two-thirdsof the continental United States privately owned and man-agedmost as working farms, ranches and forests (Fig.1)the majority of the U.S. land base is eligible for Farm Billdollars. Not only do these working lands provide the critical

life support systems we depend on such as food, ber, cleanair and water, but they are also absolutely essential to shand wildlife populations. e same features that make landideal for agriculture and human settlementgentle topog-raphy, fertile soils and close proximity to wateralso provideexcellent habitat. In fact, private lands support more speciesdiversity than either state or federally protected conservationlands,1 and our stewardship of these lands will ultimatelydetermine the fate of many vulnerable populations.

Farm Bill conservation programs are not just about farmingMany of the conservation practices included in the program

are specically aimed at preserving, enhancing and restoringwildlife and ecosystem integrity. Many other common agri-cultural practices funded through the Farm Bill, such as covecrops and nutrient management, have secondary benetto wildlife through healthier waters, air and soil. In realitymost practices in the Farm Bill conservation programs havehabitat benets, and savvy use of the programs can maximizethese benets.

Unrealized Potential

e conservation funding available under the 2008 Farm Bilactually grew at a time when many other sources of conser-

vation dollars were being pinched. However, despite mor

than $24 billion in funding available to support landownersthrough Farm Bill conservation programs, the federal agen-cies charged with administering these programs are oftennot able to realize the full potential of the programs. Chroniunderfunding and low stang levels often prevent agencystas from conducting outreach to new landowners or tar-geting program delivery in priority landscapes. Many ocesmust work hard just to keep pace with the administrativerequirements of existing applications.

Farm Bill program implementation is therefore capacity-limited not dollar-limited. Realizing the full potential othis funding will require more boots on the groundmore

partners to get the word out and to provide assistance tolandowners. Land trusts and landowners like you can helpbuild this capacity and accelerate enrollment simply by beingknowledgeable about Farm Bill program opportunitiespassing this knowledge on to friends, neighbors and partnerand sharing success stories. Land trusts or individuals withgreater capacity can go even further by providing technicasupport and fundraising assistance.

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Land Trust + Landowner = Leverage

Its no secret that working lands are increasingly threatenedby poorly planned growth, risking both agricultural lifestylesand critical environmental services. In addition, 21st centurychallenges such as invasive species and climate change nowthreaten to unravel whats taken decades to conserve. Morethan ever before, private landowners and their partners must

work together to get the tools and nancial support they needto preserve, restore and manage our working landscapes.

As well-known and respected members of local communities,land trusts can be valuable partners to farmers and ranchers.Land trusts routinely provide advice on conservation optionsand can alert landowners to new opportunities.rough someFarm Bill programs, land trusts can work with landowners topermanaently protect agricultural lands through conservationeasements. Trusts with greater capacity can provide technicalassistance, assist with fundraising and connect landowners

with important partners who can help plan and implement

conservation practices. And some land trusts also own landthemselves, making them eligible to enroll their own proper-ties in some Farm Bill programs. e opportunities for part-nerships are many, and together land trusts and landownerscan maximize the value of these important programsforproduction and for the land.

To nd your nearest local land trust, visit the Land Trust Alli-ance website: www.lta.org.

Let This Be Your Guide

is guide provides the boots-on-the-ground information andtools you need to become a knowledgeable source of informa-

tion on Farm Bill conservation programs. It includes:

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Carrizo Valley Ranch inthe 1950s (top) and today.


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U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

e U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is the federalagency that oversees Farm Bill conservation program imple-mentation. e two primary implementing agencies underUSDA are the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the NaturalResources Conservation Service (NRCS). Both agencieshave a local presence in approximately 2,300 of the 3,000U.S. counties and a long history of local conservation eorts.ese agencies, along with landowners and ConservationDistricts, are central to delivering conservation practices onthe ground. Each of these agencies is described in brief below.

FARM SERVICE AGENCY

Born of necessity in 1933 amid the Great Depression, theoriginal goal of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) was to

protect farmers and farm income through a variety of loan,commodity supply and price-support programs. Today,FSAs responsibilities are broad and encompass many ser-

vices including:

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FSA administers its programs through a network of stateand county oces. Currently, there are 2,346 FSA state andcounty oces and service centers in the continental U.S. andadditional oces in Hawaii and some American territories.

FSA COUNTY COMMITTEESMore than 7,700 farmers and ranchers serve as county com-mittee members in FSA county oces nationwide to helpdeliver FSA programs in their local communities. Servingon these committees is an important way for landownersto participate in local conservation decision-making. ecommittee is elected by other producers and any producer

who meets basic eligibility requirements can serve. FSACounty Committee members decide which FSA programsare implemented countywide, establish allotments and yieldsand oversee commodity price-support loans and payments;

the Conservation Reserve Program; Highly Erodible Landand Wetland Conservation; incentive, indemnity and disasterpayments for commodities and other farm disaster assistance.

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE

e Natural Resources Conservation Service providestechnical support to FSA for implementation of the Con-servation Reserve Program and administers the remainder ofthe conservation programs described in this guide with theexception of the Community Forest and Open Space Con-servation Program, which is administered by the U.S. ForestService.

NRCS provides technical and nancial assistance to farmersand ranchers to conserve natural resources. e agency,originally founded in 1933 as the Soil Erosion Service and

renamed the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) in 1935, wasborne in response to the Dust Bowl that devastated theU.S. heartland during the Great Depression. ough SCS

was founded primarily to address serious soil erosion, itsmission steadily broadened over the decades. is evolutionis reected in the diverse technical disciplines of its work-force, which includes soil conservationists, soil scientists,range conservationists, engineers, hydrologists, economists,biologists, foresters and environmental scientists. With thisbroader mission, the agencys name was changed to theNatural Resources Conservation Service in 1994.

NRCS divides the United States into three administrative

regions, each headed by a regional assistant chief. Each statealso has a state conservationist, who oversees conservationprograms within their area, and support stas to deliver thenuts and bolts of conservation programs.

e structure of each state oce varies, but the mostcommon arrangement is an area oce that oversees eldoces located in each county. e eld oces work mostdirectly with program participants. Most do not have biolo-gists and depend on state oce biologists or, in areas thathave them, area oce biologists for technical support. Eacheld oce is typically operated by a district conservationist.Forming a strong relationship with your district conser-

vationist can greatly facilitate development of individualprojects in your region.

Although NRCSs mission and program responsibilities havegrown over its eight decades of existence, the total numberof employees has actually decreased since the release of the1985 Farm Bill due to chronic underfunding. is has pre-sented challenges in getting otherwise excellent Farm Billconservation programs delivered at a local level and has ledto a growing number of partnerships with others agencies,nongovernment organizations and third-party technicalservice providers.

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CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

Conservation Districts were created in the 1930s with theunderstanding that widespread soil loss is best addressedthrough decisions made at the state and local levels. eConservation District is made up of a voluntary board ofdirectors representing local landowners who provide guid-ance on local conservation priorities to NRCS and others.Some districts have taxing authority, but many are funded byfederal, state and local governments, often supplemented bygrants from organizations to carry out specic tasks. Othersrely primarily on volunteer assistance. Better funded districtsoften have stathat complements NRCS Field Oces.

Local Conservation Districts are aggregated into stateassociations of Conservation Districts which, in turn, aremembers of the National Association of Conservation Dis-tricts. Each of these organizations represents the issues andconcerns of local districts in the development of state andnational agricultural conservation policy. e districts are

important partners for NRCS in determining and imple-menting conservation priorities.

STATE TECHNICAL COMMITTEES

e Food Security Act of 1985 (now the 1985 Farm Bill)directed NRCS to establish State Technical Committees(STCs) that would more broadly involve others from theagricultural and conservation communities in the design anddelivery of Farm Bill conservation programs at state and locallevels. Becoming an ocial member of your STC is an excel-lent way to inuence Farm Bill program delivery and priorities.

State Technical Committees serve as an advisory body toNRCS state conservationists and FSA state executive direc-tors but have no implementation or enforcement authority. Itis the responsibility of the STC to make recommendationson the technical and program delivery aspects of Farm Billprograms such as conservation practices, ranking criteria forprogram participation, cost-share and incentive rates.

By law, members of an STC include NRCS, FSA, the U.S.Forest Service, National Institute of Food and Agriculture,the state sh and wildlife agency, the state forester, the state

water resources agency, the state department of agriculture,associations of soil and water conservation districts, agri-business and nonprots with demonstrable conservationexpertise, owners of non-industrial private forest lands, andproducers representing the variety of crops and animalsraised in the state.

State Technical Committee meetings are open to the publicand anyone can request to become a member. By serving onthese committees, members of the sh and wildlife com-munity can contribute ideas and suggest priorities related toFarm Bill programs at the state level. To become an ocialmember, inquire with your NRCS state conservationist.

LOCAL WORK GROUPS

Local Work Groups (LWGs) oer recommendations to STCsand NRCS on the implementation of conservation programsin their areas. LWGs are composed of Conservation Districtocials, FSA County Committees, agricultural groups repre-

senting locally raised crops and animals, non-industrial privateforest land groups, nonprot conservation organizations andother professionals representing agricultural and conservationinterests and the soil, water, plant, wetland and wildlife sci-ences. As with STCs, it is important that advocates for sh,

wildlife and plants become active in LWGs.

WHERE YOU FIT IN

Landowners, including land trusts, interested in applyingfor Farm Bill funding usually deal directly with the localeld or county oce, depending on the program of interest.Getting to know your local agency representatives and

building strong and trusting partnerships is essential if youwant to take full advantage of all the Farm Bill conservationprograms have to oer.

If you are also interested in helping to guide or set local or statepolicies, consider joining your STC (or various subcommittees

within the STC that focus on specialty issues), LWG, FSACounty Committee or your Conservation Districts board.


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e Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative(CCPI) sets aside funds from WHIP, EQIP and CSP tofund special local and regional restoration and improve-ment initiatives involving groups of farmers or ranchers

working with USDA, conservation organizations, state andtribal agencies or other entities.

GRANTS AND OTHER PROGRAMS

is catch-all category covers two programs: ConservationInnovation Grants (CIGs) and the Biomass Crops Assis-tance Program (BCAP). CIGs provide funding and technicalassistance for creative conservation projects. BCAP, encour-ages farmers to grow biofuel crops.

AVAILABLE FUNDING

Collectively, the 2008 Farm Bill dedicates more than $24billion in private land conservation funding over a ve-

year period, with a signicant portion going to CRP and

EQIP (Figure 4). An additional $9.75 million per year wasauthorized through the U.S. Forest Service to implementthe Healthy Forests Reserve Program (not shown in gure).

Together, these programs represent enormous opportunitiesto protect and restore natural lands.

All of the programs described in this guide also include tech-nical assistance provided free of charge by NRCS.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Each Farm Bill program includes its own land and/or appli-cant eligibility requirements. Landowners (including land

trusts where appropriate) are almost always the primaryapplicant and decision-makers for Farm Bill programs. Insome casesparticularly for short-term contractslease-holders may also participate if the landowner concurs. Withthe exception of the Healthy Forests Reserve Program, allapplicants must meet the following basic eligibility require-ments to participate in USDA programs:

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Program

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!"?*0'(+&%6"P0+(-?&"490$9&-0(a+06# C

B-$9&-0()%&+#$#( M3\(;3 M3\(;3

C"=-&"-5(P9))+(-56(%$*+&((+5A"&%5.+5$-00'(#+5#"$"A+(0-56#

C CoM3p

J&-`"5?(%&(5-$9&-0(?&-##(0-56#( M3 C\(M3\(;3

7+$0-56# M3\(;3 C\(M3\(;3 C

pDC3M(+-#+.+5$#(-A-"0-P0+(%50'("5(4+&$-"5(#$-$+#


17/75

(((((>(J:LBBB00(=&%?&-.#(=&%A"6+(4%#$U#*-&+()956"5?(X"$*(+_4+=$"%5(%)(D;M\(X*"4*(=&%A"6+#(q?&++5(=-'.+5$#m()%&(-6%=$"5?(4%5#+&A-$"%5(=&-4$"4+#


18/75


19/75

(((((>(J:LBBB6b9#$+6( J&%##( L54%.+( e>JLf( &+Q9"&+.+5$#(

-56( P+( "5( 4%.=0"-54+( X"$*( !"?*0'( 3&%6"P0+( H-56(

D%5#+&A-$"%5( e!3HDf( -56( 7+$0-56( D%5#+&A-$"%5(

e7Df(=&%A"#"%5#1(e#++(=-?+(ERf

Tip

If you have owned agricultural land for fewer than seven

years and would like to enroll it in WRP, check with your

NRCS representative to see if you can get an exemption.

EASEMENT COMPENSATION

NRCS bases compensation for permanent and 30-year ease-ments on whichever of the following is lowest:

,-"&( .-&I+$( A-09+( %)( $*+( 0-56( -44%&6"5?( $%( $*+(

:5")%&.(;$-56-&6#(%)(M&%)+##"%5-0(>==&-"#-0(M&-4U

$"4+#(e:;M>Mf(%&(-5(-&+-UX"6+(.-&I+$(-5-0'#"#]

>==0"4-P0+(?+%?&-=*"4(-&+-(&-$+(4-=(e#++(=-?+(OFf](

%&(

H-56%X5+&m#(%))+&1(


20/75

E@( [( DNB;3C8LBJ(!>/LG>G(G!CN:J!(G!3(,3H(,>Cc(/LHH

WREP easement payments with reserved grazing rightsare reduced to 75 percent of the geographic area rate cap toaccommodate the retained grazing rights.

For all easements, NRCS pays all costs associated withrecording the easement in the local land records oce,including recording fees, charges for abstracts, survey andappraisal fees and title insurance.

PAYMENT PROVISIONS

1. Permanent Easement: NRCS pays 100 percent of theeasement value (subject to a geographic area rate capseepage 20) and up to 100 percent of the restoration costs.Maintenance is also eligible for cost-share assistance;

2. 30-Year Easement: NRCS pays 75 percent of theeasement value (subject to a geographic area rate capsee page 20) and up to 75 percent of restoration costs;

3. Restoration Cost-Share Agreement: NRCS pays 75 per-cent of the restoration costs plus maintenance;

4. Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program: Varies bygeographic location.

Easement Payment Distributions

If the permanent or 30-year easement is valued at $500,000or less, payment is distributed in one lump sum or in up to 30annual payments per the request of the participant. Permanentor 30-year easements valued at greater than $500,000 musthave at least ve and no more than 30 annual payments. In

some circumstances, the Secretary of Agriculture can allow awaiver and make one lump-sum payment if the project wouldfurther the purposes of the WRP program, which all projectsshould presumably do. If you prefer a lump-sum payment,ask for a waiver.

Restoration Cost-share Limits

e total amount of annual payments a landowner or legalentity receives for restoration cost-share agreements can notexceed $50,000 per yearper participant, NOT per project.If you have multiple projects or properties enrolled in WRP,

you will receive no more than $50,000 for all projects com-bined in a single year.

Participants can use other non-USDA conservation programfunds, including state and federal, to match WRP cost share.Funded activities must comply with the WRP contract and,together with USDA funds, cannot exceed 100 percent of thetotal actual cost of restoration. If they do, NRCS will reducepayments proportionately.

RANKING CRITERIA

States can place higher priority on certain geographic regionsof the state where restoration will help achieve state orregional goals.

NRCS must give priority to acquiring permanent rather thanshort-term easements and easements with habitat value formigratory birds and other wildlife.

Higher priority may also be given to oers that:

M&%A"6+(*"?*+&(4%5#+&A-$"%5(A-09+]

>&+( .%#$( 4%#$U+))+4$"A+( )%&( $*+( +5A"&%5.+5$-0(

P+5+a$#(?-"5+6]

H+A+&-?+( )+6+&-0( )956#( X"$*( -66"$"%5-0( a5-54"-0(

4%5$&"P9$"%5#( )&%.( $*+( 0-56%X5+&( %&( %$*+&( $*"&6(

=-&$']

/+#$(-4*"+A+($*+(=9&=%#+(%)($*+(=&%?&-.]

!-A+(0%X+&(%5U)-&.(-56(%))U)-&.($*&+-$#(#94*(-#(

6+A+0%=.+5$(%)(5+-&P'(0-56]

8%095$-&"0'( -44+=$( -( 0+##+&( =-'.+5$( $*-5( BCD;(

%))+

SANDYSELESKY


21/75

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22/75

OF( [( DNB;3C8LBJ(!>/LG>G(G!CN:J!(G!3(,3H(,>Cc(/LHH

,%&(+-4*(%)($*+()%9&(+-#+.+5$(=&%?&-.#\(:;(=&%U

A"6+#(-$(0+-#$(2F(=+&4+5$\(P9$(%)$+5(9=($%(EFF(=+&4+5$\(

%)($*+(+-#+.+5$(A-09+(6+=+56"5?(%5($*+(+5&%00.+5$(%=$"%5(4*%#+51(!%X(+-#+.+5$(A-09+("#(6+$+&."5+6\(

*%X+A+&\(A-&"+#()&%.(=&%?&-.($%(=&%?&-.(eG-P0+(2f1(

,%&( $*+( ,-&.( -56( C-54*0-56( M&%$+4$"%5( M&%?&-.(

e,CMMf( -56( $*+( !+-0$*'( ,%&+#$#( C+#+&A+( M&%?&-.(

e!,CMf\( +-#+.+5$( A-09+( "#( 6+$+&."5+6( $*&%9?*( -(

#$-56-&6(.-&I+$(-==&-"#-0(=&%4+##1(,%&($*+(7+$0-56#(

C+#+&A+(M&%?&-.(e7CMf(-56(J&-#0-56#(C+#+&A+(M&%U

?&-.(eJCMf\(*%X+A+&\(+-#+.+5$(4%.=+5#-$"%5(.-'(

P+(4-==+6(P'(-5(BCD;U6+$+&."5+6(?+%?&-=*"4(-&+-(

&-$+(4-=(eJ>CDf1

J>CD#( &+=&+#+5$( $*+( =+&U-4&+( A-09+( -( 0-56%X5+&(

4-5(&+4+"A+()%&(-(?"A+5(+-#+.+5$1(c%#$(?%A+&5.+5$(

+-#+.+5$(=9&4*-#+(=&%?&-.#(&+Q9"&+($*+#+(4-=#($%(

+5#9&+($*-$($-_=-'+&(6%00-(-&+(5%$(9#+6($%(=9&4*-#+(

0-56(-$(-P%A+()-"&(.-&I+$(A-09+(-56($%(&+694+(-6."5U"#$&-$"A+(4%#$#1(

G*+( #$-$+( 4%5#+&A-$"%5"#$( 6+$+&."5+#( -56( &+?90-&0'(

9=6-$+#( J>CD;1( ;%.+( #$-$+#( 9#+( -( #$-$+X"6+( 4-=](

%$*+(*-A+(J>CD#($*-$(A-&'(P'(&+?"%5(e,"?1(Wf(%&(4%95$'1(

CD#( )%&( '%9&( -&+-\(A"#"$( '%9&( #$-$+(

BCD;(X+P#"$+(%&(4%5$-4$('%9&(0%4-0(%)a4+1

Table 3. Authorized Methods to Determine Easement Value

Program Method

,-&.(-56(C-54*0-56(M&%$+4$"%5(M&%?&-.(e,CMMf :;M>Mp(%&($*+(:>;,H>r(eK+00%X(/%%If

J&-##0-56(C+#+&A+(M&%?&-.(eJCMf H%X+#$(%)Z(Ef(-==&-"#+6()-"&(.-&I+$(A-09+($*&%9?*(:;UM>M](Of(?+%?&-=*"4(&-$+(4-=](%&(Rf(0-56%X5+&(%))+&

!+-0$*'(,%&+#$#(C+#+&A+(M&%?&-.(e!,CMf :;M>M

7+$0-56#(C+#+&A+(M&%?&-.(e7CMf H%X+#$(%)(ZEf(-==&-"#+6()-"&(.-&I+$(A-09+](Of(?+%?&-=*U"4(&-$+(4-=](%&(Rf(0-56%X5+&(%))+&

!"#$%&'()"*+,$-,(-."'&"/('&0..%'$,1"233(,%.,1"/('40..

5"#$%&'()"233(,%.,1"*+,$-,(-."&'("60-0(,1"7,$-"2489%.%+%'$":;011'


23/75

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24/75

OO( [( DNB;3C8LBJ(!>/LG>G(G!CN:J!(G!3(,3H(,>Cc(/LHH

e Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP) helpsfarmers and ranchers keep their land in agriculture, including

working forest land or forested areas that buer or protectagriculture from development and other nonagricultural use.is is accomplished through easements with third partyentities such as land trusts, governmental organizations andothers authorized to hold conservation easements. FRPP canbe a baseline tool for protecting habitat values. Once enrolled,landowners can use other Farm Bill cost-share programs suchas the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)or Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) to furtherimprove the quality of the land for farming and wildlife.e2008 Farm Bill authorizes enrolling an additional 1,220,000acres through 2012.

Under the 2008 Farm Bill, the role of NRCS has changedfrom a purchaser of conservation easements to a facilitatorand funder of those purchases through cooperative agree-ments with land trusts and other entities. Easements must bepermanent (or the maximum duration allowed by state law)and land trusts may use their own terms and conditions inthe easement deeds provided they are approved by NRCS inadvance. NRCS retains a right of enforcement to inspect andenforce the easement should the land trust fail to do so, butdoes not hold or co-hold the easement title.

ELIGIBLITY

Lands must: /+( =&"A-$+( 4&%=0-56\( &-5?+0-56\( ?&-##0-56\( =-#U

$9&+(0-56(%&()%&+#$(0-56($*-$(4%5$&"P9$+#($%($*+(+4%U

5%."4(A"-P"0"$'(%)(-()-&.\(&-54*(%&($".P+&(%=+&-$"%5(

%&(#+&A+#(-#(-(P9))+&($%(=&%$+4$(#94*(-5(%=+&-$"%5(

)&%.(6+A+0%=.+5$](-56

D%5$-"5(-$(0+-#$(2F(=+&4+5$(=&".+\(95"Q9+\(#$-$+U

X"6+( %&( 0%4-00'( ".=%&$-5$()-&.0-56( 950+##( %$*+&U

X"#+(6+$+&."5+6(P'($*+(#$-$+(4%5#+&A-$"%5"#$\(-56o

%&(4%5$-"5(-(*"#$%&"4-0(%&(-&4*-+%0%?"4-0(&+#%9&4+(

%5( $*+( #$-$+( %&( 5-$"%5-0( &+?"#$+&( %&( P+( )%&.-00'(

+0"?"P0+()%&($*+(5-$"%5-0(&+?"#$+&](-56

/+(#9Pb+4$($%(-(=+56"5?(%))+&(P'(-5(+0"?"P0+(+5$"$'(#94*(-#(-(0-56($&9#$](-56

B%$("54096+()%&+#$(%5(?&+-$+&($*-5($X%U$*"&6#(%)($*+(

+-#+.+5$( -&+-1( eH-56( "5( $*+( =&%4+##( %)( 5-$9&-0(

&+?+5+&-$"%5($%($&++(4%A+&\("54096"5?(49$%A+&()%&+#$(

%&(-P-56%5+6()-&.0-56\("#(-0#%(+0"?"P0+(")("$("#(5%$(

49&&+5$0'(P+"5?(6+A+0%=+6()%&(5%5)%&+#$(9#+1f

Farm and Ranchland Protection Program

PHILHOGAN,NRCS

H > B < ( M C N G 3 D G L N B ( M C N J C > c ; Z ( D N B ; 3 C 8 > G L N B ( 3 > ; 3 c 3 B G ;


25/75


26/75


27/75

(((((>(J:LBBB


28/75

OW( [( DNB;3C8LBJ(!>/LG>G(G!CN:J!(G!3(,3H(,>Cc(/LHH

L5( $*+( j+&5( C"A+&( 8-00+'( %)(

D-0")%&5"-\( /&94+( -56( ;'0A"-(

!-)+5)+06( &95( -( 4-$$0+( %=+&-U

$"%5( %5( -( ."_$9&+( %)( =&"A-$+\(

,%&+#$( ;+&A"4+( -56( >969P%5(

D-0")%&5"-( 0-56#1( !-)+5)+06(

C-54*\("5(P9#"5+##()%&(.%&+($*-5(

-(4+5$9&'( "5($*+( #%9$*+&5(;"+&&-(B+A-6-#\("54096+#(6+5#+(&"=-&"-5(

*-P"$-$#( $*-$( #9==%&$( $*+( )+6+&U

-00'( +56-5?+&+6( #%9$*X+#$+&5(

X"00%X(^'4-$4*+&1(gN9&()-."0'(*-#(

P++5(=&%A"6"5?( =&".+( *-P"$-$( )%&(

^'4-$4*+( -0%5?( $*+( #$&+-.#(

-56( "&&"?-$"%5( 6"$4*+#( $*-$( *-A+(

P++5(=-&$(%)(%9&(5%&.-0(&-54*"5?(

-4$"A"$"+#()%&(6+4-6+#\(-56(.'(#%5(

X-5$#($%(4%5$"59+($*"#($&-6"$"%5\h(

#-'#(/&94+(!-)+5)+061

;%(X*+5( $*+(:1;1( >&.'( D%&=(%)( 35?"5++( +_=&+##+6( -( 5++6(

)%&( X"00%X( ^'4-$4*+&( ."$"?-$"%5(

956+&( $*+( 356-5?+&+6( ;=+4"+#(

>4$\( $*+( !-)+5)+06#( =&%=%#+6(

$*-$(-(4%5#+&A-$"%5(+-#+.+5$(P+(

-00%X+6(%5($*+"&(&-54*("5#$+-6(%)(

$*+( $&-6"$"%5-0( )++U$"$0+( -4Q9"#"U

$"%5(%)($*+(=&%=+&$'($%(.++$(."$"U

?-$"%5(&+Q9"&+.+5$#1

G*+( =-&$5+( -?&++6( $%( $*+(

+-#+.+5$( -56( $*+( !-)+5)+06#(

X%&I+6( X"$*( BCD;( $*&%9?*(

,CMM( $%(6+A+0%=( $*+(+-#+.+5$\(

9#"5?( $*+( ."$"?-$"%5( )956#(

-#( $*+( &+Q9"&+6( ,CMM( .-$4*1(

gG*"#( =&%b+4$( +_+.=0"a+#( $*+(

".=%&$-54+( %)( 0%%I"5?( P+'%56(

$&-6"$"%5-0( .+-#9&+#( %)(

=&+#+&A"5?( X"060")+( $%( "54096+(

=&"A-$+( 0-56%X5+( -#( -5(

"5$+?&-0(4%.=%5+5$\h(#-'#(;$+A+(

G*%.=#%5( %)( $*+( :1;1( ,"#*( -56(

7"060")+( ;+&A"4+1( G*+( +-#+.+5$(

X"00()%&+A+&( =&%$+4$( $*+(=&%=+&$'(

)&%.(6+A+0%=.+5$\(-56($*+(0-56(

4%5$"59+#( $%( =&%A"6+( ^'4-$4*+&(

*-P"$-$(-#(=-&$(%)("$#(-?&"490$9&-0(9#+1( G*+(!-)+5)+06#( 5%X(-6b9#$(

$*+( $"."5?( %)( 4-$$0+( ?&- "5?( "5(

&"=-&"-5( -&+-#( $%( =&%$+4$( $*+(

."_+6( 956+$%&'( $*-$( P&++6"5?(

^'4-$4*+( -56( %$*+&( X"060")+(

#=+4"+#(=&+)+&1(

C+-0"#$"4-00'\( !-)+5)+06( #-'#\(

5+"$*+&( +5A"&%5.+5$-0( ?&%9=#(

5%&($*+( ?%A+&5.+5$( 4-5( -))%&6(

$%(P9'(-56(.-5-?+(-00($*+(0-561(

gK%9(5++6(6+6"4-$+6(=+%=0+(%5(

$*+(0-56(4-&"5?()%&("$1(L$(6%+#5m$($-I+( -( P&-"5( #9&?+%5( $%( a?9&+(

%9$($*-$(&-54*+(-&+($*+(.%#$(

4%#$U+))+4$"A+( -56( +)a4"+5$( X-'(

$%(6%($*"#1h(

Case Study

MCNG3DGLBJ(3BBJ3C3/LG>G(G!CN:J!(,CMM

JIMRORABAUGH/USFWS

JMR

UW


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4. Transfer of a Permanent Easement to an Eligible Entity: Transfer of an easement held by NRCS to an eligibleentity that furthers the purpose of GRP must be done

with the authorization of the landowner and approval ofthe NRCS chief. Once transferred, the land trust or othereligible entity assumes responsibility for administering and

enforcing the easement, including any restoration costsrequired. NRCS retains the right to periodic inspectionsand enforcement.

ELIGIBILITY

Lands must:

/+(=&"A-$+(%&($&"P-0(?&-##0-56(%&(0-56($*-$(4%5$-"5#(

)%&P#(%&(#*&9P#(e"54096"5?(".=&%A+6(&-5?+0-56(-56(

=-#$9&+0-56f(%5(X*"4*(?&-`"5?("#($*+(=&+6%."5-5$(

9#+](%&

/+( 0%4-$+6("5( -5(-&+-( $*-$(*"#$%&"4-00'( *-6(P++5(

6%."5-$+6(P'(?&-##+#\()%&P#\(%&(#*&9P#($*-$(4-5(P+(9#+6()%&(?&-`"5?(-56(&+0-$+6(4%5#+&A-$"%5(9#+#](

-56(

M&%A"6+(*-P"$-$()%&(+4%0%?"4-00'(#"?5"a4-5$(-5".-0(

%&(=0-5$(=%=90-$"%5#(")(&+$-"5+6("5("$#(49&&+5$(9#+(

%&(&+#$%&+6($%(-(5-$9&-0(4%56"$"%5](%&

D%5$-"5(*"#$%&"4-0(%&(-&4*+%0%?"4-0(&+#%9&4+#](%&(

>66&+##( "##9+#( &-"#+6( P'( #$-$+\( &+?"%5-0( -56(

5-$"%5-0(4%5#+&A-$"%5(=&"%&"$"+#](%&

/+(=&+A"%9#0'(+5&%00+6("5($*+(D%5#+&A-$"%5(C+#+&A+(

M&%?&-.(")($*+(0-56("#(%)(*"?*(+4%0%?"4-0(A-09+(-56(

$*&+-$+5+6(X"$*(4%5A+"%5($%(5%5U?&-`"5?(9#+#1

Land already protected under an existing contract, easementor deed that protects grassland functions and values is noteligible for enrollment (fee-simple lands owned by a conser-

vation organization, for example).

Participants must:

/+($*+(0-56%X5+&()%&(+-#+.+5$(=-&$"4"=-$"%5](

/+($*+(0-56%X5+&\(*%06(-(0+-#+(%&(%$*+&X"#+(*-A+(

4%5$&%0( %)( $*+( +0"?"P0+( -4&+-?+( P+"5?( %))+&+6( )%&(

+5&%00.+5$("5(&+5$-0(-?&++.+5$#](

/+( "5( 4%.=0"-54+(X"$*( !"?*0'( 3&%6"P0+( H-56( -56(7+$0-56(D%5#+&A-$"%5(=&%A"#"%5#(e#++(=-?+(ERf](

c++$( $*+( -6b9#$+6( ?&%##( "54%.+( &+Q9"&+.+5$#(

e#++(=-?+(ERf1

ENTITY ELIGIBILITY

Land trusts can enter into cooperative agreements withNRCS to receive cost-share for easement purchases underGRP similar to agreements developed under FRPP. To dothis, NRCS must deem a land trust an eligible entity. Eli-gible entities must have:

>( 4*-&$+&( 6+#4&"P"5?( -( 4%.."$.+5$($%( 0%5?U$+&.(

4%5#+&A-$"%5( %)( -?&"490$9&-0( 0-56#\( &-54*0-56( %&(?&-##0-56()%&(?&-`"5?(=9&=%#+#](

35%9?*(#$-))($%(-4Q9"&+\(.%5"$%&\(+5)%&4+(-56($-I+(

4-&+(%)(+-#+.+5$#]

>5(+_"#$"5?(6+6"4-$+6(-44%95$()%&(+-#+.+5$(.-5U

-?+.+5$\(.%5"$%&"5?(-56(+5)%&4+.+5$1

BOBGIBBONS/FLPA/MINDENPICTURES


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RESTORATION COST-SHARE

Annual restoration payments are capped at $50,000 perlandowner and landowners have three years to establish thepractices. Participants can use other non-USDA conservationprograms, including state and federal funds, to match GRPcost-share but the total amount received by the participantcannot exceed 100 percent of the cost of restoration. USDAcan reduce the amount of cost-share distributed throughGRP so the amount does not exceed the total cost. No morethan one USDA program can be used to address the samepractice on the same land, but other USDA programs can beused to address issues not covered under the GRP contract(i.e. non-grassland related practices).

RANKING CRITERIA

Applications for enrollment in GRP are scored and rankedaccording to state-specic ranking criteria. Criteria are

developed by the NRCS state conservationist and FSAstate executive director, with advice from the State TechnicalCommittee using national guidelines.

Priority is given to projects that protect:

J&-`"5?(%=+&-$"%5#]

J&-##0-56#( -56( 0-56( $*-$( 4%5$-"5#( )%&P#( -56(

#*&9P0-56#( -$( $*+( ?&+-$+#$( &"#I( %)( 4%5A+"%5($%(

5%5?&-`"5?(9#+#]

>&+-#(X"$*(#"?5"a4-5$(P"%6"A+"$'(A-09+]

3_="&+6(DCM(-4&+#1

In ranking projects submitted by land trusts and other eli-gible entities, NRCS can give priority to projects that:

/+#$(0+A+&-?+(5%5)+6+&-0()956#]

N))+&(.%&+($*-5(2F(=+&4+5$(%)($*+(=9&4*-#+(=&"4+1

States can emphasize enrollment of unique grasslands orcertain geographic areas and establish separate ranking poolsto address specic state, regional and national conserva-tion priorities, such as those laid out in the State WildlifeAction Plans and other regional or state plans. Land trusts,landowners and other interested partners can inuence theselection of geographic or habitat priorities by serving on the

State Technical Committee.

Tip

Maximize your competiveness by restoring your land

before you apply for GRP funding. GRP is a relatively small

financial assistance program and dollars for restoration

are limited. As a result, USDA usually gives priority to

projects in relatively good condition rather than ones that

require restoration agreements. Get your land GRP-ready

through well-funded programs such as EQIP or other non-USDA restoration programs that often have higher cost-

share rates than GRP. Once theland is restored,youll have

a competitive edge when you apply for a GRP easement.

LANDOWNER RESPONSIBILITIES

Participants in any of the GRP enrollment options mustdevelop and implement a grazing management plan approvedby NRCS. Grazing-related activities such as prescribedgrazing or burning, fencing, watering and feeding livestock,managing wildlife habitat and haying, mowing and harvestingare acceptable on all GRP lands provided they are consistent

with the plan. For example, a plan may include restrictionson haying, mowing or grazing during the nesting season forimperiled bird species. A restoration agreement may alsobe needed but is not required. In exchange for annual pay-ments, participants enrolled in rental contracts must agree tosuspend any cropping activities and any development rightson the land for the period of the contract. Easement partici-pants must relinquish development rights and eliminate anycropping activities, and landowners must agree to maintainrestoration practices for their expected lifespan.

HOW TO APPLY

NRCS and FSA jointly administer GRP. Applicationsfor enrollment in any of the program options are acceptedthroughout the year at local USDA Service Centers. eNRCS state conservationist and FSA state executive directorestablish one or more ranking periods per year to review andapprove applications. Ranking periods are posted in programoutreach materials available at the service centers or online at

your state NRCS website. Unfunded applications remain onle until they are funded or withdrawn by applicants.

Tip

Turned down for a GRP rental contract because of limited

funding? Consider the Conservation Stewardship Pro-

gram (CSP, see page 42). CSP provides incentive pay-

ments through five-year contracts (as opposed to 10, 15or 20 years under GRP). CSP contracts support many of

the activities covered under GRP and can be renewed if

you meet the contract terms and agree to continue

making conservation improvements.


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e Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP) is authorizedunder the Forestry Title of the Farm Bill, not the Conser-

vation Title.

e purpose of the program is to restore andprotect forest ecosystems to help recover threatened andendangered species, candidate species and other species ofconcern, improve biodiversity and enhance carbon seques-tration. HFRP oers both easements and restoration agree-ments. Easements may allow activities such as hunting andshing, managed timber harvest or periodic haying andgrazing, if they are compatible with the purposes of the ease-ment. Landowners enrolled in HFRP who are restoring orimproving their land for threatened or endangered speciescan work with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) todevelop Safe Harbor Agreements or Candidate Conserva-tion Agreements. In exchange, they are formally assured by

the FWS that they will not be subject to additional regula-tions should their actions result in harm to the population ofa listed species they have benetted. Congress authorized anadditional $9.75 million per year to implement the HFRP.

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

HFRP allows restoration agreements, easements and short-term contracts. All participating landowners must implementa restoration plan.is plan, developed in coordination withNRCS, FWS and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service

(NMFS), outlines the actions necessary to restore, protect,enhance and maintain habitat and improve the well-being of

imperiled species. Technical assistance may also be providedby the Forest Service. Options include:

1. 10-year Restoration Cost-Share Agreement: e land-owner receives cost-share to implement an approved res-toration plan over the course of 10 years.

2. Permanent Easement: Purchased and held by NRCS, thisis the maximum easement duration allowed by state law.

3. 30-year Easement: An easement purchased and heldby NRCS for 30 years. Tribal 30-year contracts are alsooered under similar terms.

ELIGIBILITY

Lands must:

/+( =&"A-$+0'( %&( $&"P-0U%X5+6( 5%5U"569#$&"-0( )%&+#$(

-56(5%5U)%&+#$( %&(-6b-4+5$( 0-56#( $*-$( 4%5$&"P9$+(

$%($*+("5$+?&"$'(%)($*+()%&+#$(+4%#'#$+.](-56

!-A+( -( *"?*( 0"I+0"*%%6( $%( &+#$%&+\( +5*-54+( %&(

".=&%A+($*+(*+-0$*(%)(-()+6+&-00'(0"#$+6($*&+-$+5+6(

%&( +56-5?+&+6( #=+4"+#(%&( 4-56"6-$+#( )%&( 0"#$"5?](

#$-$+U0"#$+6(#=+4"+#](%&(#=+4"-0(4%54+&5(#=+4"+#](%&

Healthy Forests Reserve Program

KENNETHWALLER

H > B < ( M C N G 3 D G L N B ( M C N J C > c ; Z ( D N B ; 3 C 8 > G L N B ( 3 > ; 3 c 3 B G ;


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Conservation Reserve ProgramNOTE: e complete rules for the 2008 Farm Bill Conservation Reserve Program have not been published, because therequired Environmental Impact Statement is pending.e following program summary is based on the draft rules releasedin 2009 and operation of the program for the past several decades. Check with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) for the mostcurrent information.

e Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is the oldest FarmBill conservation program and the largest in terms of bothfunding and acreage. CRP is a voluntary program created tohelp agricultural landowners temporarily remove erosion-pronelands from agricultural production and establish natural covers.e wildlife benets are signicant and CRP has been modiedto promote specic sh and wildlife conservation objectives.

CRP oers three dierent enrollment options: general sign-upCRP and two oshoot programs, the Continuous Conserva-tion Reserve Program CCRP and the Conservation ReserveEnhancement Program (CREP). Each has its own focus, eligi-bility requirements, payments and incentives (Table 5).

Participants in all CRP programs receive annual rental pay-ments as compensation for putting agricultural lands intoconservation cover and cost-share assistance for restoringand managing enrolled land.

Extensive research on the impacts of CRP highlights dramaticpositive impacts on many species of wildlife, especially grass-

land birds and waterfowl. Researchers estimate that CRP hashelped produce more than 26 million additional ducks in theprairie pothole region between 1992 and 2004, 30 percentmore than areas without CRP cover.10 A similar study ongrassland birds in the prairie pothole region predicted a lossof 1.8 million sedge wrens, grasshopper sparrows, dickcissels,bobolinks and western meadowlarks without CRP land.11

At the close of 2008, approximately 34.7 million acres wereenrolled in CRP. With increasing agricultural commodityprices and noncompetitive rental payments, the enrolledacreage fell to 31.1 million acres as of the end of 2009, of

which 4.4 million acres are in the continuous CRP (CCRP)targeting conservation buers and other partial-eld con-servation practices.

e 2008 Farm Bill requires FSA to conduct annual rentalrate surveys to update rates, keep them competitive with com-modity prices and provide a greater incentive for enrollment.USDA released the rst-ever county-level rental rates on May1, 2010, which are searchable online at http://quickstats.nass.usda.gov/?source_desc=CCROP&commodity_desc=RENT.

NOTE: GRP also oers rental contracts in some states, butin this guide it is covered in the previous section on conserva-tion easements, its primary focus.

Although 10- to 15-year rental contracts are the norm forall CRP programs, some states may also oer temporary orpermanent easement options under CREP with nonfederalsupport. CRP allows limited haying outside the nestingseason, managed grazing (including to control invasives) andthe placement of wind turbines in certain situations with areduction in payments.

ENROLLMENT OPTIONS

1. General CRP Sign-up (CRP):

Focuses on enrolling whole elds into conservation cover.Depending on ecological site conditions, cover may be grassand forbs or trees. Applications are accepted from land-owners and competitively selected during designated sign-upperiods, which generally take place no more than once a yearand up to several years apart.

2. Continuous CRP Sign-up (CCRP):

Focuses on enrolling environmentally desirable land andadopting high-priority conservation practices such as riparianbuers, wildlife habitat buers, wetland restoration, grass

waterways and other partial-eld conservation practices.eprogram is noncompetitive and continuous; landowners canenroll eligible land in CCRP at any time and be automati-cally accepted. Participants in CCRP are eligible for greaternancial incentives than general CRP.

Continuous sign-up covers a variety of programs and prac-tices particularly benecial to sh and wildlife conservation.In some cases, groups such as Quail Unlimited, PheasantsForever, Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey

Federation can provide outreach, technical expertise andother assistance to facilitate delivery of the following majorhabitat-focused CCRP initiatives:

Wetland Restoration Initiative (Conservation Practice 23)A 500,000-acre initiative that enrolls acres within the100-year oodplain, this practice is designed to restore

wetland ecosystems that have been devoted to agriculturaluse.e objective is to prevent degradation of the wetlandarea, increase sediment trapping, improve water quality,prevent erosion and provide habitat for waterfowl andother wildlife.

LAND PROTECTION PROGRAMS: LAND RETIREMENT AND RENTALS


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State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement(Conservation Practice 38)State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) targets geo-graphically dened areas supporting specic wildlife species.SAFE projects are usually developed by partnerships of wild-life experts in state and federal agencies, the public, nonprot

organizations and others. Projects are reviewed by the State Technical Committees and approved by wildlife profes-sionals and FSA. ere are currently 75 SAFE projects in31 states. Examples of projects approved for SAFE include:

Arkansas Grass SAFE( $%( &+#$%&+( +-&0'( #944+#U

#"%5-0(*-P"$-$($%(P+5+a$(5%&$*+&5( P%PX*"$+( Q9-"0(

-56(%$*+&(?&-##0-56(P"&6#1

Indiana Bat SAFE($%(+5&%00(O\EFF(-4&+#("5(DCM($%(

&+#$%&+()%&+#$(*-P"$-$()%&($*"#(".=+&"0+6(P-$1

New York Grassland SAFE($%(&+#$%&+(T\YFF(-4&+#(

%)( ?&-##0-56( *-P"$-$( $%( ".=&%A+( =%=90-$"%5#( %)(

6+40"5"5?(?&-##0-56(P"&6(#=+4"+#1 Colorado Lesser Prairie Chicken SAFE($%(+5&%00(

O\YFF( -4&+#( %)( #*%&$( -56( ."6?&-##( #-56( #-?+U

P&9#*( =&-"&"+( $%( +5*-54+( 0+##+&( =&-"&"+( 4*"4I+5(

*-P"$-$1

Tennessee Wetlands SAFE( $%(+5&%00(2FF( -4&+#(

"5(DCM($%(&+#$%&+(*-P"$-$()%&(-.=*"P"-5#\(&+=$"0+#\(

4&9#$-4+-5#\(X-$+&)%X0(-56(#*%&+P"&6#1

To determine if a SAFE project is located in your region,visit the fact sheets at: www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/safepr08.pdf and www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/

safepr208.pdf.3. CREP Sign-up

Involves partners such as FSA, NRCS, state agencies andoccasionally private groups in addressing high-priorityconservation issues of state or national signicance, suchas declining habitat for wildlife and soil erosion and waterquality in specic geographic areas. Because CREP combinesfederal, state and other resources, participating landowners canreceive signicantly greater nancial and technical assistancethrough CREP than through other CRP initiatives. EachCREP initiative has its own acreage caps and specic eligibleconservation practices. Landowners can generally enroll until

the acreage cap is met.e combination of federal and partnerincentives can even result in a prot to participants, makingthe CREP program very attractive to landowners.

ELIGIBILITY

Participants in CRP, CCRP and CREP must:

/+( =&"A-$+( "56"A"69-0#\( $+5-5$#( 0+-#"5?( +0"?"P0+(

0-56(-56o%&(0-56($&9#$#](-56(

!-A+(%X5+6(%&( %=+&-$+6($*+(0-56()%&(-$(0+-#$(EO(

.%5$*#(=&"%&($%(40%#+(%)($*+(DCM(#"?5U9=(=+&"%6\(

950+##(%5+(%)($*+()%00%X"5?("#($&9+Z(

vG*+( 0-56( X-#( -4Q9"&+6( 69+( $%( $*+( =&+A"%9#(

%X5+&m#(6+-$*](

vG*+(0-56(4*-5?+6(%X5+*"=(69+($%()%&+40%#9&+(

-56($*+(%X5+&m#($".+0'(+_+&4"#+(%)($*+(&"?*$(%)(

&+6+.=$"%5("5(-44%&6-54+(X"$*(#$-$+(0-X](

vG*+(0-56(X-#(&+4+5$0'(4*-5?+6(%X5+*"=(-56(

$*+(5+X(%X5+&(6"6(5%$(-4Q9"&+($*+(0-56()%&($*+(

=9&=%#+(%)(=0-4"5?("$("5(DCM1(

For general CRP sign-up, lands must:

/+( 4&%=0-56( e"54096"5?( a+06( .-&?"5#f( $*-$( *-#(

P++5(=0-5$+6(X"$*(-5(-?&"490$9&-0(4%..%6"$'()%9&(

%)($*+(=&+A"%9#(#"_(4&%=('+-()&%.(EYYW($%(OFFE(

-56(.++$#(%5+(%)($*+()%00%X"5?(4&"$+&"-Z

v!-#(-(X+"?*$+6(-A+&-?+(+&%#"%5("56+_(e=%$+5$"-0(

+&%#"%5( %)( -( #%"0( 6"A"6+6(P'( $*+(#%"0m#( #9#$-"5U-P0+U9#+(0+A+0f(%)(@(%&(*"?*+&](

vL#(+_="&"5?()&%.(DCM](

vL#(0%4-$+6( X"$*"5( -( 5-$"%5-0( %&(#$-$+(DCM( 4%5U

#+&A-$"%5( =&"%&"$'( -&+-1( B-$"%5-0( =&"%&"$'( -&+-#(

"5( $*+(OFF@( P"00( "54096+($*+( D*+#-=+-I+( /-'\(

J&+-$(H-I+#\(H%5?(L#0-56(;%956\(0%5?U0+-)(="5+(

-56(=&-"&"+(=%$*%0+(&+?"%5#]

vL#(4+&$-"5(.-&?"5-0(=-#$9&+0-56(#9"$-P0+()%&(9#+(-#(-(

&"=-&"-5(P9))+&(%&()%&(#"."0-&(X-$+&(Q9-0"$'(=9&=%#+#1

JODISWANSON

Case Study

j>CB3C(/H:3(/:GG3C,HL3;(,LB,3


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-0#%(P+(+0"?"P0+()%&(+5&%00.+5$1

/+(+0"?"P0+(-56(#9"$-P0+()%&(#9==%&$"5?(%5+(%&(.%&+(

%)($*+()%00%X"5?(=&-4$"4+#Z(

v(C"=-&"-5(P9))+

v(7"060")+(*-P"$-$(P9))+(

v(7+$0-56(P9))+

v(,"0$+&(#$&"=#

v(7+$0-56(&+#$%&-$"%5

v(J&-##(X-$+&X-'#

v(;*+0$+&P+0$#

v(H"A"5?(#5%X()+54+#

v(D%5$%9&(?&-##(#$&"=#

v(;-0$U$%0+&-5$(A+?+$-$"%5v(;*-00%XUX-$+&(-&+-#()%&(X"060")+

For CREP sign-up, lands must be:

7"$*"5($*+( P%956-&"+#(%)( $*+(DC3M(=&%b+4$( -&+-#(

0%4-$+6("5(#=+4"a4(?+%?&-=*"4(-&+-#(6+a5+6(P'($*+(

#$-$+(-56(-P0+($%(#9==%&$($*+(#=+4"a4(4%5#+&A-$"%5(

=&-4$"4+#(&+Q9"&+6($%(-66&+##("6+5$"a+6(4%5#+&A-U

$"%5("##9+#1

Landowners can contact their local FSA oces to determineif their region is involved in a CREP project.

G*+( j-&5+&( P09+( P9$$+&^'( "#(-(

)+6+&-00'(+56-5?+&+6(#=+4"+#(

)%956("5(=&-"&"+(-56(#-A-55-(

*-P"$-$#( $*&%9?*%9$( $*+( 9==+&(

c"6X+#$(-56(=-&$#(%)(B+X(35?0-561(

!-P"$-$( 0%##( -56( $*+( 4%5#+Q9+5$(6+40"5+("5($*+(P9$$+&^'(0-&A-m#(#%0+(

)%%6( #%9&4+kX"06( P09+( 09="5+k-&+(

6&"A"5?( X"6+#=&+-6( =%=90-$"%5(

6+40"5+#(%)($*"#(#=+4"+#1(

G*+(#-56'(#%"0#(%)($*+(3-9(D0-"&+(

C"A+&( 8-00+'( "5( X+#$+&5(

7"#4%5#"5( X+&+( %54+(

*%.+( $%( 95"Q9+( #*%&$U

?&-##( =&-"&"+( *-P"$-$(

X*+&+( j-&5+&( P09+#(

$*&"A+61(7"$*(*+0=()&%.(

$*+( .-5'( )-&.+( "5($*+( A-00+'( -56( $*+"&(

=-&$5+( $*&%9?*(

;>,3\( $*+(&+?"%5(5%X(

%))+( -( =&%."#"5?(

5+X( %==%&$95"$'(

$%( P&"5?( P-4I( $*+(

j-&5+&(P09+1(

L5( =-& $5+*"=(

X"$*(:;\($*+(7+#$(

7"#4%5#"5(H-56(G&9#$(e77HGf(-56(-(

59.P+&(%)(#$-$+\()+6+&-0\(95"A+"$'(

-56( 5%5U?%A+&5.+5$( =-&$5+(

=&%=%#+6( -( 5+X( ;$-$+( >4&+#( )%&(

7"060")+( 35*-54+.+5$( =&%b+4$( $%(

&+#$%&+( #*%&$U?&-##( =&-"&"+( *-P"$-$()%&(j-&5+&(P09+#(%5(E\2FF(-4&+#(%)(

)-&.0-561(G%(4&+-$+($*+(&"?*$(*-P"$-$(

4%56"$"%5#\($*+(=-&$5+(6+A+0%=+6(

-( #=+4"-0" +6( =&-"&"+( #++6( ."_(

$*-$( "54096+#(X"06( P09+(09="5+( -56(

#+A+&-0(".=%&$-5$(5+4$-&(=0-5$#1

H-56%X5+(=-&$"4"=-$"5?("5($*+(

j-&5+&(P09+(P9$$+&^'(;>,3(&+4+"A+(

-$$&-4$"A+("54+5$"A+#($%(&+#$%&+(-56(

.-5-?+( $*+( #*%&$U?&-##( =&-"&"+(

*-P"$-$#1(gG*+#+(0-56%X5+(*-A+(

6+A+0%=+6( -( 49&"%#"$'( -56( $*+5( -(=-##"%5( )%&( 6+A+0%="5?( P9$$+&^'(

*-P"$-$\h( #-'#( >56&+X( /%9&?+$(

%)( ,;>1( g/+4-9#+( $*+( =&%b+4$( "#(

=-&$( %)( $*+( D%5#+&A-$"%5( C+#+&A+(

M&%?&-.\( 0-56%X5+( -0&+-6'( )+0$(

4%.)%&$-P0+(=-&$"4"=-$"5?1h(

7"$*( $*+( $-&?+$+6( %9$&+-4*(

+))%&$#( -56( $+4*5"4-0( -##"#$-54+(

%)( -00( =-&$5+\( .%&+( $*-5( E\EFF(

-4&+#( X+&+( +5&%00+6( "5( .%&+( $*-5(

OW( 6"))+&+5$( 4%5$&-4$#( X"$*"5( $*+(

a$( $X%( '+-( %)( $*+( =&%b+4$1( G*+(

7+#$( 7"#4%5#"5( H-56( $&9#$( -56(

$*+"&( =-&$5+( -$( $*+( :5"A+"$'(

%)( 7"#4%5#"5( 6%49.+5$+6( $*+(4%56"$"%5( %)( $*+( *-P"$-$( P+)%&+(

=0-5$"5?( -56( 4%5$"59+( $%( .%5"$%&(

$*+(+#$-P0"#*.+5$(%)(=&-"&"+(=0-5$#(

-56(P9$$+&^'(9#+1(

>$( 0-#$( 4*+4I\( =&-"&"+( =0-5$#\(

"54096"5?( '%95?( 09="5+\( X+&+(

P+?"55"5?( $%( +.+&?+( %5( #+A+&-0(

)-&.#1( >0$*%9?*( "$( "#( #$"00( $%%(

+-&0'( $%( -$$&-4$( j-&5+&( P09+#\( $*+(

6+A+0%="5?( =&-"&"+#( -&+( =&%A"6"5?(

5+X( *-P"$-$( )%&( 4%95$0+##( =0-5$#(

-56(-5".-0#\("54096"5?(%$*+&("5#+4$(=%00"5-$%\( -56( P"&6#1( g;%( .94*(

%)( %9&( *-P"$-$( &+#$%&-$"%5( -56(

=&%$+4$"%5(4%.+#()&%.($*+(+))%&$#(

%)(=&"A-$+(0-56%X5+\h(#-'#(M-90-(

j0+"5$b+#\( -( P"%0%?'( =&%)+##%&( -$(

$*+( :5"A+"$'( %)( 7"#4%5#"5\( 3-9(

D0-"&+1(g7+(?&+-$0'(-==&+4"-$+($*+"&(

"5"$"-$"A+( -56( -&+( ?&-$+)90( $%( P+(

-P0+($%(*+0=(%9$h1(

C"A+&( 8-00+'( "5( X+#$+&5(7"#4%5#"5( X+&+( %54+(*%.+( $%( 95"Q9+( #*%&$U?&-##( =&-"&"+( *-P"$-$(X*+&+( j-&5+&( P09+#($*&"A+61(7"$*(*+0=()&%.($*+( .-5'( )-&.+( "5($*+( A-00+'( -56( $*+"&(=-&$5+( $*&%9?*(;>,3\($*+( &+?"%5(5%X(%))+( -( =&%."#"5?(5+X( %==%&$95"$'($%( P&"5?( P-4I( $*+(j-&5+&(P09+1(X"$*(:;\($*+(7+#$(


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A GOOD EXAMPLE: CREP IN OHIO

N*"%( *-#( $*&++( -4$"A+( DC3M( =&%b+4$#( e-#( %)( OFFYf( $*-$(

0+A+&-?+( &+#%9&4+#( )&%.( -( A-&"+$'( %)( )+6+&-0\( #$-$+\(

.95"4"=-0(-56(5%5=&%a$(#%9&4+#1(;"?5"a4-5$("54+5$"A+#(-&+(

-A-"0-P0+()%&(0-56%X5+(X"$*(+0"?"P0+(0-56(X"$*"5($*+(H-I+(

3&"+\(;4"%$%(-56(:==+&(/"?(7-059$(=&"%&"$'(-&+-#\("54096"5?Z

>( %5+U$".+( #"?5U9=( "54+5$"A+(=-'.+5$( %)( lETF( $%(

lE2F(=+&(-4&+()%&(0-56(+5&%00+6("5(-(&"=-&"-5()%&+#$(

P9))+&(%&(?&-##(a0$+&(#$&"=(=&-4$"4+](

>( %5+U$".+( =&-4$"4+( "54+5$"A+( =-'.+5$( %)(

-==&%_".-$+0'( TF( =+&4+5$( %)( $*+( +0"?"P0+( 4%#$( )%&(+#$-P0"#*"5?($*+( &"=-&"-5(P9))+&(%&( a0$+&( #$&"=1( G*"#(

=-'.+5$("#("5(-66"$"%5($%($*+(2F(=+&4+5$(4%#$U#*-&+(

-##"#$-54+(=&%A"6+6(P'(:;](

>5( -559-0( &+5$-0( =-'.+5$( %)( ES2( =+&4+5$( $%(

OFF( =+&4+5$(%)( $*+( 4-0490-$+6( #%"0(&+5$-0( &-$+( )%&(

"5#$-00"5?(=-&$"490-&(=&-4$"4+#](

>( %5+U$".+( "54+5$"A+( =-'.+5$\( $*&%9?*( $*+( 0%4-0(

;%"0( -56( 7-$+&( D%5#+&A-$"%5( (%5+U$".+("54+5$"A+(=-'.+5$($*&%9?*($*+(N*"%(( %5+U$".+( "54+5$"A+( =-'.+5$( $*&%9?*( $*+( (=&%A"6+#(=-&$"4"=-5$#(

X"$*(4%#$U#*-&+(-##"#$-54+(%)(9=($%(2F(=+&4+5$(%)($*+(+0"?"P0+(4%#$($%(&+#$%&+($*+(0-561

Maintenance Incentive Payments:(>559-0(&+5$-0(

=-'.+5$#(4-5("54096+(-5(-66"$"%5-0(-.%95$(9=($%(

l2(=+&(-4&+(=+&('+-&(-#(-5("54+5$"A+($%(=+&)%&.(

4+&$-"5(.-"5$+5-54+(-4$"A"$"+#1(G*"#("#(=-&$"490-&0'(

".=%&$-5$()%&( X"060")+\(#"54+( A+?+$-$"A+(4%A+&( 4-5(

4*-5?+(-56( P+4%.+(95)-A%&-P0+( $%(X"060")+( %A+&(

$".+1( >( 6"#$9&P-54+( -4$"A"$'( #94*( -#( 6"#I"5?( %&(

P9&5"5?( 4-5( #+$( P-4I( #944+##"%5( -56( +5*-54+(

P+5+a$#($%(X"060")+1

Other Incentive Payments:( ,;>( 4-5( %))+&( -5(

-66"$"%5-0(%5+U$".+("54+5$"A+(=-'.+5$(%)(O2(=+&U4+5$(%)($*+(4%#$(%)(&+#$%&"5?(#"$+(*'6&%0%?'1(

CCRP Payments

In addition to the incentives available through general CRP,FSA provides special incentives to participants in CCRPthat can include:

>(P%59#(%)(9=($%(OF(=+&4+5$(%)($*+(-559-0(&+5$-0(

&-$+()%&(+#$-P0"#*"5?(X"56P&+-I#\(a0$+&(#$&"=#\(?&-##(

X-$+&X-'#(-56(&"=-&"-5(P9))+]

>5( -66"$"%5-0( EF( =+&4+5$( %)( $*+( -559-0( &+5$-0(

&-$+()%&(0-56(0%4-$+6("5(3M>U6+#"?5-$+6(X+00*+-6(

=&%$+4$"%5(-&+-#]

>5(9=U)&%5$(#"?5U9=(P%59#(%)(lEFF(=+&(-4&+(elE2F(

=+&(-4&+()%&(E2('+-&(4%5$&-4$#f()%&(#%.+\(P9$(5%$(

-00\(=&-4$"4+#]

>(=&-4$"4+("54+5$"A+(P%59#(=-'.+5$(%)(TF(=+&4+5$(

%)($*+(+0"?"P0+(4%#$($%(+#$-P0"#*(#%.+\(P9$(5%$(-00\(

=&-4$"4+#1(M-'.+5$("#(6"#$&"P9$+6(%54+($*+(=&-4$"4+(

"#(+#$-P0"#*+61(


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(((((>(J:LBBB66"$"%5-0(4%#$(#*-&+(-##"#$-54+]

M+&U-4&+(#"?5U9=("54+5$"A+(=-'.+5$#]

>(P%59#(%5($*+(-559-0(&+5$-0(=-'.+5$#]

;$-$+($-_(4&+6"$#]

M+&.-5+5$(%&(#*%&$U$+&.(+-#+.+5$(%=$"%5#]

N$*+&("54+5$"A+#(-#(6+$+&."5+6(P'($*+(#$-$+1

RANKING CRITERIA

Applications for general signup CRP contracts are rankedaccording to the Environmental Benets Index (EBI). FSAcollects data for each of the EBI factors based on the relativeenvironmental benets for the land oered. Each eligibleapplication is ranked in comparison to all other applicationsand selections are made based on these rankings. As of 2007,FSA used the following EBI factors to assess the environ-mental benets of land oered:

7"060")+( *-P"$-$( P+5+a$#( &+#90$"5?( )&%.( 5-$9&-0(

4%A+&(%5(4%5$&-4$(-4&+-?+(eEFF(=%"5$#f](

7-$+&( Q9-0"$'( P+5+a$#( )&%.( &+694+6( +&%#"%5\(&95%))(-56(0+-4*"5?(eEFF(=$#f](

N5U)-&.( P+5+a$#( )&%.( &+694+6( +&%#"%5( eEFF(

=%"5$#f](

/+5+a$#($*-$(X"00(0"I+0'(+569&+(P+'%56($*+(4%5$&-4$(

=+&"%6(e2F(=$#f](

>"&(Q9-0"$'(P+5+a$#()&%.(&+694+6(X"56(+&%#"%5(eT2(

=%"5$#f](

D%#$(eO2w(=%"5$#f1

A new EBI is expected to be developed on release ofnal

rules. e current EBI is available at: www.fsa.usda.gov/Internet/FSA_File/crpebi03.pdf

Tip

Rack up points by maximizing the wildlife value of your

landthe single greatest way to improve the chances of

your offer being accepted. CRP is a competitive program

limited to just 32 million acres of eligible croplands

nationwide. Maximizing the number and diversity of

native grassesand treesusedas cover is one way to earn

more points. You can subdivide fields and offer only themost environmentally sensitive land to score high in the

water quality and air quality categories and gain a com-

petetive edge.

e 2008 Farm Bill calls for addressing issues raised by state,regional and national wildlife conservation plans such as theState Wildlife Action Plans. States are encouraged to incor-porate these plans into program priorities, scoring criteria,focal areas and other special initiatives. Oering land withinstate or nationally determined priority areas for wildlife canbe worth an additional 30 points.

If you are willing to reduce your annual payment rates or

forfeit cost-share funding, youll have an added competitiveedge. But keep in mind that maximizing points in the wild-life, water- and air-quality categories has the greatest impacton the total score. Depending on competition in the region,accepting reduced nancial incentives may not be necessary.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBLITIES

All participants must implement a conservation plan (seepage 55) that covers management of the land and the specicissues such as soil erosion and wildlife habitat. Any haying,grazing and/or harvesting must be in compliance with the

management plan and must not occur during the nestingseason of grassland birds.

HOW TO APPLY

FSA administers CRP with technical support from NRCS,state forest agencies or other technical service providers.Applications are available at local FSA eld oces.

You can apply for general CRP sign-up only during desig-nated periods announced by FSA. In the past, this has been anannual announcement, but that could change at any time, socheck with FSA regularly. Meanwhile, you can enroll in CCRPor CREP any time through your local FSA oce. Enrollmentin these initiatives is subject to the acreage limit, but no otherconstraints on sign-ups are expected in the near future.


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e Forest Service administers the Community Forest andOpen Space Conservation Program (CFOSP), which pro-

vides grants to local governments, nonprot organizationsand Indian tribes to purchase private forest lands that areeconomically, environmentally or culturally important andthreatened with conversion to nonforest uses. Acquired landsmust allow public access for recreational use and purchasing

entities are encouraged to use the forestlands as workingforests to provide economic benet and local jobs to thesurrounding communities. Forests purchased through thisprogram cannot be sold or converted.

ELIGIBILITY

Land must:

/+(=&"A-$+(0-56($*&+-$+5+6(P'(4%5A+"%5]

/+(-$(0+-#$(%5+(-4&+("5(#"`+]

L54096+(-$(0+-#$(EF(=+&4+5$()%&+#$(4%A+&1

Participants must:

/+(+0"?"P0+(+5$"$"+#(e-9$*%&"`+6($%(=9&4*-#+(0-56f1(

G*+#+(+5$"$"+#("54096+(0-56($&9#$#(-56(%$*+&(5%5U

?%A+&5.+5$-0( 4%5#+&A-$"%5( ?&%9=#\( -56( 0%4-0(

.95"4"=-0"$"+#]

PAYMENT PROVISIONS

e program provides federal cost-share of 50 percent of thecost to acquire the property. Eligible entities must providethe remaining 50 percent in non-federal match, which caninclude cash, donations or other in-kind contributions.

Entities that sell or convert forest land purchased under thisprogram must reimburse the government in an amount equalto the sale price or the current appraised value of the land,

whichever is greater.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit an application to the state forester or equivalent inresponse to a national request for proposals by the ForestService. Your application must include a description of theland and a forest plan describing the community benets,including public access, of protecting the land. e ForestService is responsible for nal allocation decisions.

Community Forest and Open Space Conservation ProgramNOTE: As of spring 2010, no rules had been published or funding established for this program. e following summary isbased on the statutory language only. Check with your state forester for the current status.

JERRYPAVIAPHOTOGRAPHY

LAND PROTECTION PROGRAMS: FEE-SIMPLE ACQUISITION


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a requirement for states to encourage creation of pollinatorhabitat, although it is not yet listed as an explicit national pri-ority. Individual states, however, can include state prioritiesfor pollinator habitat in the ranking process and some stateshave already done so. Attending State Technical Committeemeetings is one way to encourage the inclusion of pollinators

or other priority species in state ranking criteria.

NATIONAL PRIORITIES

C+#$%&+( 6+40"5"5?( %&( ".=%&$-5$( 5-$"A+( a#*( -56(

X"060")+(*-P"$-$#(e"54096"5?(=%00"5-$%f]

M&%$+4$\( &+#$%&+\( 6+A+0%=( %&( +5*-54+( *-P"$-$( $%(

P+5+a$(-$U&"#I(#=+4"+#(#94*(-#(4-56"6-$+(#=+4"+#(

-56(#$-$+U0"#$+6($*&+-$+5+6(-56(+56-5?+&+6(#=+U

4"+#]

C+694+( $*+( ".=-4$#( %)( "5A-#"A+( #=+4"+#( %5( a#*(

-56(X"060")+(*-P"$-$#](

M&%$+4$\(&+#$%&+\(6+A+0%=(%&(+5*-54+(6+40"5"5?(%&(

".=%&$-5$(-Q9-$"4(X"060")+(*-P"$-$#1

STATE RANKING

NRCS state priorities are guided by the national prioritieslisted above. In some cases, the NRCS state conservationistcan establish priority landscapes or habitats where WHIPdollars are focused to maximize benets. Applications maybe evaluated on some or all of the following criteria:

D%5$&"P9$"%5( $%( &+#%0A"5?( -( 5-$"%5-0\( &+?"%5-0( %&(

#$-$+(*-P"$-$(4%54+&5]

L5409#"%5("5(-5(+#$-P0"#*+6(X"060")+(=&"%&"$'(-&+-]

H%5?U$+&.(P+5+a$#(%P$-"5+6()&%.($*+(=&%b+4$]

!%X(#+0)U#9#$-"5"5?($*+(=&%=%#+6(=&-4$"4+#(-&+]

>A-"0-P"0"$'( %)( .-$4*"5?( )956#( %&( X"00"5?5+##( $%(

-44+=$(-(&+694+6(=-'.+5$]

D%#$(%)(&+#$%&-$"%5(-4$"A"$"+#]

7"00"5?5+##( %)( $*+( -==0"4-5$( $%( 4%.=0+$+( *-P"$-$(

&+#$%&-$"%5( -4$"A"$"+#(X"$*"5($*+( a$( $X%( '+-(%)(

$*+(4%5$&-4$1

Tip

Projects that address at-risk species or habitats identifiedby the state WHIP committee are likely to qualify for long-

term agreements of 15 years or moreand more generous

cost-share. They are also likely to rank higher in the

application evaluation process. These projects serve the

dual purpose of targeting wildlife and habitat needs and

giving farmers a greater financial incentive to participate.

PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES

Participants agree to develop and follow a WHIP conserva-tion plan and to maintain conservation practices for theirexpected lifespan, even if those practices extend beyond thecontract length.

HOW TO APPLY

NRCS is responsible for providing nancial and technicalassistance. Applications are available through your localNRCS eld oce.

DONNAJ.COOK


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(((((>(J:LBBB6b9#$+6(

J&%##(L54%.+(&+Q9"&+.+5$#(e#++(=-?+(ERf](

NX5(%&(*-A+(4%5$&%0(%)($*+(0-56()%&($*+(0+5?$*(%)($*+(4%5$&-4$(=+&"%6(e$+5-5$#(.9#$(=&%A"6+(X&"$$+5(

4%549&&+54+()&%.($*+(0-56%X5+&($%(+#$-P0"#*(-5'(

#$&94$9&-0(=&-4$"4+#f1

PAYMENT PROVISIONS

Restoration Payments and Income Compensation

EQIP provides payments of up to 75 percent of costsassociated with planning, design, materials, equipment,

installation, labor, management, maintenance or training,and up to 100 percent of the estimated income sacricedby a producer to implement conservation practices.Historically underserved producers, including limitedresource, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmersand ranchers, are eligible for an increased payment ratenot to exceed 90 percent of the estimated project costs.Underserved producers can also receive, in advance, up to30 percent of the anticipated costs for purchasing materialsor services.

e 2008 Farm Bill allows NRCS to accord great signi-cance to certain conservation practices, which means addi-tional points in the ranking process and higher payment ratesfor income compensation.ese practices include:

B9$&"+5$\(&+#"69+(%&(-"&(Q9-0"$'(.-5-?+.+5$] L5A-#"A+(#=+4"+#(.-5-?+.+5$]

M%00"5-$%&(*-P"$-$]

>5".-0(4-&4-##(.-5-?+.+5$($+4*5%0%?']

M+#$(.-5-?+.+5$1

Pest management covers any insect, disease, noxious plantor animal that is adversely aecting crops or livestock and abroad range of methods, including predator deterrence mea-sures such as fencing or range riders that prevent livestockloss due to wolves in regions of the West. Eligible practices

are determined at the state level.

Payment Limitations

Payments are capped at $300,000 per person or legal entityover a six-year period. However, waivers can be granted toraise the limit to $450,000 for projects of special environ-mental signicance. Projects that qualify for this waiver must:

!-A+( 40+-&( 6%49.+5$-$"%5( $*-$( $*+( =&%b+4$( X"00(

*-A+( #9P#$-5$"-0( =%#"$"A+( ".=-4$#( %5( 4&"$"4-0(

&+#%9&4+#( #94*( -#( -$U&"#I( #=+4"+#( -56( 6&"5I"5?(

X-$+&(#9==0"+#](

D0+-&0'(-66&+##(-(5-$"%5-0(=&"%&"$'(-56(#$-$+\($&"P-0(

%&(0%4-0(=&"%&"$"+#] >##"#$( $*+( =-&$"4"=-5$( "5( 4%.=0'"5?( X"$*( )+6+&-0\(

#$-$+\($&"P-0(-56(0%4-0(&+?90-$%&'(&+Q9"&+.+5$#1

Assistance to organic producers is based on producersagreeing to develop and carry out organic system plans fororganic certication under the National Organic Program.Payments for conservation practices related to converting toorganic production are capped at $20,000 per year or $80,000during any six-year period.

Environmental Quality Incentives ProgramC3;GNC>GLNB(>BBc;Z(C3;GNC>GLNB(>BC3


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Cost-share Considerations

Producers can receive assistance from other non-USDAfederal, state, private or nonprot sources. However, if thetotal contributions from all sources exceed 100 percent of theestimated costs to implement the practices, NRCS reducespayments accordingly. Participants cannot use more than

one USDA program to address the same practice but canuse other USDA programs if the programs are addressingdierent practices.

RANKING CRITERIA

e EQIP program is competitive and all applications areranked according to local, state and national criteria. Appli-cations are funded in ranking order until funds are exhausted.

National Priorities

All applications must address at least one national priorityfrom the following list:

M&%.%$+#(-$U&"#I(#=+4"+#(*-P"$-$(4%5#+&A-$"%5]

C+694+#(5%5=%"5$(#%9&4+(=%009$"%5(#94*(-#(59$&"U

+5$#\( #+6".+5$\( =+#$"4"6+#\( %&( +_4+##( #-0"5"$'( "5(

".=-"&+6( X-$+*+6#]( #9&)-4+( -56( ?&%956X-$+&(

4%5$-."5-$"%5( -56( 4%5$-."5-$"%5( )&%.( 4%54+5U

$&-$+6(-5".-0()++6"5?(%=+&-$"%5#]

D%5#+&A+#(?&%956(-56(#9&)-4+(X-$+&(&+#%9&4+#]

C+694+#( +."##"%5#( #94*( -#( =-&$"490-$+( .-$$+&\(

5"$&%?+5(%_"6+#(eBN_f\(A%0-$"0+(%&?-5"4(4%.=%956#(

-56(%`%5+(=&+49%(-56(6+=0+$+($*-$(6+?&-6+(

-"&(Q9-0"$'](

C+694+#(#%"0(+&%#"%5(-56(#+6".+5$-$"%51

State Priorities

Applications meeting one or more of the national prioritiesare ranked according to the following state criteria:

!%X( 4%#$U+))+4$"A+( $*+( =&%=%#+6( 4%5#+&A-$"%5(

=&-4$"4+#(-&+]

M&"%&"$'(%)($*+(&+#%9&4+(4%54+&5#(P+"5?(-66&+##+6]

!%X( +))+4$"A+0'( -56(4%.=&+*+5#"A+0'( $*+(=&%b+4$(

-66&+##+#($*+("6+5$"a+6(4%54+&5#]

7"00"5?5+##(%)($*+(0-56%X5+&($%(Q9"4I0'(4%.=0+$+(4%5#+&A-$"%5(-4$"A"$"+#]


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BURRWILLIAMS

L5(G+_-#\($*+(H+##+&(M&-"&"+U4*"4I+5(%449(%50'(%5(

=&"A-$+(0-56#1(,-&.(/"00(=&%?&-.#(%))+&(2F(=+&4+5$($%(

S2(=+&4+5$(4%#$U#*-&+($%(&+#$%&+(%&(+5*-54+(*-P"$-$(

)%&($*"#(#=+4"+#k5%$(+5%9?*($%(.-I+("$(X%&$*X*"0+()%&(

#%.+(0-56%X5+(G%(4*-5?+($*-$\($*+(G+_-#(M-&I#(-56(

7"060")+(


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e Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), previouslyknown as the Conservation Security Program, rewardsproducers for conservation performance. Producers earnpayments to improve, maintain and manage existing conser-

vation activities and undertake additional ones on workingfarms and forests. e higher the conservation performanceis ranked, the more a producer is paid. Program goals includeimproving soil, air and water quality, increasing biodiversityand pollinator habitat, sequestering carbon and reducinggreenhouse gas emissions and conserving water and energyuse. CSP is authorized to enroll nearly 13 million acres each

scal year, for a total of more than 50 million acres enrolledby the end of the ve-year life of the 2008 Farm Bill.

CSP payments reward producers for:

L.=&%A"5?\( .-"5$-"5"5?( -56( .-5-?"5?( +_"#$"5?(

4%5#+&A-$"%5(=&-4$"4+#]

L5#$-00"5?( -56( -6%=$"5?( -66"$"%5-0( 4%5#+&A-$"%5(

=&-4$"4+#]

>6%=$"5?(&+#%9&4+U4%5#+&A"5?(-56(%$*+&(P+5+a4"-0(

4&%=(&%$-$"%5#]

D%5694$"5?( %5U)-&.( 4%5#+&A-$"%5( &+#+-&4*( -56(

6+.%5#$&-$"%5( -4$"A"$"+#( -56( ="0%$U$+#$"5?( 5+X($+4*5%0%?"+#(%&("55%A-$"A+(4%5#+&A-$"%5(=&-4$"4+#1

For a list of resource enhancement activities and practicesthat might be considered, visit: www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/new_csp/special_pdfs/CSP_Conservation_Activity_List.pdf.

ELIGIBILITY

Lands must:

D%5#$"$9$+( $*+( +5$"&+( -?&"490$9&-0( %=+&-$"%5\(

X*+$*+&(%&(5%$("$("#(4%5$"?9%9#\(%X5+6(%&(&+5$+6](

/+( =&"A-$+( 4&%=0-56\( ?&-##0-56\( =&-"&"+( 0-56\(".=&%A+6( =-#$9&+0-56\( &-5?+0-56\( 5%5U"569#$&"-0(

)%&+#$(0-56(%&(-?&"490$9&-0(0-56(956+&($*+(b9&"#6"4U

$"%5(%)(-5(L56"-5($&"P+(%&(%$*+&("54"6+5$-0(0-56(%5(

X*"4*( -?&"490$9&-0( &+#%9&4+( 4%54+&5#( 4%906( P+(

-66&+##+6]

!-A+( P++5("5( 4&%=( =&%694$"%5( )%&()%9&(%)( $*+(#"_(

'+-( =&"%&( $%(n95+( E@\(OFF@\($%( Q9-0")'( -#(4&%=(

0-56(e-#(%==%#+6($%(=-#$9&+\(&-5?+(%&()%&+#$(0-56f1

Land enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program, ConservationReserve Program, Grassland Reserve Program and formerConservation Security Program are not eligible for enrollmentin CSP. However, a participant may count acres enrolled in

WRP, GRP or CRP as part of the entire agricultural operationto qualify for CSP. A participant may also remove acreagefrom a CSP contract to place it into WRP, GRP or CRP

Participants must:

/+($*+( &+?"#$+&+6(%=+&-$%&(-56( *-A+( &+-#%5-P0+(

-##9&-54+(%)(4%5$&%0(%)($*+(0-56()%&($*+(0+5?$*(%)(

$*+(4%5$&-4$(=+&"%6](

/+("5(4%.=0"-54+(X"$*(!"?*0'(3&%6"P0+(H-56\(7+$U

0-56( D%5#+&A-$"%5\( -56( >6b9#$+6( J&%##( L54%.+(

=&%A"#"%5#(e#++(=-?+(ERf1

>0&+-6'( P+( -6+Q9-$+0'( -66&+##"5?( -$( 0+-#$( %5+(

&+#%9&4+(4%54+&5(#94*(-#(#%

conserving habitat through the federal farm bill

Documents