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Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) - Rock Lake CD
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Program level:
National
Provider:
USDA Farm Service Agency, Rock Lake Conservation District
Benefits provided:
Financial
Land use:
Agriculture
Water-focused program:
Yes
100% funding to plant a habitat buffer between crops and streams.
Overview
Description:
*This is a future program that could be offered. As Rock Lake Conservation District grows, this program could be available as the community's interest in it grows. Please contact Rock Lake Conservation District to get involved.*
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) the country's largest private-land conservation program. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) CREP targets specific state or nationally significant conservation concerns. Federal funds are supplemented with non-federal funds to address those concerns. In exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and establishing permanent resource conserving plant species, farmers and ranchers are paid an annual rental rate along with other federal and non-federal incentives as applicable per each CREP agreement. Participation is voluntary, and the contract period is typically 10-15 years.
Eligibility:
Eligible CREP Practices:
- Riparian Forest Buffers- A 50-180ft wide vegetative buffer of ground covers/grasses as well as native trees and shrubs on the edge of an eligible river or stream
- Hedgerows- Smaller than riparian forest buffers, hedgerows are 15ft wide strips of native shrubs planted along eligible streams and drainages.
- Grass Filter Strips- Strips of grassy vegetation planted along eligible streams. Grass filter strips range from 20-120ft.
- Wetland Restoration- Planting native wetland vegetation, including establishment of an upland buffer. Criteria for eligible restoration practices varies depending on whether the site is within or outside of the 100-year floodplain area. This practice is eligible on cropland.
- Pastureland Wetland Buffers: 20-120ft wide bands of vegetation planted on marginal pastureland that is adjacent to wetlands.
Financial benefit:
Annual payments for 10-15 years.
The landowners are paid rent for allowing their land to be used for fish and wildlife improvements and receive a monetary bonus for signing up.
Contact information
Information last updated on July 15, 2025.
Planning Importance
Developing a forest, agricultural, or conservation plan helps identify and prioritize objectives for landowners. These objectives can determine what type programs to search for. Supporting organizations in your area often provide free consultation and planning.
Landscape Characteristics
See how your land fits into the broader context of regional conservation, ecosystem services, and working lands' values across the landscape through our interactive mapper tool. It could help you determine which program is a good fit for you!
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