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Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
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Program level:
National
Provider:
USDA Farm Service Agency, Washington State Conservation Commission, local Conservation District
Benefits provided:
Financial
Land use:
Agriculture
Water-focused program:
Yes
Restores streamside habitat for salmon and protects that habitat for 10-15 years and issues payments during that time.
Overview
Description:
Farmers are compensated for voluntarily planting native vegetation along salmon-bearing streams, rather than crops. Vegetation forms a buffer between agricultural land and salmon streams, keeping water clean and cool for salmon. Riparian buffers are preserved under 10-15 year renewable contracts.
Project costs are paid for by the program. The program also provides oversight and maintenance for five years after planting to ensure that trees and vegetation grow healthy and strong.
Landowners are paid rent for the acreage they restore, and they receive a monetary bonus for enrolling in the program. This makes CREP a win-win for Washington farms and fish.
CREP is a voluntary program administered at the federal-level by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), at the state-level by the State Conservation Commission (SCC), and at the local level by conservation districts.
Eligibility:
10-15 year contract for streamside habitat.
You must have owned and/or operated your land for at least 12 months
before enrollment.
Property must border eligible stream segments. A map of eligible segments is available from the Washington State Conservation Commission CREP web page (www.scc.wa.gov/crep).
(A private landowner must work with their local conservation district to apply. Find your local conservation district using the "local service" button below.)
Financial benefit:
Annual payments for 10-15 years
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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