CREP plants native trees and shrubs to improve stream conditions and enhance wetlands along salmon streams. All of the costs for these improvements are paid by the program. In addition, the program provides oversight and maintenance for about five years after planting to assure success. 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.

Eligible CREP Practices:
- Riparian Forest Buffers: 50-180 feet wide plantings of native trees and vegetation bordering an eligible river or stream.
- Hedgerows: 15 foot wide strips of native shrubs planted on eligible streams and drainages with a channel less than 15 feet wide. These are also available on streams and drainages connected to eligible streams up to 10 miles upstream.
- Grass Filter Strips: 20-120 foot wide strips of grassy vegetation planted along stream segments that are upstream of salmon habitat.
- 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: 20-120 foot wide band of vegetation planted on marginal pastureland that is adjacent to wetlands.

Benefits for Farmers:
- Steady rental income for 10-15 years. The amount is determined by your soil type and enrolled activities.
- One-time signing bonus.
- Entire cost of project installation is covered.
- Project maintenance cost is reimbursed for the first five years.
- Livestock operators are reimbursed for fencing that excludes cattle from the buffer and for new water facilities.
- Option to re-enroll.