The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a joint effort between the federal, state and county governments. CREP provides incentive payments and cost sharing for installing conservation practices along waterways and wetlands. Farmers can enroll land that has a history of crop or pasture land through either a 15 year agreement or perpetual easement (permanent protection) to protect waterways and wetlands. Practices are focused on improving water quality by filtering out sediment and nutrients before they enter streams. Practices also benefit wildlife by providing food and habitat. Land enrolled does not become public and remains assessed as agriculture land for property tax purposes.
Eligible lands are within 150 feet of a stream or water body. You may be eligible if you have lands that fall within designated towns in the county, have cropping history or meet marginal pastureland qualifications.
Just like CRP (Conservation Reserve Program), the USDA offers annual payments for enrolled acres based on soil type.
In addition, the State and USDA offer an added up-front incentive payment based on soil type.
For landowners looking for permanent protection of their land, the state will enroll the land in a perpetual conservation easement.
Contact our office at: 608-776-3836 for more information.
Click here for online information on CREP.