Contact: Mary Juhl; mary.juhl@state.mn.us, 612-358-5733
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Landowners in 66 Minnesota counties can apply through June 6 for the Minnesota Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (MN CREP), a conservation easement program administered by the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR).
MN CREP is a voluntary conservation program that permanently protects environmentally-sensitive land in targeted Minnesota counties by leveraging state and federal funds. Landowners participating in MN CREP enroll in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency-administered Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) for 14-15 years, and in the BWSR-administered Reinvest in Minnesota Reserve program — a state-funded perpetual conservation easement program. MN CREP enrollment periods take place in conjunction with federal continuous CRP enrollment periods.
“MN CREP provides options for landowners to earn income off marginal cropland while simultaneously enhancing water quality and habitat,” said BWSR Executive Director John Jaschke. “Conservation lands protected via MN CREP offer multiple benefits including improved habitat, better water quality and increased floodwater storage.”
Eligible landowners can apply by contacting their local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) or Farm Service Agency office. Learn more about MN CREP.