NF95-219 Common Ground: State Conservation Reserve

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has been a popular part of the federal farm program for the past several years because it contributes to farm income, soil conservation, and wildlife habitat. Landowners have found the annual payments for enrolling land in the CRP to be a financially attractive alternative to producing crops. Higher commodity prices due to fewer crop acres has been an additional benefit to landowners. Environmentalists have been pleased with the lower soil losses from the land and the improved stream environment associated with the CRP. Wildlife advocates are strong supporters of the CRP. For example, the Wildlife Legacy Partners composed of seventeen wildlife groups recently released a publication praising the value of CRP land as wildlife habitat