restore a wetland area and create a riparian bufferThe Conservation Reserve (CRP) Program can help producers and landowners establish long-term conservation areas to promote native species, control erosion and improve water quality and wildlife habitat on cropland. The Grassland CRP helps landowners and operators protect grassland, including rangeland and pasture land, while still allowing grazing. Those enrolled in CRP will also have the option to participate in projects through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE). Last year, U.S. ag producers enrolled 4.6 million acres in CRP, including 2.5 million in the largest Grassland CRP signup in history. The goal of the program is to reach 25.5 million acres in 2022. Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the country.

The General CRP signup will run from Jan. 31 to March 11, and the Grassland CRP signup will run from April 4 to May 13.

Read more on CRP signup here.