The CRP program offer annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish approved cover on eligible cropland. To be eligible for placement in CRP, land must have been planted to an agricultural commodity 2 of the 5 most recent crop years.

Offers for CRP general sign-up contracts are ranked according to the Environmental Benefits Index (EBI). The EBI is used to rank land offered for enrollment in the CRP during a general sign-up. Scores are based on the expected environmental improvement in soil resources, water quality, wildlife habitat and other resource concerns during the time the land is to be enrolled in the program. Each offer submitted by a landowner is assigned a point score based on its relative environmental benefits, and is compared nationally with all other offers. Offers are accepted or rejected based on the resulting ranking.

Enrollment in the general CRP occurs during sign-up periods. Sign-up periods may be announced at any time and usually last for a four-week period.

For certain high-priority conservation practices yielding highly desirable environmental benefits, landowners may sign-up at any time, without waiting for an announced sign-up period. Unlike the general CRP program, sigh-up for these special practices is open continuously. Provided certain eligibility requirements are met, acreage is automatically accepted into the program at a per-acre rental rate.

The following practices are eligible for continuous CRP sign-up in Scott County:

• FILTER STRIPS: Areas of grass, legumes and other non-woody vegetation that filter runoff and waste water by trapping sediment, pesticides, organic matter and other pollutants. Filter strips are planted on cropland at the edge of perennial streams, rivers or adjacent to bodies of water. The width and types of vegetation established in the filter area are determined by site conditions.

• SHELTERBELTS, FIELD WINDBREAKS AND LIVING SNOW FENCES: Belts of trees or shrubs are planted in single or multiple rows. Such tree rows and hedges reduce wind erosion, improve air provide food and shelter for wildlife. They can also shelter structures and livestock. Field windbreaks prevent wind erosion. Living snow fences provide similar benefits, but are specifically located to manage snow.

• GRASS WATERWAYS: Channels, either natural or constructed, that are planted with suitable vegetation to protect soil from erosion. Grass waterways help heal gullies and washouts and greatly reduce loss of topsoil and the sedimentation of streams, ponds and lakes.

• RIPARIAN BUFFERS: Areas of trees and/or shrubs next to ponds, lakes and streams that filter out pollutants from runoff as well as providing food and shelter for wildlife.

• SHALLOW WATER AREAS FOR WILDLIFE: Small areas whose purpose is providing cover and a water source for wildlife. Water is impounded and is surrounded by a small area planted with permanent cover.

Landowners interested in either the general CRP sign-up or the continuous sign-up should contact the Natural Resources Conservation Service at (952) 492-5425 or the Farm Service Agency at (952) 492-6671.

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