Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) Signup Open in Oregon for a Limited Time

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact information:
Todd Peplin, Program Manager, Todd.Peplin@or.usda.gov (541) 923- 4358

PORTLAND, OR, APRIL 13, 2009 – For the first time since 2005, the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is open for enrollment in Oregon. GRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect and preserve working grasslands.

The GRP signup will be open in Oregon from April 20 until May 15, 2009 for working grazing lands and lands under expiring Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) contracts. Grazing lands included in the signup are: grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands.

Through the program, the landowner or land manager enters into an easement or rental agreement that prevents conversion of the land to uses other than grazing in exchange for program payments. GRP participants retain ownership and the right to use the land for grazing and other compatible uses.

The program aims to conserve grassland resources, promote agricultural stability, prevent conversion to other land uses, improve biodiversity, and protect Oregon’s scenic landscapes.

Administration of GRP is a coordinated effort between the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Eligible Landowners or operators who manage their grasslands, have an active grazing operation, and who want to maintain and prevent their land from future conversion from uses other than grazing can apply for GRP at their local USDA Service Center: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=OR.

For Fiscal Year 2009, approximately $725,000 in GRP funding is available in Oregon.

For application materials and more information, visit the NRCS Web site at: www.or.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/grp.

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