Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a USDA environmental improvement program that uses financial incentives to encourage the establishment of permanent covers of grasses and trees on environmentally sensitive lands.  The program protects the soil from erosion, increases wildlife habitat, and protects ground and surface water by reducing water runoff and sedimentation (USDA 2001). Program link: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/crp/

Scioto River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a program of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  The Upper Scioto River Watershed Project area is a part of this larger Scioto River watershed program.  CREP is a farmer/landowner-implemented agricultural environmental stewardship program.  The goal is to create filter strips, riparian buffers, wildlife habitat, wetland, and tree plantings to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into the river and it tributaries.  As a result it will improve biodiversity in the entire watershed.  Landowners enrolling cropland or marginal pastureland receive annual rental payments from USDA and cost-share for installation and maintenance of eligible practices.  State incentive payments are provided on wetland and wildlife conservation practices.  Optional voluntary easements can be enrolled provided funding is available.  The conservation practices implemented through this program will help to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, increase wildlife habitat, and meet biodiversity goals.  The program will mean less sediment and nutrient runoff entering streams, improved wildlife habitat, reduced flood damage, improved ground water recharge, and a safer drinking water supply. Program link

Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) is a USDA cost share program.  This program can be used for any USDA cost share practice including, but not limited to, animal waste storage facilities, grid sampling and nutrient management, compost facilities, and cover crops. Program link: http://www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/eqip/eqip2007.html

Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) is a USDA program that offers landowners cost share assistance for grassland plantings, riparian tree plantings and wetland restoration to benefit wildlife.  Program link: http://www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/whip_2007.html

Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) is a nationwide voluntary conservation program that offers landowners the means and the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands on their property.  The USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) manages the program as well as provides technical and financial support to landowners who participate in WRP.  Additional benefits of the WRP include: improved water quality, enhanced habitat for water fowl and endangered species, enhanced habitat for other wildlife, reduced soil erosion, improved water supply, reduced flooding.  (USDA 2001). Program link: http://www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/wetlands_reserve_program.html

Best Management Practices (BMPs) are designed to save farmers money and maintain optimal yields.  The BMP CHALLENGE programs use local university BMP recommendations along with local crop advisors to ensure that BMP CHALLENGE programs meet the needs of the farmer.  With BMP and below BMP rates, any one year can result in less than maximum yields, though net savings can be positive.  

The BMP CHALLENGE programs work to give farmers an opportunity to test reduced nutrient and tillage rates on their fields, without worrying about loss to their income.  BMP CHALLENGE can work directly with farmers, through watershed/conservation districts, and with other organizations, to reduce nutrient and sediment outputs to local waterways and educate farmers on BMPs.  For more information, including upcoming workshops and meetings, please contact Lori Steckervetz at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit the BMP Challenge website.

2008 Tree Seedling & Wildlife Products Sale at Delaware SWCD

The Delaware Soil and Water Conservation District is now taking orders for the annual Tree And Wildlife Products Sale.  To place an order, visit the Delaware SWCD website (http://www.delawareswcd.org/), click on '2008 Tree and Wildlife Products Sale', and then download and fill out the order form.  Return the order form with payment to the Delaware SWCD office.  There is a limited stock on all items, so order will be processed on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Order early to avoid being closed out of the items you desire.

Seedlings, seeds, and wildlife products willbe available for pick-up April 8-11, 2008.  For more information, please contact Delaware SWCD (740) 368-1921 ext. 4. 

2008 Tree Planting Grants Available

Global ReLeaf, American Forests' ecosystem restoration program, is offering annual grants towards tree planting projects for 2008. The Global ReLeaf grant program provides private dollars to support local reforestation efforts.  These grants can also be used to match other funding sources.  Grants are available to support rural seedling projects which restore damaged forest ecosystems.  Further information regarding Global ReLeaf grants, including application forms and criteria, can be found on the American Forests: Global ReLeaf website.  The deadline for grant proposals are January 15 and July 1.