December 12, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. (ENS) - Nebraska and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are launching a $209 million program to address water quality and wildlife habitats in all or a portion of 37 counties in Nebraska. "The Conservation Research Enhancement Program (CREP) encourages farmers to help improve the nation's natural resources," said Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman. "Through this Nebraska partnership, runoff contaminates will be reduced, thereby enhancing wildlife health and water quality for Nebraska rivers and streams."

The Nebraska CREP partnership targets 100,000 acres in the central and eastern parts of the state. These funds will help protect lakes and water sources through the establishment of tree buffers, planting of native and other grasses and the restoration of wetlands.

The primary goal in Nebraska is to reduce the amount of sediment and agricultural chemical runoff that reaches streams.

The total cost of the program is expected to reach $209 million over 15 years. Of that amount, $143 million will come from the federal government and $66 million from state and private organizations.

CREP uses state and federal resources to help solve environmental problems. The CREP combines an existing Agriculture Department program, the Conservation Reserve Program, with state programs to provide a framework for partnerships to meet specific state and national environmental objectives.

These programs provide for voluntary agreements with farmers to convert cropland to native grasses, trees and other vegetation in return for rental payments and other incentives.

Farmers who sign up for CREP in Nebraska will receive a one time payment of $100 to $150 per acre for land enrolled in a riparian forest buffer or grass filter strip practice. They can also get a one time payment equal to about 40 percent of the eligible cost for establishing the buffer or filter strip, in addition to an up to 50 percent cost share assistance that the Agriculture Department will provide for installation.

Participating landowners also receive annual rental payments for the life of their CREP contracts -- from 10 to 15 years -- plus an incentive payment of 20 percent of the calculated soil rental rate for cropland and 20 percent of the established rate for marginal pastureland.

Interested farmers and ranchers may contact their local Farm Services Administration offices for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures. More information is available online at: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/crep.htm

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