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Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)Application deadline extended to June 19, 2009. California USDA Service Centers will be accepting applications from eligible landowners through June 19, 2009 for enrollment in the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). The purpose of GRP is to assist agricultural producers in protecting the agricultural viability of grazing landscapes and their associated environmental benefits including: improved water quality, protection and recovery of wildlife species, protection and restoration of native plant communities, and nutrient and water cycling benefits related to properly functioning watersheds. Section 2403 of the Farm Energy and Conservation Act of 2008 (Pub. L. 107-171) amended the Food Security Act of 1985 to authorize this program. Enrollment OptionsGRP targets vulnerable grasslands that are subject to conversion to urban uses, cropland, or other non-grazing uses through the use of perpetual easements, or through 20, 15, or 10-year rental agreements. GRP is administered through the coordinated efforts of the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). How to Apply for GRP in CaliforniaApplicants should submit form AD-1153 to the nearest Natural Resources Conservation Service Field Office or Farm Service Agency County Office. USDA Service Center contact information for can be found at: http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=ca Screening and Ranking ApplicationsApplications will be screened and ranked based on a variety of factors, including the potential threat of conversion to non-grazing uses, biodiversity, presence of native vegetation, funding support, type of agreement, habitat diversity, and current management practices being implemented. Land EligibilityPrivately owned and Tribal lands can be enrolled in the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). The land must be grassland, including rangeland, pastureland (including improved rangeland and pastureland), shrubland and other lands. Incidental lands may be included in a GRP application to allow for the efficient administration of an agreement or easement. Land is not eligible for GRP if it is already protected under an existing contract, easement or deed restriction, or if the land is in ownership by any entity whose purpose is to protect and conserve grassland and related conservation values. There is no maximum or minimum amount of land that may be enrolled by a participant in the program, however the 2008 Farm Bill limits annual payments for both rental and restoration agreements to a maximum of $50,000. Applicant EligibilityLandowners who can provide clear title on privately owned lands are eligible to participate under the easement option. Landowners or lessees who can demonstrate control of the land for the length of the contract may submit an application for a rental agreement. To be eligible for GRP, applicants must also:
In addition, producers who enroll land in GRP must be willing to implement a USDA approved grazing management plan for the term of the agreement. The grazing management plan may be modified upon mutual agreement by the producer and the NRCS. If you encounter problems with the files provided on this
page, please contact the Webmaster. NRCS National GRP InformationThis document requires
Acrobat Reader. ContactsJessica Groves, Easement Program
Specialist Jon Gustafson,
State Rangeland Management Specialist Alan Forkey, Program Manager |
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