MANHATTAN, Kan. — Jack Salava, acting state executive director of USDA's Farm Service Agency has announced that FSA and Natural Resources Conservation Service are accepting applications for the 2009 Grasslands Reserve Program. FSA and NRCS jointly administer the GRP.
GRP is a voluntary program that provides financial and technical assistance to landowners and operators for the restoration and conservation of the nation's grasslands. "Enrollment of land in GRP will have a positive economic impact on the country and improve environmental quality by preventing the conversion of grassland to other uses, including crop production and urban development," Salava said.
FSA and NRCS offices will accept GRP applications on a continuous basis for easements or rental agreements. Applications received by June 24 will be evaluated for 2009 GRP funding; applications received after this date will be evaluated for future GRP years funding.
According to Salava, the program has several enrollment options: permanent easements and 10, 15, or 20-year rental agreements.
Application evaluation for acceptance in the 2009 GRP will be based on ranking criteria that will emphasize grazing operations; protection of grassland, land that contains forbs, and shrub land at the greatest risk from the threat of conversion to uses other than grazing; plant and animal biodiversity; restoration costs; and expiring Conservation Reserve Program contracts.
Eligible landowners who enroll in GRP will receive payment for permanent easements based on the lowest amount of either the fair market value of the property less the grazing value of the land; geographical cap as determined by NRCS; or offer from landowner.
Participants with approved rental agreements will receive annual payments for the rental contract period.
GRP enrollment permits common grazing practices, haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to certain restrictions. All participants in GRP are required to implement a grazing management plan approved by NRCS.
For additional eligibility criteria and information regarding GRP, contact your local USDA Service Center or visit the USDA Websites at
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/fbapp?area=home&subject=landing&topic=landing or http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2008. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
Pratt, Kan. —
