MDA - What is CREP?

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What is CREP?

What is Crep?

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program was created to address the environmental issues of soil erosion, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Michigan will partner with the federal government to preserve vulnerable land areas as part of a comprehensive effort to protect Michigan’s land, water and wildlife.

What's in it for the Landowner?

Farmers and landowners who participate in this program will receive reimbursement for establishing practices, incentive payments for sign up, and rental payments for the length of the contract. CREP’s financial benefits exceed those offered through previous federal programs. Payments will be based on the soil rental rate (SRR) in the farmer’s area. The rate is determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (USDA-FSA).

What Types of Land are Available?

Eligible lands include cropland planted with commodity crops for at least four (4) out of six (6) years (1996-2001). At this time, Michigan’s CREP program will concentrate on the watershed areas of the River Raisin, Lake Macatawa, and Saginaw Bay.

A Map of Eligible Counties

How Will Crep Protect Land and Water, and Support Wildlife?

CREP will be the key to reducing pollution in rural areas of Michigan. Eligible land will be used to establish specific conservation areas for a period of 15 years. Conservation practices which will be used:

Filter Strips	Grasses and forbs that filter runoff water by trapping pollutants.
Wetland Restoration	Wetland acreage will improve water quality, act as a flood control device by slowing water flow, and replenish groundwater and provide wildlife habitat.
Field Windbreaks	Belts of trees or shrubs planted in rows to reduce wind erosion, and protect plants and wildlife.
Grass Plantings	Native or introduced grasses and forbs planted to reduce erosion.
Riparian Buffers	Trees and shrubs adjacent to water to filter out pollutants and provide habitat for wildlife.

How Do I Get Information?

For more information, or to receive a free, no-obligation assessment of your land contact your local county:


	Related Content
•	Introducing CREP
•	Areas Eligible for CREP