However, you need to be aware that there are other sources for assistance on a state and local level . Your local NRCS office will know these and point you in the right direction. The Conservation Reserve Program reduces soil erosion, protects the Nation's ability to produce food and fiber, reduces sedimentation in streams and lakes, improves water quality, establishes wildlife habitat, and enhances forest and wetland resources. It encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland or other environmentally sensitive acreage to vegetative cover, such as tame or native grasses, wildlife plantings, trees, filterstrips, or riparian buffers. Landowners receive an annual rental payment for the term of the multi-year contract on highly erodible land taken out of production.
Cost sharing is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices.
Eligible practices are tree planting, timber stand improvement, site preparation for natural regeneration, and other related activities. FIP provides cost-share assistance at specifically set rates on forests with a minimum of 1 acre. FIP is available in counties designated by a Forest Service survey of eligible private timber acreage. Partners for Wildlife provides cost-share and technical assistance to landowners to restore wetlands, streams and some grasslands and forestlands in order to improve their use by wildlife. Funds are limited.