FARM THE BEST & CREP THE REST

Minnesota CREP Option for Landowners

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

WHAT IS CREP?

• CREP is a voluntary conservation program that combines federal and state programs across prioritized portions of Minnesota.
• CREP combines the popular Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) with a perpetual Reinvest in MN (RIM) easement. Successful landowners who enroll would receive an annual payment from CRP for 14-15 years along with an upfront payment from the RIM program.
• Land enrolled in CREP is permanently restored and enhanced for conservation benefits and the land remains in private ownership.

WHAT IS ELIGIBLE?

• Land must be owned for at least one year before the date of application.
• Land needs a cropping history to be eligible.
• Existing CRP acres in the last year of contract are eligible depending on practice type.
• Minimum size of 8 acres (some exceptions apply, contact the SWCD)

The priorities for CREP are to restore wetland areas (non-floodplain and floodplain), protect wellhead areas, and add buffers to our lakes, rivers, streams, or ditches.

Contact the Brown SWCD office at 507-794-2553 to learn more!