CSP/CREP and Other USDA Programs
USDA Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
One of the USDA federal programs for Payment for EcoServices, the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), reimburses landowners for land rental within the NYC Watershed. The Agricultural Program utilizes this USDA program within the Whole Farm Plan whenever possible.
The multi-agency team assigned to work in the Watershed uses CREP to promote, design and establish both Riparian Forest Buffers and Vegetative Buffers along watercourses. This year marked the 13th full year of the New York City Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Memorandum of Agreement between New York City, New York State and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). In 2011, seven Riparian Forest Buffer contracts (six new and one renewal) enrolled an additional 42.2 acres, increasing the total number of enrolled acres to 2,047.7.
2011 Total Implementation Expenditures
Total Rental Payments (USDA) $55,690
Sign-Up Incentive Payment (SIP-FSA) $ 3,890
Practice Incentive Payment (PIP-FSA) $80,640
BMP Cost (FSA) $51,519
BMP Cost (WAP) $51,519
Download the Watershed Agricultural Program Historic CREP BMP Implementation Chart (at right) as seen in the Watershed Agricultural Program 2011 Annual Report and 2012 Workload or the NYC DEP Report on CREP.
USDA Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is a voluntary conservation program that encourages producers to address resource concerns in a comprehensive manner by undertaking additional conservation activities, or improving, maintaining, and managing existing conservation activities.
Through the Conservation Stewardship Program, NRCS will provide financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, improved pasture, nonindustrial private forest lands, agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, and other private agricultural land (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used for the production of livestock) on which resource concerns related to agricultural production could be addressed.
USDA New York Conservation Program grants:
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
- Chesapeake Bay Watershed Initiative (CBWI)
- Agricultural Management Assistance Program (AMA)
If you are interested in participating in the 2012 CSP, submit an application to your local NRCS office by the due date. Visit the USDA NRCS New York website for additional information on USDA programs for landowners like EQIP, WHIP, EWP, and CTA, that provide technical and financial assistance throughout the year.
