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Grassland Reserve Program
Introduction
The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary conservation program that emphasizes support for
working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grassland under
threat of conversion to other uses.
Participants voluntarily limit future development and cropping uses of the land while retaining the right to conduct
common grazing practices and operations related to the production of forage and seeding, subject to certain restrictions
during nesting seasons of bird species that are in significant decline or are protected under Federal or State law.
Participants may conduct fire rehabilitation and construct firebreaks and
fences. The GRP rental contracts and easements prohibit crop production
(other than hay), fruit trees, and vineyards and any other activity inconsistent
with maintaining grazing land. A grazing management plan is required for participants.
Eligible applicants include:
- Landowners and operators who have general control of the acreage (for
rental contracts);
- Landowners who can provide clear title on privately owned lands (for
easements); or
- Tribes.
Eligible lands include:
- grassland that contains forbs (including improved rangeland and
pastureland or shrubland) for which grazing is the predominant use or
- land that is located in an area that historically has been dominated by
grassland, forbs, or shrubland that has the potential to serve as wildlife
habitat of significant ecological value.
Applications may be filed for a rental contract or an easement
with the Natural Resources Conservation Service or Farm Service Agency.
The GRP enrollment options include:
Additional Information
National Grassland Reserve Program Web Page
NRCS Program Contact
Jeff VanderWilt, Assistant
State Conservationist for Programs, 605-352-1226
Sara Thompson, Interdisciplinary
Biologist, (605) 352-1281
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