Grassland Reserve Program

The Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Service Agency are coordinating implementation of the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), which helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands, and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands.  The program emphasizes support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under the greatest threat of conversion. 

GRP offers landowners several enrollment options: permanent easements, 30-year easements, rental agreements (10, 15, 20 or 30-year duration), and restoration agreements.  For permanent easements, USDA pays the fair market value of the property less the grazing value.  For 30-year easements, USDA pays 30 percent of what would be paid for a permanent easement.  For rental agreements, USDA will provide annual payments equal to 75 percent of the grazing value of the land, for the length of the agreement.

Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices; produce hay, mow, or harvest for seed production (subject to certain restrictions during the nesting season of bird species that are in significant decline or those that are protected under federal or state law); conduct fire rehabilitation; and construct firebreaks and fences.

Landowners who can provide clear title are eligible to participate for either easement option.  Landowners and others who have general control of the acreage may submit an application for a rental agreement.  Landowners who are interested in GRP participation must apply by completing an AD-1153, Application for Long-term Contracted Assistance.  Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis at local USDA service centers and will be ranked based on the land’s vulnerability to conversion, location and other factors.

The authorizing language for the Grassland Reserve Program provides for up to $254 million in program funding nationwide through fiscal year 2007. Massachusetts received an initial funding allocation under the Grassland Reserve Program in FY 2003, and obligated its current GRP funds by August 1, 2003.  Unfunded applications and those applications received after July 30, 2003 will remain on file for review under subsequent funding allocations.  In FY 2003, GRP will focus on easement applications, and applications that do not require restoration.

GRP program documents

These documents require Adobe Acrobat

GRP Final Rule - published in the Federal Register on March 6, 2006

General program information

• GRP Fact Sheet
• GRP Questions & Answers
• GRP Key Points

2004 GRP documents

• GRP ranking sheet
• GRP rental rates
• GRP cost list
• GRP policies

More GRP information and forms (national NRCS website)

Contact

Richard DeVergilio
State Resource Conservationist
(413) 253-4379
rick.devergilio@ma.usda.gov

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