Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program - CREP practices earn a rental rate based on soil type and 100% of eligible installation cost will be reimbursed. Landowners may enroll eligible acres into CREP without waiting for an announced sign-up period. Please inquire at the Tuscola Conservation District or FSA office for sign-up and practice incentive payments, current rental rates, and guidelines and requirements. The following is a brief description of the current practices available. For more information, contact 989-673-8174 ext 3.

Filter Strips

Filter Strips are areas of grasses or grasses and legumes planted on cropland adjacent to bodies of water or wetland that filter runoff and significantly reduce the amount of sediment entering a stream or river. Wildlife habitat is also improved after installation. The minimum width of a filter strip is 50 ft. and the maximum width is 150 ft.

Field Windbreaks

Field windbreaks are belts of trees and shrubs planted in multiple rows. Such tree rows and hedges reduce wind erosion, improve air quality, protect growing plants, and provide food, shelter and breeding territory for wildlife. A field windbreak has 3-5 rows with a minimum of 1 row of trees and a maximum of 2 rows of trees. Field windbreaks/trees cannot be planted within county drain right of way.

Wetland Restoration

The rehabilitation of a drained or degraded wetland where the soils, hydrology, vegetative community and biological habitat are returned to the natural conditions to the greatest extent possible. The minimum buffer is 50 ft. the maximum is a 4:1 ratio of buffer:water.

Permanent Grass Cover

Highly erodible fields may be eligible for planting to a combination of introduced grasses and legumes or native grasses and legumes in block plantings. Entire fields must be within 1000 feet of a permanent river, stream, or lake.

Riparian Forest Buffer

Areas consisting of three zones (trees, shrubs, and grasses) adjacent to ponds, lakes, and streams that filter out pollutants from runoff as well as providing shade for fish and other wildlife. They can also be placed next to wetlands such as marshy or swampy areas. Buffers cannot be established within county drain right of way.

Water and Sediment Retention Control Structure

Berm and temporarily inundated portion behind control structure plus a 20-120 foot buffer must be planted to native grasses. Ask for more details.

If you have any question or want to sign up for one of these programs, call Jim Kratz at the Tuscola Conservation District at 989-673-8174 ext. 3.