Programs for Private Landowners
Conservation Reserve Programs (USDA Farm Service Agency)
The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) is a competitive program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). CRP is a voluntary conservation program for private landowners which targets removing highly erodible cropland from production and improving habitat for declining wildlife species on cropland and pastureland.
General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
Fields offered for enrollment must be designated as highly erodible, and entire fields may be offered. Landowners or producers must submit an offer to be ranked and the acceptance on an offer is based on an Environmental Benefit Index which takes many factors into consideration including field location and vegetation to be established.
Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CCRP)
CCRP is a non-competitive program administered by the FSA. CCRP was developed to address specific environmental concerns in a more direct fashion than general CRP. Water quality and aquatic habitats can be protected by establishing permanent vegetation in riparian buffer zones which are currently cropped or grazed.
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
CREP is a non-competitive program administered by the FSA with additional funding from the North Carolina Division of Soil and Water. CREP was developed to address water quality concerns in selected watersheds within North Carolina. Practices such as riparian buffers and wetland restoration are the primary tools funded to meet CREP’s objective. CREP is available in much of the state including all river basins from the Yadkin basin to the coast. Annual rental payments are paid for at least 10 years and are higher compared to other CRP programs. CREP has many options to fit landowners’ objectives and protect water quality.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service)
EQIP is a competitive program administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to assist with conservation practice implementation on privately owned lands. EQIP a voluntary conservation program that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national goals. EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants in addressing resource concerns on eligible agricultural and forested land. Common concerns addressed by EQIP include livestock issues, soil quality and stabilization, forest health, and wildlife habitat quality. A portion of North Carolina’s EQIP allocation has historically been reserved for special natural resources projects within the state including wildlife habitat enhancement.
Partners for Fish and Wildlife (USFWS)
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program provides free technical and financial assistance to landowners, managers, tribes, corporations, schools and nonprofits interested in improving wildlife habitat on their land.
Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Program
Wetlands Reserve Program (USDA)
The USDA's Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program that provides technical and financial assistance to private landowners and Tribes to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring eligible land from agricultural production. Over 1.9 million acres are currently enrolled in WRP. Wetlands provide habitat for fish and wildlife including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity, and provide opportunities for educational, scientific, and limited recreational activities.