NRCS Extends Applications Period for the GRP Program

Auburn, Ala - June 28, 2007

USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is extending the sign-up period for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) until July 13, 2007. The sign-up is targeted for two specific entities: Limited resource producers and/or new and beginning farmers whose farming operation is in the Blackland Prairie soils region of the state. The counties within the Blackland Prairie region are Greene, Hale, Perry, Sumter, Marengo, Wilcox, Dallas, Pickens, Lowndes, Macon, Bullock, Montgomery, Barbour, and Russell. The entire county is eligible with higher consideration being given to those applicants that have a majority of Blackland Prairie soils.

Applications will be taken for 10, 15, and 20 year contracts and will be ranked according to the GRP ranking tool. Applications on 20 or more acres of contiguous grassland will be considered.

GRP is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property. The program emphasizes support for working grazing operations; enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity; and protection of grassland and land containing shrubs and forbs under threat of conversion to cropping, urban development, and other activities that threaten grassland resources.

All enrollment options permit:
• Common grazing practices that maintain the viability of the grassland;
• Haying, mowing, or harvesting for seed production, subject to certain restrictions during the nesting season, as determined by NRCS; and
• Fire rehabilitation and the construction of fire breaks and fences.

GRP contracts and easements prohibit the production of crops (other than hay), fruit trees, and vineyards that require breaking the soil surface and other activities that would disturb the surface of the land, except for appropriate land management activities included in a grassland resource management plan.

For more information, contact your local NRCS office at __________________________.
 

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