06-19-2008, 08:10 PM
PIERRE, S.D.-On behalf of more than 50 partners from across the state, the S.D. Game, Fish and Parks Department presented a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program proposal to the Governor's Office last week. With the submission of this proposal on June 3 to the USDA's Farm Service Agency by Gov. Mike Rounds, there is excitement among many about this program and its expected benefits.
<br>"This CREP project will address wildlife habitat needs, public access opportunities for hunting, water quality issues and reduce soil erosion in the James River Watershed Basin," said Gov. Rounds. "Upon the acceptance of this conservation proposal, local and state governments, conservation groups and cooperating landowners will work together with USDA to improve the environmental quality and the quality of life within this watershed."<br>
<br>With a goal of enrolling 100,000 acres into the program, the state of South Dakota will provide al 40 percent incentive on top of the base CRP rental rate to landowners who voluntarily enroll in the program. "With significant acres of CRP expiring in the short-term forecast, license sale revenue from our sportsmen and assistance from others in this unique partnership will be used to present a financially attractive program to our South Dakota landowners," said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk.<br>
<br>"With the state sign-up incentive, those producers with an average CRP rental of $75 per acre, would receive $105 per acre and possibly more depending upon the soil type of cropland enrolled into the program and the respective conservation practice," said Vonk. "In addition, those CRP acres expiring in the near future that meet enrollment criteria could be re-enrolled into this program at a much higher rental rate."<br>
<br>According to state CRP Coordinator Daryl Campbell of the Farm Service Agency, "Despite high commodity prices, South Dakota landowners still have a significant interest in CRP and understand its importance to meet their respective operations and management objectives."<br>
<br>Through a formal application process with USDA and the completion of an environmental assessment, this program could be available for landowners as early as the end of this year. To view the CREP proposal and learn about those currently committed to assist in delivering the project, please visit http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/PrivateLa...Pindex.htm.
<br>"This CREP project will address wildlife habitat needs, public access opportunities for hunting, water quality issues and reduce soil erosion in the James River Watershed Basin," said Gov. Rounds. "Upon the acceptance of this conservation proposal, local and state governments, conservation groups and cooperating landowners will work together with USDA to improve the environmental quality and the quality of life within this watershed."<br>
<br>With a goal of enrolling 100,000 acres into the program, the state of South Dakota will provide al 40 percent incentive on top of the base CRP rental rate to landowners who voluntarily enroll in the program. "With significant acres of CRP expiring in the short-term forecast, license sale revenue from our sportsmen and assistance from others in this unique partnership will be used to present a financially attractive program to our South Dakota landowners," said GFP Secretary Jeff Vonk.<br>
<br>"With the state sign-up incentive, those producers with an average CRP rental of $75 per acre, would receive $105 per acre and possibly more depending upon the soil type of cropland enrolled into the program and the respective conservation practice," said Vonk. "In addition, those CRP acres expiring in the near future that meet enrollment criteria could be re-enrolled into this program at a much higher rental rate."<br>
<br>According to state CRP Coordinator Daryl Campbell of the Farm Service Agency, "Despite high commodity prices, South Dakota landowners still have a significant interest in CRP and understand its importance to meet their respective operations and management objectives."<br>
<br>Through a formal application process with USDA and the completion of an environmental assessment, this program could be available for landowners as early as the end of this year. To view the CREP proposal and learn about those currently committed to assist in delivering the project, please visit http://www.sdgfp.info/Wildlife/PrivateLa...Pindex.htm.