MINNESOTA CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAMFACT SHEET

MINNESOTA CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FACT SHEET
Status
	Agreement signed by Deputy Secretary Rominger and Governor Carlson in Bloomington, Minnesota on February 19, 1998.
Program Summary
	Supports State goal to make the Minnesota River fishable and swimmable by year 2002.
	Continuous enrollment of 190,000 acres in CRP through year 2002.
		100,000 ac Minnesota River floodplain
		30,000 ac Minnesota River tributaries
		30,000 ac cropland filter strips
		30,000 ac prairie pothole wetlands (prior converted wetlands or frequently cropped wetlands)
	Authority to enroll beyond the first 100,000 acres is conditioned on program review by CCC
	CRP contract duration will be 15 years
	At the end of the CRP contract, farmers must enroll all acreage in a subsequent agreement with Minnesota, ranging from a minimum of 20 years to a permanent easement, with priority placed on permanent easements.
	Permanent easements will be enrolled upon application; long-term agreements will be reviewed annually for enrollment in consideration of local priorities.
	Conservation measures -- native grasses and hardwoods, wetland restoration, filter and buffer strips, and restoration of rare and declining habitats.
Financial Data
	The State will pay:
		a minimum 20 percent of the of the overall cost of the program;
		50 percent cost share for the conservation practices;
		a lump sum payment for CRP contract supplements. For permanent easements, the bonus is calculated by multiplying the total CRP rental payments over the duration of the CRP contract, exclusive of incentive payments and maintenance fees, times 40 percent. The bonus rate for limited duration agreements will be determined by the State.
	CCC will provide 20 percent incentive payments and a 50 percent cost share for conservation practices.
Implementation
	Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) in cooperation with USDA/State and others will determine whether the offered acreage meets program objectives.
	Local screening committees will determine local priorities for RIM enrollments.
	Conservation plans will be prepared by SWCDs and cooperating agencies.
	RIM easement will become effective at the expiration of the CRP contract.
	Interagency Advisory Committee will recommend program direction and targeting of resources.
	Annual operating plan and status report will be prepared by State and cooperating agencies.

MINNESOTA CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FACT SHEET

Status

Program Summary

Financial Data

Implementation

MINNESOTA
CONSERVATION RESERVE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM FACT SHEET