On July 26, 2007 rental rates for new Conservation Reserve Program contracts increased by 30 percent. The USDA Farm
Service Agency (FSA) announced the increase of rental rate payments. Rental rates are based off soil type and corn
suitability ratings (CSR). Soils with higher CSR receive a higher rental rate, with the best soil receiving up to
$227 per acre per year for installed conservation practices.
In addition to the rental payment, land owners could receive an additional 20 percent added to the rental rate,
$100-$150 an acre sign-up incentive, up to 90 percent cost share for installation of the practice, a maintenance payment
and technical assistance from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
This is a great opportunity to place some of your less productive and environmentally sensitive areas into a CRP
practice. Conservation Reserve Program practices include several wetland options, windbreaks/living snow fence, riparian/filter strip areas, grassed waterways and quail habitat buffers.
The Lost Grove Lake has a bonus option available for placing filter strips along Lost Creek. The Scott County Soil
and Water Conservation District, Pheasants Forever,
Quad City Conservation Alliance, Izaak Walton League,
Waterfowl USA and DNR are working together to offer this sign-up incentive to landowners.
Landowners who place filter strips along Lost
Creek within the Lost Grove Lake watershed will receive $400 an acre for a 10-year contract and $750 an acre for a 15-year
contract. This bonus is tied to a Conservation Reserve Program contract. The filter strip must be at least 50 feet wide
(new contract plus existing vegetation). The sign-up incentive is paid on both the new contract and area of existing
vegetation at the start of the contract.
For More Information
Local:
Scott County Soil and Water Conservation District
(563) 391-1403 ext. 3
Scott County NRCS Office
Statewide:
Steve Hopkins
DNR Watershed Improvement Program Grants Coordinator
(515) 281-6402
Stephen.Hopkins@dnr.iowa.gov
