There are a variety of programs available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that address issues such as increased wildlife, water quality and other environmental stewardship practices.
A summary is listed of the programs that help sustain agricultural environmental quality for Oklahoma landowners.
Oklahoma Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
The Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP) is a voluntary program that helps landowners keep their productive farm and ranch land in agriculture. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides matching funds to state, local, or tribal government entities and nongovernmental organizations with existing farm and ranch lands protection programs to purchase conservation easements.
Participating landowners choose to keep their land in agriculture and agree not to convert the land for nonagricultural use. Landowners retain all rights to use the property for agriculture.
A conservation easement deed outlining the restrictions and terms of use on the land will be filed on all FRPP enrollments. All lands enrolled must have a conservation plan developed on all highly erodible cropland.
Oklahoma Healthy Forests Reserve Program Information
The Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP), authorized by the Healthy Forests Restoration Act is a voluntary program established for the purpose of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, improve biodiversity and enhance carbon sequestration.
The Ozark Plateau Karst Dependent Species Conservation Initiative HFRP project falls within five counties in northeastern Oklahoma: Adair, Cherokee, Delaware and parts of Ottawa and Sequoyah. The primary emphasis of the HFRP project will be forest management and forest restoration activities in areas surrounding bat caves and associated foraging areas of the bat populations within the project area.
Oklahoma Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
State Conservationist, Ron Hilliard, received an allocation letter indicating Oklahoma will receive nearly $1.8 million in funding for rental contracts and easements in FY-2011. Only applications which have passed all eligibility and have been filed by COB on January 14, 2011, will be ranked for this FY-2011 funding.
The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance grasslands on their property. The program helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands. The program will conserve vulnerable grasslands from conversion to cropland or other uses and conserve valuable grasslands by helping maintain viable ranching operations.
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
This program is a voluntary program which offers financial incentives to private landowners to protect highly erodible and environmentally sensitive cropland by planting trees, grass, and other long-term cover.
Additional goals are to reduce sedimentation, improve water quality, foster wildlife habitat, provide income support for farmers, and to protect the Nation’s long-term capacity to produce food and fiber.
