USDA Requests Public Comments on Grassland Reserve Program Rule

WASHINGTON, Jan 21, 2009—USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is requesting public comments on an interim final rule for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP). Privately-owned grasslands and shrublands make up the largest land cover on America's private lands covering more than 525 million acres in the United States.

“Grasslands provide environmental and economic benefits throughout the United States,” said Dave White, Acting Chief, NRCS. “GRP helps protect valuable grasslands from conversion to other land uses, and helps ensure this national resource is available to future generations.”

The GRP interim final rule and instructions for submitting comments can be viewed at http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/. The public is invited to review the new interim final rule and submit comments for a period of 60 days or until March 23, 2009. Public comments will be used to create a final rule which is expected in early spring. The Grassland Reserve Program is a voluntary program offering landowners the opportunity to protect, restore, and enhance grasslands on their property. GRP is authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985, as amended by the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (2002 Farm Bill) and the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (2008 Farm Bill).

NRCS and USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) jointly administer the program which helps landowners restore and protect grassland, rangeland, pastureland, shrubland and certain other lands and provides assistance for rehabilitating grasslands. 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.

When properly managed, grasslands and shrublands can result in cleaner water supplies, healthier riparian areas and reduced sediment loadings in streams and other water bodies. These lands are vital for the production of forage for domestic livestock and provide forage and habitat for maintaining healthy wildlife populations. These lands also improve the aesthetic character of the landscape, provide scenic vistas and open space, provide for recreational activities and protect the soil from water and wind erosion.

Landowners who can provide clear title on privately owned grazing lands are eligible to enroll a conservation easement. Landowners and operators who have general control of the acreage may submit an application for a rental contract.

The Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) provision of the 2008 Farm Bill impacts eligibility for GRP. Individuals or entities that have an average adjusted gross income exceeding $1 million for the three tax years immediately before the year the contract is approved are not eligible to receive program benefits or payments.

Eligible lands include privately owned or Tribal grasslands and land that contains forbs (including improved rangeland and pastureland or shrubland). Land that is located in an area that historically has been dominated by grassland, forbs, or shrubland that has the potential to serve as wildlife habitat of significant ecological value is also eligible. Incidental lands may be included to allow for the efficient administration of a rental contract or easement. For more information on GRP eligibility, stop by your local USDA service center or visit NRCS online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/GRP/.

Since its inception in 1935, the NRCS conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership with state and local governments and private landowners delivering conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while accommodating state and national interests.
 

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