SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – Agricultural producers and conservation partners gathered Feb. 17 for a roundtable discussion on the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and the CRP’s State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE) initiative, focusing on strategies to improve habitat restoration and program implementation across Washington.

The event was hosted by the South Douglas Conservation District, Foster Creek Conservation District, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The meeting highlighted opportunities to strengthen conservation practices while addressing practical challenges faced by landowners. The CRP-SAFE program encourages landowners to convert environmentally sensitive acreage into native vegetation that benefits soil health, wildlife and pollinators.

“This was an incredible opportunity to listen and learn,” said Roylene Comes At Night, NRCS-Washington State Conservationist. “The energy in the room showed how committed producers are when they have the right tools and understanding of the program. Meetings like this advance our priority of outcome-based conservation and farmer empowerment by promoting practices that improve soil health and resilience, I look forward to continuing to work with the producers across the state.”

Technical Guidance and Compliance Requirements

NRCS distributed two fact sheets at the meeting outlining technical considerations for CRP seedings and the advantages of native seed mixes. Under FSA’s Environmental Benefit Index (EBI), native species earn higher scores, making them a competitive choice for CRP offers. However, establishing native grasses can be challenging due to weak seedling vigor, moisture availability and competition from invasive weeds.

The fact sheets emphasize the importance of pre-plant weed control, seedbed preparation, and adherence to approved conservation plans. For CP2 mixes, a five-species native blend can earn up to 50 EBI points, while a three-species mix earns 20 points — a practical option for drier climates. Seeding must occur within 12 to 24 months of contract approval, and stands must be certified within two years. Mid-contract management activities, such as mowing, are required between years four and nine to maintain habitat quality.

SAFE Program’s Role in Wildlife Conservation

The SAFE initiative targets species of concern, including upland birds and pollinators, by restoring native grasslands and forb-rich habitats. These efforts align with NRCS priorities such as improving soil health, enhancing water quality, and supporting climate-smart practices.

“Producers are the backbone of conservation,” Comes At Night said. “When we work together, we can create landscapes that sustain wildlife and agriculture for generations.”

More Information

The Farm Service Agency distributed a news release Feb. 10, 2026 titled “USDA to Open Continuous and General Conservation Reserve Program Enrollment for 2026”. Additionally, they host a webpage full of information for landowners interested in the program. 

To learn more about NRCS programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center.  Producers can also apply for NRCS programs, manage conservation plans and contracts, and view and print conservation maps by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today. 

For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.