What is the federal Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program?
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a partnership program between the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA). It is a natural resource conservation program aimed at addressing water quality and wildlife issues by reducing sediment and nutrient runoff in watersheds and enhancing wildlife habitats for State and Federally listed threatened and endangered species and other wildlife.
CREP is designed to help alleviate some of the concerns of high nonpoint source sediment, nutrient, pesticide and herbicide losses from agricultural lands by restoring buffers and wetlands to improve water quality. The program works with landowners and farmers to set-aside environmentally sensitive agricultural land and frequently flooded croplands. Through CREP, program participants receive financial incentives to voluntarily enroll in the program in contracts of 14 to 15 years.
The program, first announced in 2005, was originally slated to enroll 7,000 acres of eligible land within three watersheds touching 29 counties. In 2010, the program expanded into 11 watersheds touching 65 counties with a total acreage goal of 26,250 acres. In October of 2024, the program was expanded further and is now available in every county and watershed in the state with a targeted enrollment of 100,000 acres.
Who do I contact for more information about the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program?
Julie Harrold, Program Manager - CREP and Water Quality Initiatives
JHarrold@isda.in.gov | 260.341.6698
For a contact in your local area, refer to Eligibility Requirements and How to Enroll in CREP
Indiana's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Information
Annual Reports
Cooperating Agencies
CREP Brochure
CREP Fact Sheet
CREP Goals and Accomplishments
Information for Landowners
Approved Practices and Incentives
Eligibility Requirements and How to Enroll in CREP
What CREP Means to You