Conservation Technical Assitance (CTA)
This program provides basic technical services through direct one-on-one contacts between NRCS employees and a diverse clientele in the state of Oklahoma. This technical assistance focuses on the development and application of conservation plans to meet a resource management system level of treatment. Ultimately these plans are required to apply for other programs.
For more information go to: http://www.ok.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cta/index.html
Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)
CRP 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. CRP uses an offer selection system based on an environmental benefits index (EBI), which quantifies potential enhancements to a wide range of natural and cultural resources. The program requires a contract term between 10 and 15 years. Participants receive annual per-acre rental payments plus cost-share assistance. Provides up to 50 per cent of the costs of installing approved conservation practices. 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.
For more information go to: http://www.ok.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/crp/index.html
Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP)
The goal of the program is to protect between 170,000 and 340,000 acres of farmland through partnerships with state and local 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. All lands enrolled must have a conservation plan developed based on the standards in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide.
For more information go to: http://www.ok.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/frpp/index.html
Healthy Forests Reserve Program (HFRP)
This is a voluntary program established for the purpose of restoring and enhancing forest ecosystems to: 1) promote the recovery of threatened and endangered species, 2) improve biodiversity; and 3) enhance carbon sequestration.
The Program offers three enrollment options: 1) A 10-year cost-share agreement; for which the landowner may receive 50 percent of the cost of the approved conservation practices, 2) A 30-year easement, for which the landowner may receive 75 percent of the market value of the enrolled land plus 75 percent of the cost of the approved conservation practices, 3) An easement of not more than 99-years, for which landowners may receive 75 percent of the market value of the enrolled land plus the cost of the approved conservation practices.
For more information go to: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/HFRP/ProgInfo/HFRPProgramInfo.html
Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)
This program provides technical and financial assistance to eligible landowners to address wetland, wildlife habitat, soil, water, and related natural resource concerns on private lands in an environmentally beneficial and cost-effective manner. Landowners and Tribes may file an application for a conservation easement or a cost-share restoration agreement with the USDA to restore and protect wetlands. Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land, but retain private ownership. Participants receive financial and technical assistance in return for restoring, protecting and enhancing wetland functions and values. The prrogram goal is to restore, protect, and enhance wetlands in exchange for retiring marginal land from agriculture.
For more information go to: http://www.ok.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp/narrative.html
For further information and assistance, contact your local NRCS Field Service Center.
Oklahoma USDA Service Center Locator