United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Ohio Go to Accessibility Information
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Grassland Reserve Program

GRP applications received by June 26, 2009 will be ranked for funding in 2009.

Ohio Grassland LandscapeThe Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program that helps landowners and operators protect eligible grazing lands, including rangeland, pastureland, shrub land and certain other lands using rental contracts or conservation easements. Restoration agreements on either rental contracts or conservation easements may be required for some properties.

The program emphasizes support for working grazing operations, enhancement of plant and animal biodiversity, and protection of grasslands under threat of conversion to cropping, urban development and other activities.

Land Eligibility

Eligible land includes privately owned grasslands; land that contains forbs (including improved rangeland and pastureland or shrub land) for which grazing is the predominant use; or land that is located in an area that historically has been dominated by grassland, forbs, or shrub land that has the potential to serve as wildlife habitat of significant ecological value.

Participant Eligibility

To be eligible for GRP an applicant must be:

  • a landowner for permanent easement participation, or
  • have control of the eligible acres offered for 10, 15, or 20 year contract participation

In addition the participant must agree to provide such information to USDA that is necessary for determining eligibility for program benefits. The participant will be required to meet adjusted gross income and conservation compliance requirements.

Enrollment Options

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) offers several enrollment options:

  • Permanent Easements. USDA makes a payment based on the fair market value of the property less the grazing value.
  • Rental Contracts. 10, 15, or 20-year duration. USDA pays 75 percent of the grazing value in annual payments for the length of the agreement.

Program Signup Information

For program sign-up information, contact your USDA-NRCS office.  A list of offices is provided under "Contact Us" on this website.

Additional Information

National GRP website

Available in Adobe Acrobat format.

GRP Fact Sheet (PDF, 50 Kb)
 

Program Contact

John Armentano, Program Manager
514-255-2469

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