New Mexico Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and Application Information

The last announced batching period for this program ended January 28, 2005.

NRCS and the Farm Services Agency share administrative responsibility for the Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP), which is part of the 2002 Farm Bill.  GRP provides technical and financial assistance to restore and conserve the functions and values of grasslands, land that contains forbs and shrubs.

Large expanses of grassland are annually threatened by conversion to other land uses such as cropland and urban land.  Nationally, approximately 23 million acres of grassland and shrubland were converted to cropland between 1982 and 1997 and about 6 million acres were converted to urban and other uses.

Grassland and shrubland impact water quantity and quality and when properly managed can result in cleaner water supplies, healthy riparian areas, reduced flooding potential, and reduced sediment loading in streams and other water bodies.  These lands are vital for the production of forage for domestic livestock and provide forage and habitat for wildlife populations.  These lands also improve the aesthetic character of the landscape, provide scenic vistas and open space, provide recreational opportunities, and protect the soil from water and wind erosion.

The purpose of the GRP is to assist landowners with restoring and conserving grassland, rangeland, pastureland, and certain other lands.

Land selected for the program shall emphasize support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity and land under threat of conversion to agricultural or non-agricultural uses or from native species to non-native species.  GRP contracts and easements that will be put in place prohibit, the production of crops (other than hay), fruit trees, vineyards, or any other agricultural commodity that requires breaking the soil surface, and any other activity that would disturb the surface of the land except for appropriate land management activities.

The GRP offers applicants multiple enrollment options.  Landowners may submit applications for permanent easements or 30-year easements.  Landowners and managers may submit applications for 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year rental agreements.

USDA Service Center EForms Web Site - for instructions and information

Contact

Seth Fiedler
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Albuquerque, NM
(505) 761-4416
E-mail: seth.fiedler@nm.usda.gov