The Natural Resource Conservation Agency (NRCS), an agency of
the United States Department of Agriculture, provides technical
assistance to Districts in order to help us implement our
conservation programs. In 1993, NRCS expanded its focus on
natural resource problems to include not only soil issues, but
water quality, wetlands, and wildlife habitat. NRCS's Web Soil
Survey NRCS's Conservation Programs United States Department of
Agriculture Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous and
Standard) The CRP is a voluntary program that offers annual
rental payments, incentive payments for certain activities, and
cost-share assistance to establish approved cover on eligible
cropland. The program encourages farmers to plant long-term
resource-conserving covers to improve soil, water, and wildlife
resources. Assistance is available in an amount equal to not
more than 50 percent of the participant's costs in establishing
approved practices. Contract duration is between 10 and 15
years. Environmental Quality Incentives