USDA Publishes Grassland Reserve Program Final Rule

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) issued the final rule for the Grassland Reserve Program (GRP), which defines requirements for participants and incorporates changes to program implementation requested by the public. The final rule can be viewed at http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-29513.htm.

"We have lost more than 21 million acres of ranchland and pastureland to development over the past 25 years," said NRCS Chief Dave White. "GRP helps to retain agricultural lands ensuring healthy and diverse ecosystems that benefit the landowner and the surrounding community while also providing wildlife habitat."

The final rule addresses public comments on various program definitions, wind power, native species, landowner contributions, long-term management funding, ranking priorities, state-level priorities and the terms and conditions of GRP deeds.

For more information about the NRCS conservation programs, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov.