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Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)

The Grassland Reserve Program has reached its spending cap established in the 2002 Farm Bill and NRCS is no longer accepting new applications for the program. All unfunded GRP applications will be retained at the applicant's request.

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) offers a new opportunity for landowners to protect privately owned grasslands. The GRP was authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill with the intent of protecting grasslands which play a vital role in protecting water quality and providing wildlife habitat.  Enrollment options include:

  • Permanent Easements.  Payments are based on the fair market value of the property less the grazing value.
  • 30-year Easements.  The landowner is paid 30 percent of the cost of a permanent easement.
  • Rental Agreements.  10, 15, 20, or 30 year options are available.  Seventy-five percent of the grazing value will be paid in annual payments for the length of the agreement.
  • Restoration Agreements.  Up to 90 percent of the restoration cost on grassland or shrubland that has never been cultivated and not more that 75 percent on restored grassland or shrubland that has been cultivated.

Conservation Programs Overview, Fact Sheets & Q&A

2005 General GRP Documents

These documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat DocumentFY 2006 Final Rule from Federal Register
Adobe Acrobat DocumentFY 2005 Michigan GRP Policies
Adobe Acrobat DocumentRequirements for a Prescribed Grazing System
Adobe Acrobat DocumentFY 2005 GRP Estimated Easement Values for Michigan Counties
Adobe Acrobat DocumentFY 2005 Michigan GRP Rental Rates

2005 GRP Sign Up and Ranking Documents

These documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader or Microsoft Word

Adobe Acrobat DocumentFY 2005 Michigan GRP Ranking Worksheet
Microsoft Word Document FY 2005 Michigan GRP Pre-application Tool
Adobe Acrobat DocumentMichigan GRP Regional Adjustments
Adobe Acrobat DocumentFY 2005 Michigan GRP Risk of Conversion to Non-Ag Ranking Criteria (map)

How to Apply

Applications are available on-line or in county USDA Service Centers.  The Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Farm Service Agency jointly administer this program, applications are accepted at either office. 

Forms

These documents require Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat DocumentApplication for Long-Term Contracted Assistance (AD-1153)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentGrassland Reserve Program Contract (CCC 920)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentGrassland Reserve Program Contract Appendix (CCC 920 Appendix)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentGrassland Reserve Program Conservation Easement Deed Sample (NRCS-CPA-255)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentGrassland Reserve Program Subordination & Limited Lien Waiver (AD-1158)
Adobe Acrobat DocumentGrassland Reserve Program Option Agreement to Purchase (AD-1157)

National GRP Website

Contact

Brian Thomas, GRP Program Coordinator
Phone:  517-324-5259
E-mail:  brian.thomas@mi.usda.gov