Conservation Reserve Program

1
MINNESOTA CREP II JOINT AGENCY MY MEETING
TRAINING May 24, 2005 Southeast Lower
Mississippi May 25, 2005 Southwest Des
Moines/Missouri May 26, 2005 Northwest Red
River
2

• Questions
• Breaks
• Telephone on Mute
• Sign in Sheet
• My Meeting Software

3
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program II(CREP
II)

• Today's session will include
• Opening Remarks
• Preliminary Information
• Procedures
• Eligibility
• Roles
• Responsibilities
• Promotion and Outreach

4
Joint Agency Effort

• The information being presented today will be
  from the Minnesota State Offices of the
• Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR)
• USDA - Farm Service Agency (FSA)
• USDA Natural Resources Conservation
• Service (NRCS)

5
OPENING REMARKS

• Greg Anderson FSA
• Kevin Lines BWSR
• Paul Flynn NRCS

6
Items of Interest

• Practices are specific to individual watersheds
• Interaction Questions and answers, discussions
• Native vegetation
• Threatened and Endangered Species
• MN Amendment to 2-CRP (Rev 4)
• FSA Computer Training week of May 30

7
Items of Interest

• Changes since Preliminary Training
• Elimination of squaring off riparian areas
• Elimination of marginal pastureland (CP29)
• Flood Control Structures (from CP26 to CP34)
• Northwestern MN Scour Areas (CP2)
• Native Vegetation

8
SIGN-UP START AND ENDING DATES

• CREP II sign-up start date is Monday June 6, 2005
  and will run through 9/30/07 or until sign-up
  goals are reached or funding is no longer
  available
• Note Even though the farm bill ends on
  12/31/07 and CREP II applications could be taken
  until that time, the reality is that time is
  needed to process CREP II applications and get a
  CRP-1 offer approved. This process needs to
  occur before the 12/31/07 farm bill ends in order
  to consider someone enrolled in CREP II.

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PURPOSE

• The purpose of this My Meeting Training is to
  provide field staff information in order to start
  administering CREP II beginning June 6, 2005.
  This does not preclude the fact there may be a
  need to perform additional follow-up training in
  the near future which could be more than My
  Meeting and in the field training itself.

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WHAT IS CREP II

• The CREP II proposal is a 120,000 acre
  Federal/State Partnership in SE, SW, and NW MN
  that involves the Conservation Reserve Program
  (CRP) and Reinvest-In-Minnesota (RIM) Program.
• CREP II involves a 15-year CRP Contract and
  either a 45-year or permanent RIM easement (an
  exception is contour buffer strips in SE, MN
  which will involve a 15-year CRP contract only).
  In either case the first 15 years are
  administered through CRP provisions.
• The ability to enter into CREP is derived from
  CRP authority and therefore CRP provisions
  govern CREP II (without CRP CREP would not be
  possible).

11
CREP II AGREEMNENT SIGNING

• The CREP II Agreement was signed on Earth Day -
  Friday April 22, 2005 in Steele County. The MN
  CREP II Agreement is acclaimed to be the single
  largest CREP to be signed to date with the
  approval of 120,000 acres.

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CREP II Partnership

• CREP II is a partnership and the word PARTNERSHIP
  is to be underlined and bolded since the success
  or failure of CREP II in any given county will be
  dependent on how strong the partnership is among
  the parties involved in administering CREP II.
• History shows with CREP I and other versions of
  CRP, counties that have strong partnerships will
  have high participation numbers which also will
  be reflected in sign-up numbers and acres. In
  order to build on a strong partnership FSA is
  committed to be more engaged in CREP II than they
  were in CREP I.

14
Funding Levels

• The State of Minnesota minimum contribution is
  20 and the Federal Government maximum
  contribution is 80. Funding levels are
  approximately 200 million dollars from the
  Federal Government and approximately 50 million
  dollars from the State.

15
CREP II Protocols

• The CREP II proposal is the product of extensive
  negotiation between governmental, agricultural,
  and environmental stakeholders. As a result of
  these negotiations, a set of protocols was
  developed in an attempt to address the issues
  raised by various interests with respect to the
  CREP II proposal. These protocols were agreed to
  by John Monson, MN FSA State Executive Director
  and Ron Harnack, MN BWSR State Executive Director
  in April, 2004.

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CREP II Protocols

• With these protocols in mind, the CREP II
  proposal was designed to target only those most
  environmentally sensitive acreages identified in
  the three CREP areas original proposals with the
  concept of using minimum acreages necessary to
  address the resource concern. CREP II is not to
  be used to just enroll acreage with a mind set of
  a land retirement program.

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Landowner Bill of Rights

• As part of the conditions of the protocols, a
  Landowner Bill of Rights was developed. This
  Landowner Bill of Rights was developed to
  explicitly spell out what rights are maintained,
  what rights are forfeited, and that all of this
  information is clearly communicated to the CREP
  II participant.
• The Landowner Bill of Rights will be one of the
  first documents CREP II applicants receive and it
  must be reviewed with and signed by the
  landowner.

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CREP II INTRODUCTION

• CREP II seeks to convert 120,000 acres of
  environmentally sensitive cropland to native
  vegetation in order to improve water quality,
  reduce soil erosion, increase flood damage
  reduction/storage, and provide for fish and
  wildlife habitat in SE, SW, and NW, MN (CRP-1
  needs to be approved no later than 12-31-07).

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CREP II areas

• THE MN CREP II proposal provides authority for
  continuous enrollment of not more than 120,000
  acres as follows
• Lower Mississippi River Watershed, - 51,000 ac
  (Southeastern Minnesota)
• Missouri/Des Moines Watersheds 18,000 ac
  (Southwestern Minnesota)
• Red River Watershed 51, 000 ac
• (Northwestern Minnesota).

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CREP II Counties

• Southeast
• Whole counties include
• Goodhue, Wabasha, Dodge, Olmsted, Winona, Mower,
  Fillmore, Houston.
• Partial Counties include
• Blue Earth, Dakota, Scott, Rice, LeSueur, Waseca,
  Steele, Faribault, Freeborn.

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CREP II Counties

• Southwest
• Whole counties include
• Rock and Nobles.
• Partial Counties include
• Lincoln, Lyon, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood,
  Jackson, Martin.

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CREP II Counties

• Northwest
• Whole counties include
• Kittson, Marshall, Pennington, Red Lake, Polk,
  Norman, Mahnomen, Clay, Wilkin.
• Partial counties include
• Roseau, Lake of the Woods, Beltrami, Koochiching,
  Itasca, Clearwater, Becker, Ottertail, Grant,
  Stevens, Traverse, Big Stone.

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Acreage Allocations and Targets

• Southeast (Lower Mississippi) 51,000 acres of
  which
• 14,828 are riparian areas (15 yr CRP/45 yr RIM).
• 6,179 acres are groundwater protection (15 yr
  CRP/45 yr RIM)
• 18,058 of highly erodible (15 yr CRP/45 yr RIM)
• 2,850 acre of contour buffer strips (15 yr CRP
  only)
• 6,960 acres of wetland restoration (15 yr.
  CRP/perpetual RIM)
• 2,125 acres of flood damage reduction (15 yr
  CRP/perpetual RIM).

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Acreage Allocations and Targets

• Southwest (Missouri/DeMoines) 18,000 acres of
  which
• 11,634 acres are riparian areas (15 yr CRP/45 yr
  RIM)
• 2,016 acres of wellhead/groundwater (15 yr CRP/45
  yr RIM)
• 3,600 acres of wetland restoration (15 yr
  CRP/perpetual RIM)
• 750 acres of flood damage reduction (15 yr
  CRP/perpetual RIM).

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Acreage Allocations and Targets

• The following are the acreage allocations and
  targets for each of the three areas
• Northwest (Red River) 51,000 acres of which
• 35,435 acres are riparian areas (15 yr CRP/45 yr
  RIM)
• 13,440 acres are wetland restoration (15 yr
  CRP/perpetual RIM)
• 2,125 acres of flood damage reduction (15 yr
  CRP/perpetual RIM).

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Basic Procedures CREP II Forms

• National CRP forms will be used for the CRP
  portion of CREP II
• State RIM forms will be used for the RIM portion
  of CREP II.

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Basic ProceduresEligibility Criteria

• Must have owned or operated the land for a year
  from the date of CRP-1/CRP-2C application
• Must be cropland and meet the 4 of 6 year
  cropping history requirements 1996-2001
• The CREP II land must be entirely within the
• CREP II project boundaries as defined by the
  four watersheds, using the 11 digit HUCs
  (Hydrologic Unit Codes).

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Basic ProceduresEligibility Criteria

• Existing CRP Practices
• No Extension or Add On with CREP
• However, land currently under CRP in its last
  year may be eligible for CREP
• Note Policy and procedure for expiring CRP
  contracts is in the developmental stage. If the
  current CRP is eligible to be extended for 2 3
  years, the landowner could not enroll in CREPII

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Basic ProceduresEligibility Criteria

• 25 Cropland Limitations for
• Marshall, Roseau and Pennington Counties
• There are currently no acres available for CREP
  II
• Counties can enroll land that is physically
  located in another county
• Note Acres that will expire can have CREP
  eligibility predetermined in preparation for
  expiration of contracts.

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CREP ELIGIBILITY

• Each Watershed has unique criteria which defines
  the locations eligible for CREP.
• Technical Determinations
• 1) Identify if the requested location is within
  the Watersheds eligibility criteria
• 2) Determine the extent of the eligible area and
  the extent to be enrolled
• 3) Determine the CREP practice to be implemented
  
• 4) Design the practice.

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CREP Environmental Requirements

• Part of the CREP approval process was development
  of a programmatic environmental assessment. In
  some cases the environmental requirements for
  CREP go beyond those for CRP and CCRP.
• All practices will only recommend planting native
  grass or tree species.

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CREP Environmental Requirements

• All practices will only recommend planting native
  grass species
• Whenever the practice calls for planting grasses
  (CP-21, CP-2, CP-23, CP-23A, CP-4D, CP-15A) use
  NRCS Conservation Practice Standard Upland
  Wildlife Habitat Management, Code 645 to install
  the practice, design a mixed stand with a minimum
  of 5 native species consisting of at least 3
  grasses and 1 forb.

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CREP Environmental Requirements

• To help promote the restoration of declining
  habitats and fulfill the requirements of the CREP
  environmental assessment planners should refer to
  the native vegetation maps (Marschner) and their
  knowledge of the landscape when providing
  assistance on practice selection. All applicants
  will be made aware of their sites original
  native vegetative type

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ProceduresCREP II Payments

• CREP II Payments will be comprised of the
  following
• CRP - annual rental payment which includes a 30
  incentive and the maximum allowable per acre
  maintenance rate as outlined in 2-CRP (Rev. 4),
  paragraph 124C
• SIP for CP21, CP22, and CP34

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ProceduresCREP II Payments

• CREP II Payments will be comprised of the
  following
• CRP Cost-share payment not to exceed 50 of
  eligible costs for practice establishment
• CRP mid-contract management 50 cost-share
• PIP for CP15A, CP21, CP22, and CP34
• 25 incentive for CP23 and CP23A.

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ProceduresCREP II Payments

• RIM Payments
• One time, up front, bonus payment based on the
  county assessors estimated township market value
  for tillable farmland in the township of
  enrollment based on easement lengths as follows
• 45 year Easement 17 percent of estimated market
  value
• Perpetual Easement 22 percent of estimated
  market value
• Cost-share not to exceed 50 of eligible costs
  after the CRP C/S, PIP, and hydrology incentive
  payment are subtracted from the total eligible
  c/s.
• http//www.bwsr.state.mn.us/CREP2/crepIIrate
  s.pdf

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ProceduresCREP II Payments

• Payment Example for CP21 CREP 45 Year
• Weighted Avg CRP SRR - 100
• 100 x 1.3 5.00 ac maintenance 135 (annual
  payment) x 15 years 2025 per acre total CRP
  annual rental
• 10 x 15 years 150 per acre total SIP Payment
  ( one time up front)
• 17 percent of est. twp market value 400 per
  acre one time up front payment)
• Practice installation CRP c/s, RIM c/s and PIP

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Processing CREP II Applications

• Producer visits the local FSA/NRCS/SWCD office
  and reviews MN CREP II program eligibility
  details and decides to offer acreage for MN CREP
  II.
• Producer initiates CRP-2C to enroll land in CRP
  under the MN CREP II
• Note Once the landowner initiates the CRP-2C
  with FSA, FSA can legally provide landowner
  information, including digital maps, to NRCS,
  SWCD, or DNR

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Processing CREP II Applications

• FSA determines applicable eligibility
  requirements (owner eligibility, cropping
  history, practice and acreage offered meet
  program policy and size criteria), etc.
• The State Office has developed an ArcView point
  shapefile to be used in conjunction with the CRP
  SU29 Soils Determination Tool.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• The point shapefile was created to help County
  Office Employees determine possible Eligible CREP
  II and within a FSA Tract.
• FSA Computer Training will be provided next week
  and Program Technicians will have the opportunity
  to work with the Sign Up Tool.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• If all eligibility requirements are met, FSA
  refers CRP-2C with an aerial map and preliminary
  enrollment acres to NRCS or SWCD.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• NRCS or SWCD completes a site visit to
• Determine land eligibility and suitability for
  approved MN CREP II practices
• Identify resource concern, ensure the practice is
  needed and feasible to solve the resource
  concern, and ensure the purpose of the practice
  is being met,
• Complete Documentation of Eligibility and
  Suitability Worksheet for each CREP II practice
  on the CRP-2C

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Processing CREP II Applications

• NRCS or SWCD completes a site visit to
• Complete the NRCS-CPA-52, Environmental
  Evaluation Worksheet
• NRCS/SWCD provides findings to FSA
• If the practice(s) is (are) eligible, NRCS/SWCD
  fills in block 13 of CRP-2C and returns the form
  to FSA (if ineligible return form unfilled to
  FSA)
• NRCS/SWCD may complete the NRCS-CPA-52, however
  only NRCS may sign off on the NRCS-CPA-52.

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General Environmental Responsibility

• NRCS completes and signs CPA-052 Part N.
• Section O may require comments from both NRCS and
  FSA.
• All consultation with SHPO/THPO and FWS on TE
  species is the responsibility of FSA. This is
  completed after receipt of the 052 from NRCS.
• CED cannot sign 052 until all consultation is
  complete.
• Contract cannot be approved until 052 is signed.
• Minimize design functions until 052 signed by FSA.

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FWS ECOLOGICAL SERVICESTWIN CITIES FIELD
OFFICE612-725-3548
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General Environmental Processes

• Any activity occurring in or near floodplain that
  involves moving earth or changing floodplain
  capacity will require preliminary public
  notification, floodplain development permits and
  an EA. This is directed towards dams, dikes,
  levees, tile breaks, wetland restorations etc.
• Practices such as CP-21 or CP-22 do not impact
  capacity and dont require public notice and are
  also exempt in accordance with 1-EQ ex. 30. NRCS
  and FSA still need to complete 052 to document.

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Flood Damage Reduction Projects

• The EA must consider all environmental impacts on
  case by case basis
• Impacts include both direct and indirect
• Agency must consider impact of not only the
  practices for which there is payments and cost
  share but also all associated components. This
  includes
• The control structure
• Borrow and spoil areas
• Downstream impacts

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Other concerns to address

• If restoration involves earth moving activity
  NRCS or TSP must consider impact to cultural
  resources of not only the site itself but also
  any borrow or spoil areas.
• NRCS will perform initial review based upon their
  programmatic agreement with SHPO.
• If necessary NRCSs archeologist will review the
  site and may conduct a field review
• NRCS will furnish results of their investigation
  as part of the CPA-052 to FSA
• FSA CED will be responsible to consult in writing
  with SHPO in accordance with 1-EQ Exhibit 30.
  SEC will be copied on all correspondence to SHPO.

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Other concerns with these actions

• Actions occurring on recognized reservations must
  involve consultation with the respective tribe to
  ensure that there are no impacts to traditional
  cultural places (TCPs) or historical sites.
• NRCS will complete CPA-052 advising of any
  potential impacts
• CED is responsible for contacting SEC for all
  actions occurring on the reservations (do not
  contact tribal representative directly)
• SED is responsible for beginning the consultation
  process
• On a case by case basis the SEC will determine if
  the consultation can then be delegated back to
  the CED

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Processing CREP II Applications

• Applicant will be required by the State to
  request staking/referencing measurement service
  on an FSA-409 at the expense of the producer.
• In order for the measurement service to be
  guaranteed for compliance purposes, only FSA can
  determine GPS points for guaranteed measurement
  service.
• NRCS or SWCD can provide staking points in the
  field to be used by FSA for determining acreage
  by GPS.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• FSA determines if the applicant remains eligible
  and if still interested in enrolling in the CREP
  II program and if so
• FSA completes the CRP-2C and CRP-1 with acreage
  amounts, (based on the boundaries that have been
  determined in-the-field by NRCS/SWCD and FSA
• Applicant completes CRP-2C, item 9 if CREP II
  application process is to continue.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• Applicant will then sign a completed CRP-2C and
  CRP-1, if not already done so
• This becomes an official offer of acreage and can
  be recorded into the allocation tables
• Acreage CANNOT be entered into the allocation
  tables prior to obtaining the applicant
  signatures on the CRP-2C and CRP-1

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Processing CREP II Applications

• CRP-1/CRP-2C are completed, and are date and time
  stamped and entered into FSA Allocation Tables
  and submitted to the FSA State Office for
  approval.
• Note first 5 CREP offers from each county are
  to be sent to the FSA STO for review and
  approval.
• The FSA STO will acknowledge back to the county
  office if there is acreage available based on the
  sequential date and time stamped on the
  CRP-1/CRP-2 when offers are made.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• SWCD continues to process CREP RIM easement as
  per usual RIM operating procedures
• Once FSA State Office issues CRP-1 authorization
  based on acreage allocation entries, the standard
  CRP procedures for approving CRP-1 are to be
  followed.

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County CREPII Acres Database Created in
Microsoft Access

• County CREP II Acres Database contains options
  to
• Add a new record This option will open a form
  used to add new records (Completed Offers) to the
  database.
• Edit or delete records This option will open a
  form used when producer wishes to change
  information offered that has been previously
  entered in the database, or the offer is now a
  COC approved contract.
• Open a report of duplicates Contains all records
  that are entered with a duplicate county name,
  farm number, and tract. Incorrect Duplicate
  records must be deleted prior to submission to
  the State Office.
• Open a report of all records Contains a report
  of all the records that have been entered into
  the database.
• Send records to the State Office via e-mail
• Close application Exit the database.

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County CREPII Acres Database

• The State Office will then compile the data and
  monitor the acres based on the following acreage
  allocations

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Processing CREP II Applications

• The applicant completes the RIM Application,
  including Landowner Bill of Rights, if not
  already completed.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• RIM application materials to be submitted
• Conservation Easement Application
• RIM Reserve Easement Area Assessment Form
• Aerial photo with easement area clearly outlined,
  AND electronic GIS shape file
• Agreement Information Form

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Processing CREP II Applications

• RIM application materials to be submitted
• CREP payment calculation form
• Conservation Easement Practice Payment Worksheet
  (CEPPW)
• Landowners deed(s) to the property
• Copy of the CREP II NRCS practice eligibility
  worksheet
• Wetland Restoration Information Form required
  for all wetland restorations.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• If the CREP II process is to continue, NRCS or
  SWCD develops the conservation plan for all
  practices and a MN-CPA-052 to FSA
• BWSR BC receive and review RIM easement
  applications and forwards to BWSR St. Paul
• BWSR St. Paul approves the RIM easement
  application

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Processing CREP II Applications

• BWSR performs and/or coordinates comprehensive
  site investigations, including the preparation of
  preliminary plans, and verifies site eligibility
  and enrollment acres (CP23, CP23A CP34).

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Processing CREP II Applications

• BWSR easement staff prepares the States
  Agreement for Conservation Easement for RIM

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Processing CREP II Applications

• Offer Selection Process
• Offers (completed CRP-1/CRP-2C signed by the
  applicant) MUST BE date and time stamped and
  recorded into the FSA Website daily so the FSA
  State Office can authorize approval provided
  there is acreage remaining for that particular
  resource concern.

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Processing CREP II Applications

• Prior to approving the CRP-1 and signing the RIM
  Agreement, all local partners are to meet with
  the applicant to make certain everyone thoroughly
  understands the requirements, obligations, and
  approximate costs involved

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Processing CREP II Applications

• FSA COC approves the CRP-1
• Note CRP-1 effective start date for CREP is the
  same policy as CCRP provisions.
• FSA can then issue a SIP for practices CP21,
  CP22, and CP34
• FSA issues page 2 of the AD-245 to the CREP
  participant for practice completion

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Processing CREP II Applications

• FSA will issue 15 years of annual CRP rental
  payments
• RIM provisions will be followed upon expiration
  of CRP-1.

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Summary of RIM Easement Acquisition Process

• RIM application completed and sent to BWSR St.
  Paul
• Agreement for Conservation Easement developed and
  signed by landowner and BWSR
• SWCD obtains title insurance commitment with
  landowners updated abstract and sends to BWSR
  for review
• RIM conservation plan is finalized and sent to
  BWSR St. Paul

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Summary of RIM Easement Acquisition Process

• Clear title is determined and easement documents
  signed and recorded
• Easement payment is issued.
• Please refer to the SWCD Easement Acquisition
  Information Packet for more detailed information
  on the documents and procedures associated with
  completing a RIM application.

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Conservation Practice Implementation and Payment

• Once practice is complete, CREP applicant
  certifies performance, and required follow-up is
  complete,
• FSA can issue cost-share
• FSA will issue the 25 incentive for practices
  CP23/CP23A and a PIP for practices CP15A, CP21,
  CP22, and CP34
• SWCD can submit cost-share to BWSR St. Paul for
  reimbursement.

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CREP Conservation Practices

• Each application will have a
• 1. CREP Location Documentation Eligibility
  Worksheet and most will also have
• 2. CREP Practice Documentation Eligibility and
  Suitability Worksheet that NRCS or SWCD fills out
  and gives to FSA County Office.

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SOUTHEAST CREP

• Eligible Locations
• I. Excessively Eroded Cropland (EI of 15 or gt)
• II. Erodible Cropland - Contour Buffer Strips (EI
  of 8 or gt)
• III. Riparian Areas
• IV. Wetland Restoration
• V. Ground Water Protection
• (Wellhead, Karst, Sinkholes)
• VI. Decorah Shale Outcrops
• VII. Flood Damage Reduction areas

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SOUTHWEST CREP

• Eligible Location
• I. Riparian Areas
• II. Wetland Restoration
• III. Ground Water Protection (wellheads)
• IV. Flood Damage Reduction

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NORTHWEST CREP

• Eligible Locations
• I. Riparian Areas
• IA. Scour Areas
• II. Wetland Restoration
• III. Flood Damage Reduction areas

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ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Riparian Areas
• Perennial Stream
• Seasonal Stream (contains water for only part of
  the year but more than just during and/or after
  rainfall or snowmelt)
• Wetland determined by the Cowardin Classification
  System
• Permanent water body containing water throughout
  the year in all years.

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CREP Eligible Wetlands
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CREP RIPARIAN AREA

• The riparian area begins at the top of the stream
  bank. Some land adjacent to the stream may not
  meet the eligibility criteria and will not be
  enrolled in the CREP however, this ineligible
  land shall be included
• In the area used as a riparian buffer
• In the conservation plan
• When determining the width of the riparian
  area.

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ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Riparian Areas PRACTICE WIDTH
• Maximum Average Width needed for filtering is
  between 30 and 120 feet when establishing the
  practice CP21 Filter Strip.
• OR
• Maximum Average Width needed for filtering
  between 30 and 180 feet when establishing the
  practice CP22 Riparian Buffer.

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ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Riparian Areas
• PRACTICE WIDTH EXTENSION
• Total Width can be extended up to a maximum of
  350 ft for any of the following purposes
• Water quality improvement
• Wildlife habitat
• Flooding

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ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Riparian Areas
• PRACTICE WIDTH EXTENSION
• Total width can be extended Not-To-Exceed 600 ft.
  only when occasionally or frequently flooded
  soils exist (must be at least 51 of land within
  extension)
• Show location and extent of frequently/occasional
  ly flooded soils on photo, map or sketch.

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TallGrass Prairie Ecosystem

• Southwest and Northwest CREP Areas
• In the Tall Grass Prairie Ecosystem Zone, within
  the Southwest and Northwest CREP areas, tree
  planting practices will not be implemented on
  sites determined to be
• Within ¼ mile of native prairie/native grass
  plantings greater then 80 acres in size
• Within 1 mile of known Greater Prairie Chicken
  lecs
• Within 1 mile of Sharp-tailed Grouse lecs

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TallGrass Prairie Ecosystem

• Southwest and Northwest CREP Areas
• In the Tall Grass Prairie Ecosystem Zone, within
  the Southwest and Northwest CREP areas, modified
  tree planting practice designs will be
  implemented on sites determined to be
• Within ¼ mile of native prairie/native grass
  plantings greater then 80 acres in size
• Within 1 mile of known Greater Prairie Chicken
  lecs
• Within 1 mile of Sharp-tailed Grouse lecs
• See Appendix B for species lists

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NORTHWEST CREP ONLY

• Riparian Areas
• The Northwest will have provisions to enroll
  cropland areas that have experienced scour
  erosion using practice CP-2.
• These areas are limited to the same width
  requirements as allowed for in the CP-21 practice
  design.

84
CREP Wetland Restoration All Locations

• The area offered must be entirely
• within the 100-year floodplain for CP23
• outside the 100-year floodplain for CP23A

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CREP Wetland Restoration

• Technical Evaluation
• Eligible sites are limited to only those wetland
  areas that have had the wetland hydrology
  component removed through alteration by drainage
  and/or manipulation and where it is feasible and
  practical to restore the wetland. If any of the
  hydrologic components of the wetland cannot be
  restored through removing, blocking, manipulating
  or otherwise rendering inoperable the wetland
  drainage system, the wetland area is not eligible
  for enrollment.

86
CREP Wetland Restoration

• Technical Evaluation
• Cropping cessation and the subsequent
  establishment of vegetation on a wetland area in
  itself is not considered an eligible restoration
  option.
• Floodplain restorations must be evaluated to
  insure that the flood storage area is not reduced
  or adversely impacted through the placement of
  fill, dikes, levees, or embankments.

87
CREP Wetland Restoration

• Technical Evaluation
• All restorable wetland areas must meet USDA
  wetland criteria. This means that the site,
• 1) contains hydric soils,
• 2) meets wetland hydrology criteria (when
  restored), and
• 3) has or will have after restoration,
  hydrophytic vegetation.
• 4) this usually means were looking for FW and
  PC areas

88
CREP Wetland Restoration

• Technical Evaluation
• The goal of this enrollment area is to restore
  the wetland ecosystem to the maximum extent
  possible.
• Initial wetland restoration feasibility
  assessments must be completed and must consider
  avoiding impacts to adjacent properties,
  utilities, or other infrastructures unless
  approvals, permits or consents are attainable.

89
CREP Wetland Restoration

• Technical Evaluation
• The goal of this enrollment area is to restore
  the wetland ecosystem to the maximum extent
  possible.
• Final restoration plans will NOT be completed
  until after applications are approved.

90
CREP Wetland Restoration

• Design Criteria
• Wetland acreage eligibility can be determined
  independent of USDA wetland determinations
• This acreage will typically include all hydric
  soil map units directly affected by the drainage
  and/or manipulation of the wetland. This is also
  the wetland acreage that will be used to
  determine the amount of eligible cost share.
• The CREP Wetland Restoration practices may also
  enroll a buffer limited to the number of acres
  required to provide protective buffer to the
  cropped wetland and to enhance wildlife habitat
  not to exceed a ratio of 2 acres of buffer to 1
  acre of restored wetland.

91
CREP Wetland Restoration

• Design Criteria
• Wetlands will be restored using standard 657.
• Vegetation establishment criteria are dependent
  on the native ecosystem. The native ecosystem
  can be determined by the soil survey or by the
  native vegetation maps (TRYGG maps).
• Buffer areas for sites developed under a
  grassland ecosystem will be seeding according to
  standard 645 using a mixed stand with a minimum
  of 5 native species consisting of at least 3
  grasses and 1 forb.
• Buffer areas for sites under a woodland ecosystem
  will use standard 612 or 645.

92
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Excessively Eroded Cropland (EI 15 or gt)
• FSA will determine and document excessively
  erodible cropland in a field or redefined field
  with an EI of 15 or greater using General Sign-Up
  Offer Processing (GSOP). Use the 3 most
  predominant soils when calculating the weighted
  average EI.

93
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Excessively Eroded Cropland
• Documentation required
• Attach a printout of the GSOP result showing the
  average EI.
• Attach the GIS map/soil map and the CLU of the
  eligible areas.

94
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Excessively Eroded Cropland
• Applicant, with the assistance of technical
  agencies, chooses one the practices
• CP2 Establishment of Permanent Native Grasses
• CP3A Hardwood Tree Planting
• CP4D Permanent Wildlife Habitat

95
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Erodible Cropland (Contour Buffer Strips) (EI 8
  or gt)
• FSA will document erodible cropland in a field or
  redefined field with an EI of 8 or greater using
  General Sign-Up Offer Processing (GSOP). Use the
  3 most predominant soils when calculating the
  weighted average EI.

96
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Erodible Cropland (Contour Buffer Strips)
• Note This determination is entirely different
  than the NRCS HEL determination process

97
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Erodible Cropland (Contour Buffer Strips)
• Documentation required
• Attach a printout of the GSOP result showing the
  average EI.
• Attach the GIS map/soil map and the CLU of the
  eligible areas.

98
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Erodible Cropland (Contour Buffer Strips)
• Documentation required (NRCS)
• Within eligible fields/redefined fields the area
  enrolled is restricted to only the CP-15A contour
  buffer strips.
• The enrolled contour buffer strips are restricted
  between 15 and 60 feet wide while the field
  borders can be up to 60 feet wide.

99
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Erodible Cropland (Contour Buffer Strips)
• Conditions of eligibility
• Non-enrolled cropped strips must exist and be
  wider than the enrolled buffer strips that
  separate them.
• The contract is limited to 14-15 year
• CRP-1 only (no RIM)
• Must meet the requirements of NRCS Conservation
  Practice Standard 332, using Practice CP15A.

100
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Ground Water Protection
• Sinkholes and Karst Areas
• Use a County Soil Survey or in field observation
  to determine that sinkholes and karst areas
  exist. Attach a copy of the soil survey or a map
  showing the sinkholes or karst areas.
• The buffer can be up to a maximum average width
  of 200 ft. from the edge of the sinkhole or karst
  area.
• Use practice CP21 and NRCS Conservation Practice
  Standard Filter Strip, Code 393.

101
SOUTHEAST and SOUTHWEST

• Ground Water Protection
• Wellhead Protection Areas
• Eligible land must be entirely within 10-year
  wellhead protection area as defined by the MN
  Dept. of Health (MDH).
• The 2000-foot radius rule used for CCRP is not
  used for CREP.

102
SOUTHEAST and SOUTHWEST

• Ground Water Protection
• Wellhead Protection Areas
• Applicant with the assistance of technical
  agencies, chooses one of the practices below
• CP2 Establishment of Permanent Native Grasses
• CP4D Permanent Wildlife Habitat
• CP3A Hardwood Tree Planting (SE only)

103
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Decorah Shale Outcrops
• Field determination is required based on county
  soil survey or County Geological Atlas. Attach a
  map showing the Decorah Shale outcrops.
• Adjacent areas 50-feet immediately upslope and
  down slope are eligible for enrollment.
• Whole fields can be enrolled if more than 75 of
  the field is eligible.

104
SOUTHEAST CREP

• Decorah Shale Outcrops
• Applicant with the assistance of technical
  agencies, chooses one of the practices
• CP2 Establishment of Permanent Native Grasses
• CP3A Hardwood Tree Planting
• CP4D Permanent Wildlife Habitat

105
ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Flood Damage Reduction Areas
• Those areas that have been reviewed and
  recommended as flood damage reduction projects by
  the watershed project team.
• Note At the minimum, watershed project teams
  include
• Watershed Board, SWCD Board, FSA COC, etc.

106
ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Flood Damage Reduction Areas are those CP21/CP22
  sites that have 51 occasionally or frequently
  flooded soils or CP-23/CP23A sites
• For CP-21 and CP-22 sites to be eligible for FDR
  they must be listed in a local flood mitigation
  plan
• OR
• Have been eligible for EWP or ECP in the last 20
  years.

107
ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Flood Damage Reduction Areas are those CP21/CP22
  sites that have 51 occasionally or frequently
  flooded soils
• And
• They must contain one or more of the following,
  (check all that apply)
• Agricultural dikes in flood plains
• Severe scour erosion
• Channel realignment problems
• Areas that will provide direct offsite flood
  damage benefits to public infrastructure Are
  listed in a local flood mitigation plan

108
ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Flood Damage Reduction Areas that are CP23/CP23A
  must be sites approved by the FSA COC and SWCD as
  providing long term flood reduction benefits.

109
NORTHWEST

• Flood Damage Reduction Areas are those sites that
  are acknowledged by the local Watershed District
  or Watershed Board as being capable of mitigating
  flood damages.
• There is the probability of a new CREP practice
  CP-34 to help solve flooding problems.

110
NORTHWEST

• Flood Damage Reduction Areas CP-34 sites
• All sites involving practice CP-34 must be
  reviewed and approved as meeting flood damage
  reduction by either the local Watershed District
  or Watershed Organization.
• All sites with practice CP-34 have a special
  status and will probably require additional
  environmental assessment prior to approval.
• All sites with CP-34 practices must have a local
  sponsor that will provide financial incentives
  for all construction activities.

111
ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Food Plots
• This practice is available in all watersheds as a
  component of all CP-2, CP-4D, CP-23 and CP-23A
  practices and certain CP-21 and CP-22 practices.
• The purpose of this practice is to establish
  annual or perennial wildlife food plots that will
  enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat.
• Cost share is not authorized for this practice
  and it may only be used as a component in an
  otherwise eligible CREP practice.

112
ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Food Plots
• Individual food plots shall not exceed 5 acres in
  size. Total food plot acreage shall not exceed
  the lesser of 10 of the contract acreage or 5.0
  acres.

113
ALL CREP LOCATIONS

• Food Plots
• When this component will be established on
  practices CP-21 and CP-22 it must be located so
  it will not interfere with the water quality
  function of the practice. This means it must be
  set-back from the receiving water a distance at
  least equal to the practice design minimum width
  for water quality. If this can not be achieved
  then a food plot is not an eligible component on
  these practices.
• Food plots must not interfere with the flood
  damage reduction function of the practice.

114
Topeka shiner

• Only in the SW MN CREP area

115
Topeka Shiners

• Potentially located in perennial and intermittent
  streams in the Rock and Big Sioux watersheds
• Also found in oxbows and scour areas adjacent to
  the streams
• Susceptible to impacts from sedimentation in
  habitat
• caused by bank erosion, construction work in
  the stream itself or adjacent to the stream or by
  watershed modifications that affect the flow.

116
http//www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/fishes/tosh-
prj-rec.pdf
117
(No Transcript)
118
CREP practices of concern

• Wetland restorations have the potential to have
  adverse impacts if
• They are located within 1/8 mile of the stream.
• They include designs that results in any
  construction activities or earthwork within the
  stream, bank, associated oxbows and scour areas.

119
Consult with FWS

• Whenever one of the above actions is planned to
  occur
• NRCS will notify FSA by properly completing the
  CPA-052 and furnishing it along with a shape file
  of the practice extent and potential APE.
• FSA CED will call Laurie Fairchild, FWS at
  612-725-3548 x214 and will notify SEC by email.
• As part of the consultation process FSA will
  determine if the impact is adverse and if there
  are steps that can be completed to mitigate the
  impact.
• NRCS will incorporate the appropriate mitigation
  measures into the conservation plan.

120
Mitigation measures

• Suggestions are found in the section of the
  material devoted to private projects.
• Timing of the activity.
• Limiting activity within a certain distance from
  the stream.
• Buffering the stream with practices that prevent
  erosion or changes in water quality.

121
OXBOW
Potential restoration
Main channel
gt 1/8 mile Document and move on
122
OXBOW
Potential restoration
Main channel
lt 1/8 mile Call FWS
Make sure to know location and how wetland will
be restored. Take adequate photos along with GPS
points
123
Potential Mitigation

• Do not complete the restoration
• Change the timing of the restoration activity to
  periods of no flow.
• Certain designs may be able to utilize.sedimentati
  on barriers to avoid adverse impacts.
• Redesign the restoration.

124
Bald Eagle

• NRCS will compare site to NH list for bald eagle
  nesting sites in GIS.
• All CREP practices that are completely outside of
  a ½ mile diameter circle have been determined to
  have little potential to effect bald eagles and
  require no further action by FSA or NRCS.
• Within ½ mile informal consultation by FSA may be
  necessary.
• NRCS will notify FSA of distance action or
  practice will be from nest and whether practice
  will be visible from nest using CPA-052.

125
FSA responsibility

• FSA/NRCS will utilize MN DNR matrix to
• Determine if undertaking has the potential to
  impact resource.
• Avoid the impact by changing the timing of the
  undertaking.
• Consult with FWS to mitigate the impact
• Start with phone call describing location and
  project.
• In many cases simply replacing cropland with
  grass may not have an impact but FWS must concur.
• Adding construction during avoid or restrict
  times could cause an adverse effect to nesting
  eagles.

126
Examples

• CP-21 after consultation with FWS it may be
  possible to proceed within 660 feet of nest if
  previous farming desensitized the eagles
• CP-23 construction related activity may only be
  allowed late in the year within ¼ mile of nest.
• Burning as a management tool may not be allowed
  within 660 feet of nest
• Bottom line is the need for prompt, open
  communication with FWS Ecological Services as
  part of the practice development

127
Consultation

• Consultation may simply require a phone call if
  action is between ½ mile and ¼ mile
• Depends if the action is visible from the nest
• Be prepared to advise FWS if this is the case
  during initial phone call
• Consultation for practices within ¼ mile of the
  nest may require a letter from the CED to the
  USFWS but only after the initial phone call is
  made to FWS describing the undertaking.

128
Nesting periods
Actions occurring within ½ mile of site NRCS
will notify FSA FSA will need to contact USFWS
for assistance FSA needs to review MNDNR matrix
to determine if activity can continue Remember
that these are guidelines
129
MNDNR MATRIX
130
Example
131
(No Transcript)
132
Items to remember

• If the GIS does not indicate a nest and one is
  found upon conducting a field inspection
• Do not approach within ½ mile
• Contact FWS at 612-725-3548 x 206
• Contact Jeff Johnson at 320-235-3540 x113
• Continue consultation process as outlined above
  and in the guidance document provided as a
  handout (Environmental Review Fact Sheet for Bald
  Eagle).

133
Western Prairie Fringed Orchid

• Agency actions cannot impact hydrology to the
  extent that the orchid may be jeopardized
• NRCS and SEC have list of all known sites on GIS,
  normally found in wet prairie ecosystems
• Practices that do not impact existing non-crop
  areas have little potential to affect the orchids
  and do not require screening/consultation
• When high water will inundate non-crop areas NRCS
  is responsible to screen those practices against
  known orchid sites to determine if any sites are
  within 2 miles of the periphery of the wetland
  restoration.

The Western prairie fringed orchid (Platanthera
praeclara), a threatened Midwestern prairie
plant. Photo by G. N. Rysgaard.
134
Producer offers the pc for a CP23A
pc
.
Orchid site
135
pc
NRCS completes site visit and plots that the
restoration will restore the wetland to this
size. They compare in GIS this layer with the NH
sites and find an orchid site within 2 miles of
the periphery of the wetland.
.
Orchid site
136
pc
Outcome Only crop land is impacted by
undertaking. Advise CED of potential issue on
CPA-052 and that no action is necessary. Furnish
copy of aerial image with wetland marked. CED
completes 052 and continues processing.
.
Orchid site
Note NRCS must not reveal location of orchid
site to FSA
137
pc
Design team indicates that wetland will be this
size when full. It extends into adjacent non
crop land.
.
Orchid site
138
pc
NRCS completes CPA-052 advising CED that it is
within 2 miles of a known orchid site. CED calls
USFWS (see map) for guidance and notifies SEC by
email
.
Orchid site
139
CED calls USFWS for guidance and notifies SEC by
email. FWS or DNR conducts field visit.
Outcomes FWS determines potential to effect.
FSA completes EA and possibly a BA, OR FWS
determines not likely to effect. FSA documents
on 052 processes CREP
pc
.
Orchid site
140
Helpful ideas

• Provide a GIS shapefile with 052 to FSA.
• During field visit take adequate digital photos
  of appropriate resolution
• These will be helpful in describing site during
  telephone consultation
• Recognize that consultation does not mean the
  project will not move forward but rather that FSA
  does not adversely impact TE species and
  cultural resources.

141
CP21 Eligible Cropland
142
CP21 Minimum Filter Strip
143
CP21 Maximum Filter Strip
144
CP22 Eligible Cropland
145
CP22 Ineligible Acres
146
CP22 Minimum Buffer
147
CP22 Extended Width Buffer
148
CP22 Maximum Buffer
149
CP23 Eligible Cropland
150
CP23 Eligible Hydric Soil Component
151
CP23 Restored Wetland Area
152
CP23 Buffer Area
153
CREP II ROLES

• FSA Administers all aspects of the CRP
• BWSR Administers all aspects of RIM
• SWCD Administers all local aspects of RIM
• BWSR, DNR, NRCS SWCD Provides technical
  assistance
• Other Partners - Promotes and educates their
  customers on the benefits of CREP.
• Note a joint effort shall be made by all
  involved with CREP II to provide outreach and
  promotion to eligible producers.

154
FSA Responsibilities

• FSA is responsible for determining
• If the producer meets eligibility requirements
• If the basic land and practice eligibility
  criteria are met
• If the program policy and practice size
  requirements are satisfied according to the
• 2-CRP and CREP agreement
• On-site review if necessary.

155
FSA Responsibilities

• Contact applicant to determine continued interest
  in CREP II enrollment
• Ensure applicant signs CRP-1
• Notify NRCS to complete conservation plan.
• Note Consultation with SHPO/THPO for
  Cultural Resource issues and the USFWS for
• T E issues may be necessary.

156
BWSR Responsibilities

• Administers all aspects of the RIM easement
  acquisition
• Coordination with SWCD on acquisition
• Ensures adequate funding, disburses easement
  payments, and cost share reimbursements upon
  receipt of proper documentation.

157
BWSR Responsibilities

• Coordinates all wetland restoration and other
  engineering practice activities.
• Provides and/or coordinates engineering/technical
  assistance (survey, design, construction).

158
SWCD Responsibilities

• Explains CREP II process to applicant
• Ensures all RIM documents and expectations are
  explained to applicant
• Works with applicant to complete RIM forms
• Administers local aspects of the easement
  acquisition and coordination with other local
  staff
• Can perform NRCS duties if proper agreements and
  TAA are in place.

159
Technical Responsibilities

• Technical responsibilities performed by
  NRCS/SWCD
• visits the area of the offered acres
• completes the Documentation of Eligibility and
  Suitability Worksheet for each practice listed
  on the CRP-2C
• fills in block 13 of the CRP-2C
• returns the CRP-2C and a copy of the
  Documentation worksheets to FSA.

160
NRCS/SWCD Responsibilities

• completes the Environmental Evaluation Worksheet
  (NRCS-CPA-052)
• completes a conservation plan in ToolKit
• completes a Conservation Plan Schedule of
  Operations (AD-1155)
• completes a detailed practice design and/or a job
  sheet for each practice on the CRP-2C

161
NRCS/SWCD Responsibilities

• All conservation practices designed must meet
• the requirements of the corresponding FOTG
  practice standard and CREP II agreement
• the Minnesota Upland Treatment Policy
• the 2-CRP Handbook requirements

162
NRCS/SWCD Responsibilities

• NRCS will refer all applicable CREP II forestry
  practices to the MN Department of Natural
  Resources, Division of Forestry to be designed by
  a forester. DNR-Forestry will submit the
  completed forestry practice design(s) to NRCS for
  inclusion in the conservation plan.

163
DNR-Forestry Responsibilities

• Through a national level Cooperative
  Agreement, DNR-Forestry has the responsibility
  for developing tree and/or shrub planting designs
  for CP3A, CP22, CP23, and CP23A using the
  appropriate NRCS Standards.

164
TSP Opportunities

• Non - Reimbursable Assistance
• Conservation partners working with NRCS can work
  in a non-reimbursable fashion on CREP II which
  includes all phases of CREP II activities. When
  this occurs NRCS must review and sign-off on all
  their work, indicating that it is technically
  complete and correct (NRCS can do this by
  delegating technical approval authority to
  specific partners) and NRCS retains the technical
  responsibility and liability for these work
  products.

165
Marketing and Promotion

• CREP II is a partnership between the BWSR, DNR,
  SWCD, Watersheds, USDA and other partners and
  personnel including marketing and promotion.
  Therefore every effort must be made by all to
  coordinate any and all marketing and promotion
  efforts.

166
Marketing Materials

• Counties need to publicize the availability of
  CREP II through normal channels within normal
  budgetary limits.
• CREP Fact Sheet currently FSA has developed a
  Fact Sheet than can be used as a handout to
  interested parties.

167
Done!

• Please fax in your attendance sheets to the FSA
  State Office.
• Please feel free to submit questions, corrections
  or comments to your state office representative.
• Any More Questions?
• Good Luck with your CREP II Sign-up Starting
  Monday June 6, 2005!!