Delaware Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

Delaware partners with the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation to enroll up to 10,000 acres of agricultural land in this voluntary conservation initiative. Federal Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) funding is supplemented with state resources to support participating landowners through 10- to 15-year contracts. The program aims to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, reduce the amount of sediment, phosphorus, and other pollutants in waterways, improve wildlife habitat, and restore wetlands.

Participating agricultural producers must own land within the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, or Inland Bays watershed (at least 80% of eligible acreage); the land must adjoin drainage ditches, streams, or water bodies (exception: shallow water area practices); the land was in cropland or marginal pastureland for four of six years (2012–2017); and the owner has held the property for at least 12 months.

Federal CRP funding is supplemented with state resources under 10- to 15-year contracts. Approved conservation activities include hardwood tree planting, permanent wildlife habitat, riparian buffers, filter strips, and wetland restoration. Participating agencies include USDA-FSA, DNREC, NRCS, Delaware Conservation Districts, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Interested landowners should contact their local FSA office for enrollment information and program details.