Wyoming Grassland Reserve Program
Signup and Application Information 

General Program Description

The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program that helps landowners and operators restore and protect grassland, including rangeland and pastureland, and certain other lands, while maintaining the areas as grazing lands.

The program emphasizes:
    support for grazing operations,
    plant and animal biodiversity, and
    grasslands under the greatest threat of conversion.

GRP is authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) administer the program, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. Funding for the GRP comes from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC).  Producers can apply at USDA Service Centers in Wyoming. 

GRP Final Rule Federal Register

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Grassland Reserve Program Fact Sheet
Grassland Reserve Program Key Points
Grassland Reserve Program Questions & Answers

How Grassland Reserve Program Works

Applications may be filed for a rental agreement or easement with NRCS or FSA at any time. Batching dates are established to evaluate and select applications for funding. 

Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices; produce hay, mow, or harvest for seed production (subject to certain restrictions during the nesting season of bird species that are in significant decline or those that are protected under Federal or State law); and conduct fire rehabilitation and construct firebreaks and fences.

The program offers several enrollment options:

Rental Agreement  Participants have the option of choosing a 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year easement. USDA will provide annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the agreement for the life of the agreement. Payments will be disbursed on the agreement anniversary date each year.

Permanent Easement  This is a conservation easement in perpetuity. Easement payments for this option equal the fair market value, less the grazing value of the land encumbered by the easement. These values will be determined using an appraisal process.

30-year Easement  USDA will provide an easement payment equal to 30 percent of the fair market value of the land, less the grazing value of the land for the period during which the land is encumbered by the easement.

For both easement options, USDA will provide all administrative costs associated with recording the easement, including appraisal fees, survey costs, title insurance, and recording fees. Easement payments may be provided, at the participant’s request, in lump sum or annual payments (equal or unequal amounts) for up to 10 years.

Restoration agreement  If restoration is determined necessary by NRCS, a restoration agreement will be incorporated within the rental agreement or easement. CCC will provide up to 90 percent of the restoration costs on lands that have never been cultivated, and up to 75 percent of the cost on restored grasslands. Participants will be paid upon certification of the completion of the approved practice(s) by NRCS or an approved third party. Participants may contribute to the application of a cost-share practice through in-kind contributions.

Ranking Criteria

Applications will be evaluated and selected based on state ranking criteria.  For 2003, priority will be given to applications for rental agreements and for existing grassland under greatest threat of conversion.  

Wyoming Updated County Cost Share Lists

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Wyoming 2005 GRP Ranking Worksheet
Wyoming 2005 GRP Average Costs

Eligibility

Landowners who can provide clear title are eligible to submit an application for either easement option. Landowners and others who have general control of the acreage may submit an application for a rental agreement.

The Adjusted Gross Income provision of the 2002 Farm Bill impacts eligibility for GRP and several other 2002 Farm Bill programs. Individuals or entities that have an average adjusted gross income exceeding $2.5 million for the three tax years immediately preceding the year the contract is approved are not eligible to receive program benefits or payments. However, an exemption is provided in cases where 75 percent of the adjusted gross income is derived from farming, ranching, or forestry operations.

Eligible land includes grassland or land that contains forbs or shrubs (including improved rangeland and pastureland); and grassland or land that is located in an area that historically has been dominated by grassland, forbs, and shrubs and has potential to provide habitat for animal or plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition. Incidental lands may be included to allow for the efficient administration of an agreement or easement.

To Apply:

Application signup is an ongoing process and can be done online or completed at your local USDA Service Center with NRCS or FSA.

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Application form (AD-1153)

For More Information

Please contact your local USDA Service Center office.

State Contact:
Paul Shelton , Resource Conservationist, Farm Bill Program Specialist, 233-6763.

Last Modified: 03/25/2008