Primary nesting season begins May 15

By Pamela Stahlke
Pamela.Stahlke@mn.usda.gov

Date Modified: 05/30/2012 1:26 PM

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Do you have land enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program? How about the Grassland Reserve Program? Or maybe you rent farm ground that has CRP on the same farm? If so, please remember that the primary nesting season begins on May 15 and ends Aug. 1.

During the primary nesting season CRP participants, operators and landowners are reminded that any required or necessary maintenance or management of CRP acres needs to be completed either before or after the primary nesting season dates.

This means that if your CRP is scheduled for mid-contract management, requires weed treatment, or is used as an occasional access point please concluded those activities before May 15.

Any other maintenance, mowing or other disturbance is prohibited during the primary nesting season.

FSA understands that a need for spot spraying or mowing may be required during the primary nesting season. If the need arises call your local FSA office before taking any action to request permission to do the necessary maintenance. Failure to request permission in advance of any action taken could result in monetary penalties and/or termination of your CRP contract.

CRP is an excellent program with many benefits including natural beautification, increasing wildlife habit, improving water quality and reducing soil erosion. It provides cost-share and annual rental payments to compensate landowners, but with that benefit comes a few restrictions.

Among the restrictions are no activities (without FSA pre-approval) during the primary nesting season, no unauthorized use of CRP acres and maintaining the CRP cover as outlined in your conservation plan of operations.

If you have any questions about CRP or any other FSA program contact your local FSA office or logon to www.fsa.usda.gov.