Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Technical Assistance (CREP-TA) Grants

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Technical Assistance (CREP-TA) Grants, offered by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), aim to support local implementation of the CREP. This initiative focuses on enhancing agricultural streamside areas to benefit water quality and wildlife. Through these grants, landowners receive financial assistance for various costs such as staffing, training, and outreach to effectively carry out conservation measures.

CREP Background
The Oregon Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a cooperative venture between the State of Oregon and Farm Services Agency (FSA), with technical support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and local partners, including soil and water conservation districts, watershed councils, and resource conservation and development councils. The purpose of this long-standing program is to restore, maintain, and enhance streamside areas along agricultural lands to benefit fish, wildlife, and water quality. Landowners who voluntarily enroll in CREP receive annual rental payments and state and federal cost-share incentives to install approved conservation measures, such as planting trees and shrubs, and installing fencing and livestock water facilities.
OWEB provides competitive, statewide CREP TA grants to support costs associated with local CREP program implementation including staffing, travel, training, outreach, and planning.