By Andi Anderson
The Indiana Department of Agriculture, alongside the USDA, has announced a significant expansion of Indiana’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), aimed at boosting conservation efforts across the state.
The announcement, made at the Zolman Farm in Pierceton, marks a major step in protecting Indiana’s water quality and natural habitats.
CREP is a voluntary program that encourages farmers and ranchers to remove sensitive cropland from agricultural production. In place of traditional farming, this land is transformed into wetlands or habitats for native plants, trees, and wildlife.
By participating in CREP, farmers receive annual payments, contributing to local conservation efforts and helping to reduce agricultural runoff that threatens watersheds.
Initially launched in 2005 with just three watersheds, Indiana’s CREP expanded to 11 watersheds by 2010. The latest statewide expansion will now encompass all 38 watersheds, significantly increasing the land managed under the program from 26,000 acres to over 100,000 acres.
This broad expansion is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, and aims to support both soil health and water quality by preventing runoff and encouraging native plant growth.
Julie Holland, program manager for Indiana CREP & Water Quality Initiatives, noted that the original plan was to add six more watersheds.
However, after conducting a nine-month environmental evaluation, it was determined that expanding to cover the entire state was feasible. This ambitious plan aligns with the program’s goal of making conservation efforts accessible to more landowners across Indiana.
The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program operates at both state and national levels. Federally, it is the largest private-land conservation initiative in the U.S., targeting wetland protection across 26 states. Indiana’s expanded efforts highlight the importance of local action in achieving broader environmental goals.
Don and Darcy Zolman, early adopters of the program, have transformed their former farmland into a thriving wetland, planting thousands of trees as part of their CREP commitment. Their property was chosen as the site for the expansion announcement due to its diverse soils and their dedication to conservation.
The expansion reflects growing interest and success in the program, with continued strong participation from farmers and landowners.
Those interested in joining CREP can learn more about how to contribute to preserving Indiana’s natural resources while benefiting from the program’s incentives.
This expansion ensures that Indiana’s watersheds receive the protection they need, securing the state’s environmental future for generations to come.
Photo Credit: indiana-state-department-of-agriculture
Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture