Northwestern MN ag landowners can get paid for conservation

Agricultural landowners in northwestern Minnesota can apply for a state conservation easement program through Friday, June 6, to receive payment for conservation practices.

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program permanently protects environmentally sensitive land by restoring wetlands and planting native grasses.

Participating landowners enroll in federal- and state-funded programs for 14 to 15 years. They retain ownership of their land, and the restoration is fully funded by the programs.

The program is open to Northern Minnesota landowners in Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Polk, Pennington, Red Lake, Norman and Becker counties and the White Earth Nation.

Eligible landowners can apply by contacting their local soil and water conservation district or Farm Service Agency.

“MN CREP provides options for landowners to earn income off marginal cropland while simultaneously enhancing water quality and habitat,” said John Jaschke, Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources executive director, in a news release.

“Conservation lands protected via MN CREP offer multiple benefits including improved habitat, better water quality and increased floodwater storage.”