The A, B, C’s of the CREP Process

Printable PDF File of The A,B,C's of the Crep Process
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A) Initial CREP Interest Sign-Up

Step 1. Put your name on the CREP interest List:
A potential CREP enrollee (any landowner) should visit the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) and sign the CREP interest list. Everyone must first sign the CREP interest list, which is non-contractual, to continue to the next step.

Step 2. FSA conducts a preliminary eligibility check and begins a file for the potential CREP enrollee:
FSA makes a preliminary eligibility determination and starts a file for the potential CREP enrollee. FSA will then notify the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or PA Game Commission (PGC) CREP Biologists.

Step 3. NRCS and/or Regional PGC CREP Biologist site visit:
NRCS/PGC CREP Biologist will schedule a site visit to discuss the program, discuss the potential CREP enrollee’s conservation goals, and gather land eligibility information to help FSA generate a CREP rental rate offer.

Step 4. FSA develops a preliminary CREP enrollment offer and notifies the potential CREP enrollee:
FSA will calculate the rental rate and preliminary CREP enrollment offer and provide to the potential CREP enrollee.

Step 5. Potential CREP enrollee accepts or declines further interest in CREP:
Within 30 days of the CREP enrollment offer, the potential CREP enrollee must contact FSA to either continue or discontinue the CREP signup process. The decision is voluntary and involves no further communication if declined.

B) After Acceptance of the CREP Plan Offer

Step 1. CREP enrollee and NRCS or PGC CREP Biologist develop a CREP Conservation Plan:
NRCS/PGC CREP Biologist works closely with the CREP enrollee to develop a site-specific conservation plan that identifies the CREP Conservation Practice(s) to be installed on the site, and the location of the practice(s).

Step 2. FSA develops a CREP contract:
NRCS/PGC CREP Biologist will provide a copy of the CREP Conservation Plan to FSA. FSA will then develop a CREP contract based on the CREP Conservation Plan. Once the contract is developed, FSA will notify the CREP enrollee and a formal contract review will be conducted, followed by contract signing. At this point, enrollment in CREP is formalized and the agreement is contractually binding.

Step 3. CREP Conservation Practice installment:
The CREP enrollee is responsible for installing CREP Conservation Practice(s), or independently using a CREP installation contractor (list available at FSA office) and then seeking reimbursement (50% to 100%, depending on the CREP Conservation Practice[s] installed) from FSA. If installing CREP Conservation Practice(s) independently, follow all technical requirements in the CREP Conservation Plan and save your receipts. Or, if you use a CREP contractor, make sure the contractor stays within the CREP reimbursement rate caps.

C) Congratulations!

You are now taking part in one of the premier conservation programs in Pennsylvania! Remember, your responsibilities don’t end with CREP Conservation Practice(s) installation. You must keep your CREP practices in good working order for the entire CREP contract. But don’t worry- if you stay involved during the development of your CREP Conservation Plan and play an active role in understanding your responsibilities, you will be equipped for success! Also, there are many federal, state and local partners available to help you with the technical details of CREP, from maintaining tree seedling health to caring for newly installed wetlands. By calling the toll-free number at the bottom of this page you can hear a list of the CREP partners and get the phone number for your local CREP contact. For additional CREP Enrollment & Eligibility Information, visit this site. 

Page updated on: July 10, 2006