All programs and services are offered on a non-discriminatory basis.
Converting Expired CRP to
Cropland - Early Land
Preparation Request Guidance
Helping People Help the Land
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service - North Dakota
February 2008
Participant Responsibilities/Actions
The participant is required to:
• Request approval from FSA for Early Land Preparation before
destroying CRP cover,
• Obtain an approved conservation plan for the destruction of the
cover from NRCS when the method of destruction could cause
adverse environmental effects, as determined by the NRCS,
• Obtain an approved conservation plan for conservation compliance
(Highly Erodible Land), if an existing HEL plan or system is not in
place, and
• Not hay or graze CRP acreage unless it is hayed or grazed after
August 1 under the managed use provisions or FSA witnesses the
destruction of the hay.
Land Ineligible for Early Land Preparation
The following land is ineligible:
CP5-Field Windbreak
CP5A-Field Windbreak, Non-easement
CP8A-Grass Waterways, Non-easement
CP9-Shallow Water Areas for Wildlife
CP13-Filter Strips Grass(C) or Trees (D)
CP16A-Shelterbelt Establishment
CP21-Filter Strips
CP22-Riparian Buffer/Riparian Forest
CP23-Wetland Restoration
CP27-Farmable Wetlands
CP28-Farmable Wetland Buffer
CP29-Marginal Pastureland Wildlife
CP30-Wetland Habitat Buffer
CP37-Duck Nesting Habitat
• Any CRP practice with a useful life easement
(i.e., CREP contracts CP16A, CP4D)
• Acreage located within the average width (120
foot maximum) of a stream or other permanent
water body to ensure continued habitat for
wildlife
• Acreage considered a wetland, as indicated on
the county wetland inventory
• Acreage required to serve as a wetland buffer
as noted in the FOTG
• Acreage located within an EPA wellhead
protection area
• Acreage subject to frequent flooding (i.e., within
the 100-year floodplain)
Preparation for Spring-Seeded Crops
To prepare for a spring-seeded crop