So many area landowners have expressed interest in the new Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) since it was introduced in March 2004 that a special workshop is being developed to explain the program's details, and to show landowners where they can get help installing conservation practices appropriate for their properties.

The Southwestern Pennsylvania CREP Workshop will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 1 at the Four Points Sheraton in Greensburg.

This workshop is primarily for individuals who have already signed up for CREP, although anyone who is interested in the program is welcome.

John Lohr, executive director of Westmoreland County's Farm Service Agency will be the lead workshop speaker.

The discussion will center on the government's program of sharing the costs of this effort with the landowner, and will explain how payments are made and to whom and how bills should be submitted to expedite payment.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will explain the requirements associated with various conservation practices that landowners may be asked to implement on their properties, such as planting cool-season grasses, creating streamside buffers or grassed waterways, restoring wetlands, and so on. Landowners may choose to install these measures themselves or contract with suppliers for the work.

A variety of local, regional and national companies will be on hand to demonstrate their ability to supply materials and services landowners may need - including native plants, tree planting services, grass seed, fencing and general services. This is a good opportunity for landowners to meet and evaluate a variety of potential vendors.

Deadline to register for the workshop is Jan. 20. For more information, contact the Westmoreland Conservation District at 724-837-5271 or by e-mail at Leanne@wcdpa.com.

FSA offices in each county are administering CREP, a program that encourages landowners to install conservation measures and to take land that is highly environmentally sensitive, such as stream banks and steep cropland, out of agricultural production for a period of 10 to 15 years. Rental rates have been ranging from $80 to $125 per acre.

The purpose of CREP is to keep erosion to a minimum - a practice that benefits the landowner by protecting valuable soil and the community at large by reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients in streams and waterways.

Landowners in our area may continue to apply for CREP participation.

CP1 - Cool Season GrassesCP2 - Native Warm Season GrassesCP4D - Permanent Wildlife HabitatCP8A - Grass WaterwayCP9 - Shallow Water Area for WildlifeCP10 - Grass Already EstablishedCP12 - Wildlife Food PlotCP15A - Contour Grass StripsCP21 - Filter StripsCP22 - Riparian BufferCP23 - Wetland RestorationCP29 - Wildlife Habitat BufferCP30 - Wetland Buffer