United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Illinois Go to Accessibility Information
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National Resource Inventory (NRI)

CRP and Other Reserve Programs

1997 National Resources Inventory

(Revised December 2000)

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) was authorized under the 1985 Food Security Act (FSA). It is a voluntary program that encourages farmers to convert highly erodible cropland and other environmentally sensitive cropland areas to permanent vegetative cover. Permanent cover options include grasses, and legumes, tree plantings, wildlife plantings, filter strips, and riparian buffers. Farmers receive an annual rental payment for the term of the multiyear contracts. Cost share assistance is provided to establish the vegetative cover practices.

The program goals are to reduce soil erosion, protect the nation's ability to produce food and fiber, enhance wildlife habitat, and improve water quality. Grasses and legumes protect 92 percent of the CRP land in Illinois. 

CRP and Other Reserve Programs
Years of Inventory 1982 1987 1992 1997
Acres Enrolled 0 119,900 710,600 726,000

The Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) is a voluntary program designed to restore and protect wetlands on private property. Under WRP, landowners may sell a conservation easement or enter into a cost-share agreement with the USDA to restore and protect wetlands. The landowner voluntarily limits future use of the land, yet retains private ownership. Landowners receive technical and financial assistance to enhance wetlands. Landowners are offered three options: permanent easements, 30-year easements, or restoration agreements.

Approximately 13,544 acres had been enrolled in the Wetland Reserve Program by 1997.

Both of these cost-hare programs have been well received in Illinois.