Grassland Reserve Program
North Dakota 2004
Signup and Application Information
General Program Description The Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) is a voluntary program that helps landowners and operators restore and protect grassland, including rangeland and pastureland, and certain other lands, while maintaining the areas as grazing lands.
The program emphasizes: Support for grazing operations, plant and animal biodiversity, and grasslands under the greatest threat of conversion.
GRP is authorized in the 2002 Farm Bill . The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the program, in cooperation with the USDA Forest Service. Funding for the GRP comes from the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). Producers can apply at USDA Service Centers in North Dakota.
 Adobe Acrobat is required to view the following documents:
Interim Final Rule (7CFR 1415, May 21, 2004)
Federal Register Notice of Availability of Funds (6-13-03)
News Release (6-17-2003)
Grassland Reserve Program Fact Sheet
Grassland Reserve Program Key Points
Grassland Reserve Program Questions & Answers
North Dakota GRP News Release
North Dakota GRP Results
How the Grassland Reserve Program Works
Applications may be filed for a rental agreement or easement with NRCS or FSA at any time. Batching dates are established to evaluate and select applications for funding. August 6, 2004, was the cut off date for applications to be considered for 2004's allocation of funds. All applications on file through that date will be evaluated and prioritized for 2004 funding.
Participants voluntarily limit future use of the land while retaining the right to conduct common grazing practices; produce hay, mow, or harvest for seed production (subject to certain restrictions during the nesting season of bird species that are in significant decline or those that are protected under Federal or State law); and conduct fire rehabilitation and construct firebreaks and fences.
The Program Offers Several Enrollment Options:
Rental Agreement Participants have the option of choosing a 10-year, 15-year, 20-year, or 30-year easement. USDA will provide annual payments in an amount that is not more than 75 percent of the grazing value of the land covered by the agreement for the life of the agreement. Payments will be disbursed on the agreement anniversary date each year.
The following document requires Adobe Acrobat to view North Dakota's rental rates.
North Dakota's County Rental Rates
Permanent Easement This is a conservation easement in perpetuity. Easement payments for this option equal the fair market value, less the grazing value of the land encumbered by the easement. These values will be determined using an appraisal process. North Dakota State law precludes the permanent easement option.
Thirty-Year Easement USDA will provide an easement payment equal to 30 percent of the fair market value of the land, less the grazing value of the land for the period during which the land is encumbered by the easement.
For easement options, USDA will provide all administrative costs associated with recording the easement, including appraisal fees, survey costs, title insurance, and recording fees. Easement payments may be provided, at the participant’s request, in lump sum or annual payments (equal or unequal amounts) for up to 10 years.
Restoration Agreement If restoration is determined necessary by NRCS, a restoration agreement will be incorporated within the rental agreement or easement. CCC will provide up to 90 percent of the restoration costs on lands that have never been cultivated, and up to 75 percent of the cost on restored grasslands. Participants will be paid upon certification of the completion of the approved practice(s) by NRCS or an approved third party. Participants may contribute to the application of a cost-share practice through in-kind contributions.
Ranking Criteria
Applications will be evaluated and selected based on state ranking criteria.
The following documents requireAdobe Acrobat to view the material.
North Dakota 2004 GRP Evaluation Worksheet
North Dakota GRP Evaluation Worksheet Instructions
Eligibility Landowners who can provide clear title are eligible to submit an application for either easement option. Landowners and others who have general control of the acreage may submit an application for a rental agreement.
The Adjusted Gross Income provision of the 2002 Farm Bill impacts eligibility for GRP and several other 2002 Farm Bill programs. Individuals or entities that have an average adjusted gross income exceeding $2.5 million for the 3 tax years immediately preceding the year the contract is approved are not eligible to receive program benefits or payments. However, an exemption is provided in cases where 75 percent of the adjusted gross income is derived from farming, ranching, or forestry operations.
Eligible land includes grassland or land that contains forbs or shrubs (including improved rangeland and pastureland); and grassland or land that is located in an area that historically has been dominated by grassland, forbs, and shrubs and has potential to provide habitat for animal or plant populations of significant ecological value if the land is retained in its current use or restored to a natural condition. Incidental lands may be included to allow for the efficient administration of an agreement or easement.
To Apply: Application signup is an ongoing process and can be done on line or completed at your local USDA Service Center with NRCS or FSA.
The following document requires Adobe Acrobat to view the material.
Application form (AD-1153)
For More Information Please contact your local USDA Service Center office.
State contact:
Jennifer Heglund, Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, 701-530-2095.
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