PACD is now accepting mini-grant applications from conservation districts for up to $3,000 to implement educational and outreach activities that support and extend the work of the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Projects should focus on CREP enrollment, re-enrollment and/or CREP maintenance.

The guidelines and application for the new CREP mini-grant program for conservation districts are posted here . Questions should be directed to Shannon Wehinger at [email protected] .

The Capital Resource Conservation and Development Area Council (Capital RC&D) has produced a short video that shows the correct implementation of maintenance tasks, such as tree shelter maintenance and herbicide application, organized by season. Buffer Maintenance Basics: Seasonal Maintenance for a Healthy Riparian Buffer includes tips for both new and mature buffer management that will help ensure a successful buffer planting. Click here to view the video, which is also available on the Capital RC&D YouTube channel .

CREP partners have access to a wide variety of resources to help promote the program and educate current or potential program participants. Available resources include print materials, a standing banner, and a five-minute video featuring landowners sharing their own CREP stories. Resources can be used for one-on-one farm visits, district-sponsored workshops, or county and statewide exhibition events. Click here to see the CREP standing banner, print materials, and other resources. To view the Conservation Pays video, click here.

Members of the CREP Partners Listserve already know that it’s a convenient way to share and receive program information, but did you know it’s also an email discussion group? Listserve members can ask questions, seek opinions, and discuss current issues related to the program through the list. Interested partners can email Molly Burns at [email protected] to join.