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COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has approved Ohio’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) to administer a new conservation project though the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) referred to as Stat Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE).

SAFE proposals address state and regional high-priority wildlife objectives, and SAFE practices provide the flexibility to meet the specific needs of high-value wildlife species in a participating state or region. Owners and operators of certain cropland in designated geographic areas may enroll eligible land into SAFE.

Ohio's SAFE goal is to enroll up to 11,600 acres into native grass, oak savanna and wetland complexes in order to expand habitats for high priority species including; Karner blue butterflies, frosted elfin butterflies, Henslow’s sparrow, dickcissels, wood ducks, northern bobwhite quail and ring-necked pheasants. These projects will be limited to priority focus areas throughout Ohio, best suited for such habitats.

A sign-up start date will be announced early this spring with sign-up on a continuous (ongoing) basis. Through continuous CRP signup, USDA accepts year-round producer offers, provided the land and producer meet certain eligibility requirements. Producers can offer land for enrollment in SAFE and other CRP programs at their local FSA Service Center.

Note: There are certain townships in specific counties that are eligible for these SAFE practices. Click here to view the eligible areas.

Producers within a SAFE area can submit offers to voluntarily enroll acres in CRP contracts for 10 -15 years. In exchange, producers receive annual CRP rental payments, incentives and cost-share assistance to establish habitat-enhancing natural covers on eligible land. Producers enrolling in CRP enter into contracts with USDA’s Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). FSA administers CRP on behalf of CCC.

Click here for more information on Ohio's SAFE project, or visit your local FSA Service Center. Prior to the sign-up period, producers may file a Record of Inquiry form at their local FSA office to express their interest in SAFE.