MT producers encouraged to enroll in USDA CRP
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News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
HELENA – Montana producers have a timely opportunity to enhance their land and wildlife habitat through the USDA’s Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), with additional incentives offered through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP).
“Conservation programs like CRP and UGBEP not only help restore Montana’s agricultural lands but also strengthen our rural communities, enhance wildlife habitat, and provide outdoor recreation for all,” said FWP Director Christy Clark.
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has opened General and Continuous CRP sign-ups through June 6, 2025. CRP is a volunteer program that provides annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to producers who retire environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and implement conservation practices that benefit soil, water and wildlife resources.
To build on the conservation benefits of CRP, UGBEP offers additional incentives to producers to enhance upland game bird habitat. The CRP Add-on Lease option provides annual lease payments to producers who provide free walk-in game bird hunting access and manage their CRP for game birds. Alternatively, UGBEP offers a CRP Seed Cost-share option that helps producers offset the cost of establishing pre-approved seed mixes for wildlife habitat.
Although the 2025 UGBEP application period closed on April 25, producers currently enrolling in CRP or with existing contracts are encouraged to prepare for future UGBEP CRP enrollment periods.
To enroll in CRP, landowners should contact their local USDA FSA office to begin the application process before the June 6 deadline. Details on CRP eligibility, cost-share options and practice requirements are available a:t www.fsa.usda.gov/resources/programs/conservation-reserve-program.
For more information on UGBEP programs, including future CRP opportunities, visit: fwp.mt.gov/ugbep or contact Debbie Hohler, UGBEP coordinator, at 406-444-5674 or by email at dhohler@mt.gov.
