Natural Resources and Users Benefit from the Conservation Reserve Program

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) may generate $6-$14 billion (present value) in benefits to natural resources if 45 million acres of highly erodible or environmentally sensitive cropland are removed from agricultural production by 1990. Protecting the soil by retiring and planting permanent grasses and trees on such land for 10 years will improve soil productivity, water quality, air quality, wildlife habitat, and groundwater supply. But the magnitude and distribution of benefits can be altered by changing the emphasis of the program. This report estimates how retiring cropland benefits natural resources under three scenarios of CRP enrollment.