Indiana provide conservation reserve program transition incentive program: outreach, technical assistance, & research agreements workload assistance to augment nrcs staff to ensure completion of…

The National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) awarded $2.2 million to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources through a Cooperative Agreement effective September 22, 2025, with a completion date of July 31, 2030. This award funds the Indiana Provide Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Transition Incentive Program, which delivers outreach, technical assistance, and research services to support CRP implementation across Indiana. The funding augments existing NRCS staff capacity to address workload backlogs and ensure timely completion of program deliverables.

Under the Conservation Reserve Program (CFDA 10.069)—a voluntary USDA initiative that contracts with landowners to implement conservation practices reducing soil erosion, improving water quality, and supporting wildlife habitat—this cooperative agreement provides critical program delivery infrastructure. The Indiana DNR will leverage the funding to support technical expertise in conservation planning, program administration, and stakeholder engagement, enabling the state to effectively manage the CRP caseload and expand participation among Indiana landowners and operators.

Indiana provide conservation reserve program transition incentive program: outreach, technical assistance, & research agreements workload assistance to augment nrcs staff to ensure completion of workload.