Rural landowners and farmers are invited to the 2007 Southwest PA Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Forum on February 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Giannilli’s II in Greensburg.

Registration forms must be postmarked by February 2.

CREP is a voluntary federal program designed to improve water quality and wildlife habitat by financially rewarding landowners for implementing conservation practices on their land. Enrollment is open to any producer or landowner with eligible marginal cropland, pastureland, or non-forested streams.

The program is administered by the U. S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency and implemented by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, in conjunction with a host of local partners, including the Department of Environmental Protection, Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

The 2007 Southwest PA CREP Forum provides information for those who have never participated as well as those who are under contract. The forum will provide information about herd health; environmental and financial benefits of CREP; practice installation and maintenance questions.

Farmers and landowners will share personal experiences in the CREP program and vendors and contractors and suppliers will be on hand to provide information about their products. Local conservation agencies and experts will also be available to answer questions and provide information.

Registration is $12 and includes morning snacks, coffee breaks and lunch.

For information about the 2007 Southwest PA CREP Forum, contact Leanne Griffith at the Westmoreland Conservation District at 724-837-5271, extension 211 or send email to: leanne@wcdpa.com .

1/26/2007