Grants

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) the country's largest private-land conservation program. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), CREP targets specific State or nationally significant conservation concerns, and federal funds are supplemented with non-federal funds to address those concerns. In exchange for removing environmentally sensitive land from production and establishing permanent resource conserving plant species, farmers and ranchers are paid an annual rental rate along with other federal and non-federal incentives as applicable per each CREP agreement. Participation is voluntary, and the contract period is typically 10-15 years.

The Department of Agriculture (Department) is soliciting applications to conduct agricultural research on one or more of the following research topic areas, with the research to be conducted from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020 and a possible extension into future years. Some topics include: various multiyear research projects, climate adaptation and mitigation, spotted lanternfly, conservation BMPs, the PA Pollinator Protection Plan, dairy product research, blockchain technology, industrial hemp, workforce development, urban agriculture, pesticide impacts, noxious weeds, etc. Interested applicants must submit a complete electronic research project proposal and grant application at https://www.esa.dced.state.pa.us/Login.aspx by 4 p.m. on Friday, June 28, 2019. Questions regarding this online application process may be directed to Sheila Strubhar, Chief of the Contracts and Procurement Division for the Department, (717) 787-1467.

Pennsylvania’s conservation districts are encouraged to apply for funding to install multi-functional buffers (A riparian forest buffer that provides opportunities for harvesting products such as nuts, berries, woody florals, forbs, and potentially woody biomass) in conjunction with landowners. This grant is first come first served. The grant round will stay open until funds are used up or June 30, 2021, whichever comes first. No match required.

The Pennsylvania Environmental Council (PEC) and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) are pleased to offer mini-grants of up to $500 to help community organizations and trail groups celebrate PA Trails Month, September 2020. Includes supplies, shuttle or bike services, and other event costs.