What is the Scioto River Watershed CREP?
The Scioto River Watershed Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is a farmer/landowner-implemented agricultural environmental stewardship program. The goal is to create 70,000 acres of filter strips, riparian buffers, wildlife habitat, wetlands, and tree plantings to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into the river and its tributaries. As a result it will improve biodiversity in the entire watershed. Landowners enrolling cropland or marginal pastureland will receive 15 annual rental payments from USDA and cost-share for installation and maintenance of eligible practices. State incentive payments are provided on wetland and wildlife conservation practices. Optional voluntary easements can be enrolled provided funding is available. Why is Scioto River Watershed CREP important? Besides being Ohio’s longest river, the Scioto River Watershed is home to more species of fish and mussels than any other Ohio watershed. Additionally, the watershed provides drinking water to over 20 c
