Sign-Up Available for CRP Upland Bird Practice in Ohio

Ohio State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE)

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- July 13, 2023 – Dr. John Patterson, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director in Ohio, announced that landowners and operators in designated counties throughout Ohio will have the opportunity to offer cropland for enrollment in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) upland bird practice entitled State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement (SAFE).  The Upland Bird SAFE is available on a continuous (ongoing) basis in the following counties: Adams, Auglaize, Brown, Butler, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Crawford, Darke, Defiance, Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Fulton, Gallia, Greene, Hancock, Hardin, Highland, Jackson, Knox, Lawrence, Logan, Madison, Marion, Miami, Morrow, Paulding, Pickaway, Pike, Preble, Ross, Seneca, Shelby, Union, Williams, and Wyandot.  See map below for eligible geographic areas.

The Ohio Upland Bird SAFE utilizes a wildlife management practice specifically developed by conservation organizations and agencies located within Ohio to establish and restore habitat for ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, and other upland birds on eligible cropland.  The program specifically targets declining quail and pheasant populations in areas of greatest impact. 

To be eligible for the Ohio Upland Bird SAFE, the offered land must be owned or leased for at least one year prior to enrollment and must be physically and legally capable of being cropped in a normal manner.  Land must also meet cropping history and other eligibility requirements.  Land currently enrolled in CRP may be re-offered for enrollment into SAFE if the land enrolled in CRP is in the last year of the CRP-1 contract.  Offers are automatically accepted provided the land and applicant meet all eligibility requirements.  Ohio Upland Bird SAFE offers are not subject to competitive bidding. 

Producers will receive annual rental payments for the length of the contract, and cost share assistance of up to 50 % of the eligible practice cost to establish upland bird habitat.  Additionally, FSA provides producers with a signing incentive payment (not applicable to re-enrolled acreage) and a practice incentive payment.  Contracts enrolled under the Ohio Upland Bird SAFE must be 10-15 years in duration.

For more information on Ohio's Upland Bird SAFE project, visit your local FSA county office.   

Upland Bird SAFE Map:  Counties in which Ohio Upland Bird SAFE may be applied.