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Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
CREP supports farmers in enhancing streamside areas that benefit both agriculture and salmon. The program covers all project costs, from site planning and planting to five years of maintenance, to ensure native trees and shrubs establish successfully.
In addition to technical support, landowners receive annual rental payments for the acres they restore and a one-time signing bonus for enrolling. Contracts typically last 10–15 years and can be renewed, providing long-term benefits for both the land and local waterways.
CREP is a voluntary partnership administered federally by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), at the state level by the Washington State Conservation Commission, and locally through conservation districts.
If you are a CREP technician, you can find more resources here.
Accomplishments
Since its inception in 1999, CREP has voluntarily engaged landowners with:
- Enhancing salmon habitat along over 925 miles of stream — stretching the distance from Seattle to the Grand Canyon.
- Planting nearly six million native trees and shrubs, improving soil health, air quality, and water conditions.
- Constructing over 280 miles of streamside fence to keep livestock away from salmon streams.
- Enrolled over 207,000 acres in the program in voluntary conservation contracts across the state.
Read this Success Story Snapshot about CREP in the Tucannon River to see an example of accomplishments on the ground.
Results
CREP plantings are thriving across Washington. On average, vegetation grows 10–29 inches per year, with site survival rates between 75–90%.
Cooling summer water temperatures for salmon is a key CREP goal and it’s working. Sites that are 5–10 years old now average 72% canopy cover along small streams, helping shade and cool the water. In some areas with high CREP participation, stream temperatures have dropped by up to 10°F, a remarkable achievement for salmon recovery.
To measure progress and ensure program effectiveness, the SCC conducts annual monitoring of a randomly selected group of CREP sites. Monitoring evaluates plant survival, canopy growth, and overall habitat improvements that contribute to healthier streams and more resilient landscapes.
What other ways do CREP buffers benefit farms?
In addition to improving fish habitat, CREP buffers offer multiple on-farm benefits:
- Erosion control: Stabilize streambanks and protect soil from loss.
- Flood mitigation: Slow and absorb floodwaters, reducing downstream impacts.
- Weather protection: Shield fields, livestock, and structures from wind and snow.
