Rio Grande Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (RGCREP)

The Colorado Rio Grande CREP is a voluntary conservation partnership between the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), the State of Colorado, and Subdistrict No. 1. Our mission is to improve the long-term water sustainability of the San Luis Valley by reducing groundwater withdrawals and enhancing the local ecosystem.

Program Overview

The program compensates agricultural producers for voluntarily enrolling eligible irrigated cropland into long-term (15-year) conservation contracts.

• Current Enrollment: Approximately 10,024 acres (Goal: 40,000 acres).
• Eligible Areas: Portions of Alamosa, Rio Grande, and Saguache Counties.
• Key Goals: Conserve the unconfined aquifer, improve water quality, and restore wildlife habitats.

Financial Incentives & Payments

Participants receive multiple layers of financial support for retiring irrigation water and establishing conservation cover:

1. Federal Payments (USDA-FSA)

• Annual Rental Payments: Based on county soil rates (approx. $205–$250 per acre).
• Cost-Share Assistance: Up to 50% for establishing conservation cover.
• Incentive Payments: Additional PIP (40% of installation) and SIP (for wetland restoration) payments are available.

2. State & Subdistrict Incentives

• Temporary Water Retirement: $22–$33 per acre/year.
• Permanent Water Right Retirement: $44–$66 per acre/year.
• Focus Area Bonuses: Additional $10/acre annual rental incentives and one-time enrollment payments of up to $100/acre.

Land Eligibility

To qualify, your land must:

• Be classified as irrigated cropland with a cropping history (4 of the last 6 years).
• Have been irrigated with at least ½ acre-foot of water per acre during those years.
• Be physically and legally capable of irrigation at the time of enrollment.

Participant Commitments

• Enter a 15-year conservation contract.
• Cease irrigation on enrolled acres (limited irrigation allowed only during the first 3 years for cover establishment).
• Establish and maintain approved conservation cover (e.g., native grasses or wetland restoration) following an NRCS plan.

How to Enroll

1. Consult: Meet with your local FSA office to verify eligibility.
2. Plan: Select a conservation practice and undergo an NRCS suitability review.
3. Approve: Final review by Subdistrict No. 1 for water rights compliance.
4. Begin: Once approved, contracts typically start the following month.

Ready to learn more? Contact Quinton Norris, Program Manager for Subdistrict No. 1, at (719) 589-6301 ext. 1844 or email quinton@rgwcd.org.