FARGO – Audubon Dakota’s North Dakota Conservation Forage Program (CFP) is accepting applications from landowners interested in assistance in restoring cropland back to native prairie. Through CFP, landowners will be able to improve forage availability and quality, wildlife habitat, add soil health by re-establishing grasslands and integrating grazing and haying on their land. Enrolled landowners are expected to maintain the enrolled grasslands for a 10-year term.

CFP provides three years of transition payments based on NASS county-level rates, as well as cost-share for native grassland seed mixes and fence and water development on reseeded areas. Audubon Dakota and partners are proud to provide an opportunity to offset the costs of establishing working grasslands on marginal croplands.

Producers are encouraged to collaborate with a technical assistance provider to fill out and submit the online application by Feb. 28 to receive funding for spring 2022 seeding.

For additional information and application details, please visit dakota.audubon.org or contact dakota@audubon.org.