Recreational Use & Economics of Conservation Reserve (CRP) Acreage: A National Survey of Landowners

Report Objectives: In June, 2007, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture contracted with Southwick Associates (Southwick) and D. J. Case & Associates (DJ Case) to conduct a nationwide mail survey of landowners participating in the CRP to better understand the benefits created by the CRP for enrolled landowners and the public. Specific objectives of the study were --- To determine if CRP enrollment created new sources of farm income via hunting or other wildlife-related recreation; To determine if the CRP created new recreational opportunities and land access opportunities for the public; and To determine the relative value to landowners of the direct CRP payments compared to the income created by recreational uses of their lands.