The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) has proven a real boon for Box Elder County. It has improved the quality of life for the entire county: wildlife, farmers, ranchers, sportsmen, and residents alike.

One of the greatest benefits is the increase in wildlife. Box Elder County is on the southern edge of the current range of the Columbian Sharp-Tailed Grouse. This bird was once very prominent in Utah. In the 1890's it was not uncommon to see flocks of several hundred in northern Utah, and one could see as many as ten thousand grouse in a single day riding the range. But by the 1950s, however, over hunting and habitat loss had reduced the grouse population to only 1,515 birds. And grouse remained scarce until CRP came along.

When the first CRP contracts were enrolled in 1986, grouse numbers began to revive. By 1999, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources estimated fall counts exceeding 11,000 birds! And, with CRP, grouse numbers continue to grow. Because of its dependence on federal agricultural programs to keep crucial habitat out of crop production, some even refer to the Sharp-Tailed Grouse as the "Federal Bird."

Other game and non-game species have also increased as a direct result of CRP, including Hungarian Partridge, Chucker Partridge, pheasants, antelope, and deer. The vegetative cover provides habitat and important food sources.

CRP has provided an important benefit in the county - preserving the soil. With approximately 90,000 acres currently enrolled, the program has saved literally tons and tons of topsoil from wind and water erosion. Despite the arid climate, intense rainfall can hit Box Elder County at any time. CRP plants and their root systems protect against water erosion by keeping the soil in place and slowing run-off. This allows rainfall to infiltrate the soil rather than gushing into streams and gullies filled with valuable topsoil.

Similarly, CRP protects the fragile soil from wind erosion. High winds in Box Elder County can lift soil and blow it off crop fields. CRP perennial grass and forb cover holds soil in place, preserving this precious resource for future generations.

And, to top it all off, CRP cover can be breathtakingly beautiful! Filled with colorful flowers, CRP fields in late spring and early summer are awe-inspiring. Their beauty stretches as far as the eye can see.

Male sharp-tailed grouse on a "Lek" or strutting ground. Thirty-six percent of the leks are located on CRP contract acreage in Utah. Photo by Troy Forrest, Northern Utah Soil Conservation District.

CRP seeding of grasses, sainfoin, and alfalfa.

Close up of sainfoin, alfalfa, and salsify in flower on the CRP.

Water erosion leaving a wheat field in Box Elder County.

Water from wheat field entering CRP field. Water spreads out and drops sediment on the CRP due to the established perennial cover.