General sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) began on August 2 and closes August 27, 2010. CRP is a voluntary program that assists farmers, ranchers and other agricultural producers to use their environmentally sensitive land for conservation benefits. By reducing water runoff and sedimentation, CRP also protects groundwater and helps improve the condition of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams. For more information, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp.