OWEB is now accepting applications for 2026 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Technical Assistance grants

The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) is now accepting applications for 2026 Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Technical Assistance grants.

Grant Information
The purpose of the Oregon CREP is to restore, maintain, and enhance streamside areas along agricultural lands to benefit fish, wildlife, and water quality. OWEB’s CREP Technical Assistance grants support costs associated with local CREP program implementation. Costs may include staffing, travel, training, outreach, planning, and contract monitoring over a 2-year project period beginning January 2026. The OWEB Board plans to make grant awards at the October 2025 meeting. 

Pre-Application Consultation
Applicants, particularly those applying for a CREP Technical Assistance grant for the first time, are strongly encouraged to contact Heidi Hartman (971-707-0226), Federal Programs Specialist, to discuss their proposals before submitting an application. For general information about OWEB and our grant programs, please visit OWEB’s website.

Webinar
OWEB will hold an informational webinar about the CREP Technical Assistance (TA) Grant Program on Tuesday, June 17th from 9:30 am to 10:30 am. Register in advance for this webinar. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. During the webinar, OWEB staff will review the CREP TA application and guidance, then invite participants to ask questions and submit feedback.

Contract Monitoring and Reporting Requirements
OWEB and CREP technicians have worked together to develop a monitoring approach to track the performance of CREP practices over time. Expectations around contract monitoring and reporting are reflected in the grant application. Monitoring that is required in the grant application include:

• Performance tracking using the contract monitoring checklist (available upon request).
• Performance tracking using the Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP).
• Management/reporting monitoring data.

Applicants are encouraged to consider and refine their scope of work and budget to accommodate monitoring. If you have questions on contract monitoring and reporting requirements, please contact Ken Fetcho (971-345-7018), Effectiveness Monitoring Coordinator.

New 5% Match Requirement
Recognizing that matching funds are more difficult to obtain for Technical Assistance projects, and that match is sometimes a barrier to participation in OWEB grants, the new match requirement for the CREP Technical Assistance program is 5%.

Deadline
Grant applications are due July 17, 2025, by 5:00 pm and must be submitted via OWEB’s online grant application. If you need to set up a login, please email Leilani Sullivan.