The Dickinson County Conservation District is conducting a state cost-share sign-up April 15, 2021 through May 15, 2021 to accept requests for state financial assistance to install enduring conservation practices. The conservation district administers state cost-share programs locally to improve water quality and reduce soil erosion. Funding is provided by the Division of Conservation, Kansas Department of Agriculture (DOC) through appropriation from the Kansas Water Plan Fund.
Landowners with natural resource concerns on their property are encouraged to visit the USDA Service Center in Abilene or the Dickinson County Conservation District website to apply for state cost-share assistance. Funding is provided through cost-share payments to landowners for eligible practices such as terraces, grassed waterways, field windbreaks, grass plantings, livestock water supplies, cross fencing, on-site waste systems, and abandoned well plugging. Application does not guarantee approval of cost-share financial assistance. Projects started or completed prior to being approved and signing a contract for funding are not eligible for cost-share funds.
Following the sign-up deadline, each request is carefully reviewed to ensure eligibility. The proposed project is ranked according to a system developed by the DOC and Dickinson County Conservation District. The ranking system ensures fairness to landowners and ensures cost-share funds are used to meet local conservation priorities. Landowners approved for the program are notified of the practice(s) approved and the estimated amount of cost-share that will be provided. Before implementation begins, the contract must be approved by the DOC and must be signed by the landowners and returned to the Dickinson County Conservation District.
The Conservation District works closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to protect and conserve natural resources, primarily soil and water. Conservation practices funded with state cost-share funds must be installed and maintained according to NRCS and DOC specifications. Landowners must work closely with NRCS in the planning stage to ensure practices are applied correctly. Technical assistance for these practices is provided free of charge by NRCS.
All programs of the Dickinson County Conservation District are available without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.
For more information concerning state cost-share programs and other available services, please contact Cindy Montgomery, District Manager, Dickinson County Conservation Service, 785-263-2787 extension 332.