Submitted

The Nemaha County Conservation District is conducting a sign-up March 1 to March 15 to accept requests for state financial assistance to install various 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 Nemaha County Conservation District to discuss the possibility of receiving state financial assistance. Funding is provided through cost-share payments to landowners for eligible practices such as terraces, grassed waterways, grass plantings, livestock water supplies, cross fencing, ponds, grade stabilization structures, abandoned well plugging and replacing on-site waste system and several other practices.

Following the sign-up deadline each request is reviewed to ensure eligibility. The proposed project is ranked according to a system developed by the Nemaha 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 the work can begin, the contract is approved by the DOC and must be signed by the landowner(s).

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. It is necessary that landowners 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 the USDA.

For more information concerning state cost-share programs and other available services, please contact the Nemaha County Conservation District at 785-336-2186, Ext. 110, or email Dana at dana.schmelzle@usda.gov. She can provide you with an application.