Conservation

SWCD Financial Assistance Programs

Cost Share

Landowners can request financial and technical assistance for the implementation of approved conservation practices that protect and improve water quality. The program provides up to 75% or a flat rate of the total eligible costs of a practice. The SWCD Board of Supervisors approves or denies all cost share contract requests. A contract between the SWCD and landowner needs to be approved before the project can begin.

Conservation Easements

CREP, Wetland Bank, and other easements involve the acquisition of limited rights in land for conservation purposes. Landowners who offer the state a conservation easement receive a payment to stop cropping, and in turn establish conservation practices such as native grass or wetland restorations. The easement is recorded on the land title with the county recorder and transfers with the land when the parcel is sold.

Additional Programs

Additional financial assistance may be available through state or federal programs. These competitive grants are applied for and administered through the SWCD for implementation of specific targeted projects in a priority area. 

Resources
Spotlight Projects

USDA Programs (FSA, NRCS)

Environmental Quality Incentives Program EQIP

EQIP offers financial and technical help to assist eligible participants install or implement structural and management practices on eligible agricultural land. For additional information contact your local NRCS office at 507-526-3282. 

Conservation Reserve Program CRP

In exchange for a yearly rental payment, farmers enrolled in the program agree to remove environmentally sensitive land from ag production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Contracts for land enrolled in CRP are 10-15 years in length. For additional information contact your local FSA office at 507-526-3282.