Conservation District Accepting Applications For Conservation Cost Share Program

Richland County Conservation District is currently taking applications for their conservation cost share program. The program is in its fifth year with funding for the program provided by the Richland County Commissioners. In prior years, Richland County landowners were able to improve irrigation systems, drill water wells for livestock, install stockwater tanks, fences and pipelines and plant trees with this program. The District is targeting landowners that would like to implement conservation practices but they never rank well with the NRCS EQIP program due to the size of their projects. Small projects are the focus of this program.

Landowners in Richland County seeking to implement conservation practices on their property may be eligible for 50 percent cost share on the practices. The conservation districts share for 2015 is limited to $5000.00 per applicant. Applicants are limited to $10000.00 in a five year period. Practices must benefit the natural resources in Richland County, design standards and specifications need to follow NRCS specifications where applicable. Applications are available at the conservation district office and will be accepted from January 1, 2015 until February 28, 2015. The conservation district will rank the applicants using ranking criteria. New to the program this year will be a short interview of the applicant by the supervisors. This will help the supervisors understand the projects and give applicants a chance to answer question concerning their funding requests. Contracts will be awarded by March 31, 2015 and must be completed by Dec 31st, 2015. Proposed practices must be completed within one year of approval and payment will be made upon completion and inspection of the project. Projects that have been implemented prior to contract agreements are not eligible for cost share. The Richland County Conservation District Board of Supervisors will make all decision on prioritizing and acceptation of applications.

If you have a smaller conservation practice that would enhance the natural resources in Richland County, stop by the conservation district office at 2745 W Holly ST to pick up an application or call 433-2103x101 to have an application sent to you. Applications are due back to the conservation district by February 28 and applicants will be notified by March 31, 2015 if they will be funded.