Richland County Conservation District, Cost Share Applications and Tree Sales

Applications for the Richland County Conservation District Cost Share program will be accepted through March 7, 2014. The cost share program provides financial assistance for natural resource improvements within Richland County. The program is available to any private sector landowner on property in Richland County. Projects must be on the ground and follow the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) designs standards and specifications where applicable. Cost share assistance is 50% of the cost recommended on the NRCS cost list and is limited to $5000.00 per year and a cap of $10,000 within a 5 year period. Applications will be ranked and successful applicants will be notified by March 31, 2014. All projects must be completed by December 31, 2014. If you have received cost share from another public entity in the last 5 years you are not eligible for this program. Practices implemented in the past include stockwater wells and pipelines, fences, grass seeding, buried irrigation lines and shelterbelts. Over $400,000 in conservation practices have been implemented in Richland County since the start of this program in 2011. Deadline for this cost share program is March 7, 2014.

Tree orders will be taken for conservation tree plantings until April 1, 2014. Trees will be delivered in late April or early May. Trees available through the Conservation District are suitable for wind breaks and shelterbelts. Trees can be ordered in bundles of 10 or 25 depending on size and availability. If you need advice on tree selection, pruning techniques, general tree care and maintenance plan to attend our Tree Care and Shelterbelt workshop on Wednesday, March 5, 2014 from 2-5 pm and Thursday, March 6th for a tour of shelter belts in the area. Featured speaker for the workshop is Peter Kolb, MSU Extension Forestry Specialist. The Conservation District is cooperating with MSU Extension-Richland County and the local Natural Resource Conservation Service office to present this workshop.

Information on the cost share program or tree order forms are available at the conservation district office at 2745 West Holly Street or by calling 406-433-2103x101 or emailing [email protected].