Soil & Water Conservation Program Grant

The Soil & Water Conservation Program by the Lower Platte North NRD offers significant cost-share assistance to landowners for implementing conservation practices. Eligible activities include establishing grasslands, constructing terrace systems, and managing irrigation. Funding can cover up to 90% of costs in priority watersheds, ensuring support for sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. This initiative is open to all landowners within the district, promoting eco-friendly practices across various agricultural landscapes.

The Lower Platte North NRD provides cost-share assistance to landowners for establishing a variety of conservation practices on their land.
Up to 75% of the cost may be funded for high priority practices; in priority watersheds, the cost-share rate can be up to 90%.
High priority practices include:
Establishment of warm and cool season grass on croplandConstruction of new terrace systems (including replacement of terrace systems 20 years old and older)Construction of sediment & water control basins when part of a new terrace systemConstruction of diversions when part of a new terrace system or damPlanned Grazing Management Systems (eligible practices include: cross fencing, livestock water dugouts, livestock well installation, pumping plants for livestock wells, livestock water tanks, and livestock water pipeline installation)Installation of tiled outlets into existing terracesWater impoundment dams and grade stabilization structuresIrrigation Water Management (cost share for flow meters — does not include installation costs)Tree/shrub planting (only when NRD stock is planted by district staff) for riparian buffer strips, field, acreage and farmstead windbreaks, and wildlife habitatWindbreak renovationSupplement of approved EQIP contracts in priority areasNew grass waterways when part of an approved terrace systemReplacement of grass waterways (if more than 10 years old and part of an approved terrace system — considered on a case-by-case basis)Waterways on 100% no-tilled fieldsEmergency repair of conservation practices

Eligibility

Any landowner in the Lower Platte North NRD, whether an individual, partnership, corporation, or other legal entity, is eligible to apply for Soil and Water Conservation Program funds.