Colorado Open Lands Announces Funding for Implementing Conservation Projects or Permanent Conservation Easement through USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership Program

Colorado Open Lands Announces Funding for Implementing Conservation Projects or Permanent Conservation Easement through USDA's Regional Conservation Partnership Program

Colorado Open Lands is announcing a funding opportunity through the Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Producers within the project area (see map below) that are interested in implementing conservation projects or enrolling in a permanent conservation easement on their private agricultural operation have until December 9th, 2022 to submit an application to the San Luis NRCS field office to be considered for this funding cycle. 

If you are an agricultural producer wishing to enroll in a conservation easement, please know that you will need to work with an eligible land trust to submit an application by the deadline.

To be eligible for consideration for this funding opportunity, an agricultural producer must have updated farm records with the Farm Service Agency (FSA), must irrigate from a recognized acequia, and must meet all program eligibility requirements. We encourage projects that benefit more than one producer. Interested participants must meet the specific funding pool required criteria to be considered for funding.

The goals of this special funding opportunity are to:

  • Assist acequias with infrastructure improvements, such as headgate replacement, or installation of measuring devices
  • Assist producers with cross fencing, riparian fencing, and installation of livestock watering tanks to support grazing management
  • Support implementation of projects identified by the Culebra Watershed Assessment
If your acequia is interested in seeking financial support, please contact us in advance of the deadline to learn how you can apply. Colorado Open Lands will also be offering owner cost share assistance for conservation projects. Be sure to sign up early to take part in this limited funding option.

To determine if your application is eligible for this select fund pool and for additional information about applications contact Joel Nystrom, Colorado Open Lands Acequia RCPP Project Manager at 719-496-1708 or NRCS office staff at 719-672-3673.

To find out more information about RCPP, the NRCS and other programs and opportunities, please visit www.co.nrcs.usda.gov

Original source can be found here.

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