Applications for the Nemaha NRD’s Soil & Watershed Conservation Program are now being accepted at US Department of Agriculture (USDA) county service centers. Eligible activities through the program include:

• Establishing cool or warm season grasses on cropland
• Establishing trees and/or shrubs
• Installing or renovating terraces, grassed waterways, or underground outlets on cropland
• Developing a planned grazing system including cross fencing, livestock tanks, wells and/or pipelines on pastureland
• Grade stabilization structures with less than 5 feet of drop and no permanent pool

Cost share is available for up to $8,000 per landowner. The signup period is January 1st through April 15th each year. Highest priority is given to work that can be completed between July 1 and October 1. If you are facing soil erosion concerns on your property, the Soil & Water Conservation Program can be a great alternative to federal funding sources. Stop by your local USDA service center’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to discuss the specifics and to learn more about how the program could help improve your property.