Conservation district conducting sign-up for cost share funds

The Bourbon County Conservation District is going to have a sign-up period for cost-share funds from the Kansas State Conservation Commission to assist landowners in installing enduring soil and water conservation structures. The State Water Resources Cost-Share Program for applying conservation practices is an asset in the important task of protecting the soil, water, and related natural resources of Bourbon County. These funds are provided by the State Conservation Commission through appropriation from the Kansas Water Plan Fund.

The sign-up period is from June 21 thru June 30. This is a change from the process the conservation district had it had new sign ups as long as funds were available. The district is now required to rate all applications on an environmental index so the money can be used where the most benefit will occur. So if anyone has any needs for funding, they should be sure to come in during the sign-up period.

The local conservation district will approve cost-sharing with landowners on grassed waterways, terraces, diversions, critical area plantings, animal waste control systems, range seed ings, and pasture and hayland plantings, stockwater ponds and stockwater tanks. Priority will be placed on HEL land, water quality, soil erosion, grazing lands, and riparian areas.

Also received are funds to be used specifically in the Marmaton Watershed area funded under the Non-Point Source Pollution Control Program. The NPS Program includes cost-share assistance for nutrient incorporation, nutrient management (soil testing), updating failing on-site wastewater systems, animal holding and management areas, pasture and rangeland management, and livestock waste systems.

Interested landowners can stop by the BCCD office, 1515 S. Judson, Suite B, Fort Scott, or call (620) 223-3170.