Conservation grants available

SAN LUIS – Colorado Open Lands is announcing a funding opportunity through the Colorado Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) and their Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This program will utilize conservation practices through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The program will provide financial assistance to facilitate adoption of conservation practices for Acequia farmers within the Culebra Watershed in Costilla County.

For consideration in this early funding opportunity, applications must be submitted by January 18, 2019. EQIP applications are available at the local NRCS Office in San Luis.

To be eligible for this unique opportunity participants must irrigate from a recognized acequia and meet all EQIP program eligibility requirements.

The EQIP program is a voluntary program that offers financial and technical assistance to eligible agricultural producers to facilitate adoption and improvement of natural resource management to increase private land resources and long-term sustainability.  The program offers financial incentives to adopt conservation practices that improve soil, water, plant, animal, and related resources.  Projects to be considered for this early funding cycle include:

Irrigation System Improvements: Gated pipe, headgates, land leveling and basic irrigation water management implementation.

Grazing System Improvements: Cross fencing, solar stock tanks with wells and prescribed grazing implementation.

High Tunnel: High tunnel systems for crops to assist producers in extending the growing season for high value crops and increase local food production.

Interested participants must meet the specific funding pool required criteria to be considered for funding in this funding cycle. To be considered in this FY2019 funding cycle, applications must be received in the San Luis NRCS office prior to the cut-off date of January 12, 2019. 

Colorado Open Lands will also be offering owner cost share assistance, be sure to sign up early to take part in this special funding option.

To determine if an application is eligible for this select fund pool and for additional information about applications contact Judy Lopez, Colorado Open Lands RCPP Project Manager at 719-580-5300 or NRCS office staff at 719-672-3673.