COST SHARE PROGRAMS

2026 Eastern Plains Water Conservation Infrastructure Improvement

Matching Grant Project Funding Available

 

The Yuma County Conservation District (YCCD), in partnership with the Yuma Conservation District (YCD), has been awarded a $50,000 Matching Grant through the Colorado State Conservation Board (CSCB), under the Colorado Department of Agriculture, to support rangeland water infrastructure improvements across Yuma County.

 

According to Tanya Fell, District Manager for YCCD, the grant was developed to assist producers with the installation of critical water infrastructure, including:

• Livestock water pipelines to areas lacking reliable water sources,

• Installation or refurbishment of livestock stock tanks, including wildlife-friendly bird ladders,

• Replacement of traditional pumping systems with solar-powered well pumps and storage tanks, and

• Installation of remote livestock tank monitoring devices.

 

Applications Now Open

Producers interested in participating in the 2026 Matching Grant Program are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be in good standing with both the Farm Service Agency (FSA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Projects may not receive duplicate funding from FSA, NRCS, or other government grant programs.

 

Project Requirements

For all water-related projects, producers must provide:

• Well tests and applicable permits prior to beginning work to verify adequate water supply, and

• Documentation to ensure the proposed system meets current and future production needs.

All projects will be designed, supervised, and inspected to NRCS standards and specifications. Projects must be completed by October 30, 2026, allowing sufficient time for inspections and photo documentation.

 

Funding Details

Grant awards are dependent on the number of eligible participants. Funding requires a 50% producer match. The rangeland improvement matching grant is non-competitive in nature.

No project activity may begin until January 1, 2026, after project approval by YCCD and YCD and execution of signed cost-share agreements.

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How to Apply

For additional information or assistance, please contact the Yuma County Conservation District office in Wray at 970-332-3107, ext. 9002.  Applications and program details are available online at: https://www.ycconservation.com/cost-share-program.  Application Deadline: January 30, 2026.

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Dripline Grants Offered for Windbreak Trees in the

Yuma County Conservation District

 

The Yuma County Conservation District, with funds from the Colorado Department of Agriculture through the Colorado State Conservation Board are offering a matching grant project.  This project will assist with windbreak tree dripline improvement projects specifically to help with natural resource conservation in the YCCD. 

 

Funds can be requested by landowners for materials needed to create or improve irrigation to windbreak trees that are currently being planted or have been planted within the past FIVE years. Water MUST be provided by the producer to the edge of the windbreak. The projects are to include the installation of dripline including the purchase of dripline, emitters, connectors, filters and other necessary supplies to water windbreak trees.  (NOTE: Landscape fabric is not included in this grant program.)  All materials must be purchased within the grant funding year after the application is approved. 

 

The maximum amount for each grant is $500. Grants require matching funds amounting to 50% of the grant total.   The windbreak tree dripline improvement matching grant project is non-competitive in nature. Matching grants are given on a first­ come, first-serve basis, with projects beginning the end of April and should be concluded by the end of November 2025.

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