2026 Eastern Plains Water Conservation Infrastructure Improvement Matching Grant Funding Available for Rangeland Projects

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.

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.