2024 Matching Grant Drought Mitigation of Rangeland Through Water Improvements and Conservation Project Funding Available

The Yuma County Conservation District was recently awarded a $25,000 grant to fund rangeland improvement projects in partnership with funds from the Colorado Department of Agriculture through the Colorado State Conservation Board.  According to Tanya Fell, YCCD District Manager, “these projects are designed to assist producers with for pipelines when water isn’t available in those areas, adding stock tanks or refurbishing tanks that include bird ladders, and installing solar powered well pumps with storage tanks to replace traditional pumps and adding tank monitoring devices.”

Applicants must be in good standing with both the FSA and NRCS.  This project is specifically for agricultural uses and not to be used for a domestic well projects.  Well tests will need to be provided for pipeline projects prior to the project beginning to verify that the well is good and that it will support the proposed project. Once the test confirms that the well is in good standing the size of the pipeline will need to be determined based on the production needs and the possibility of future expansion. 

For the solar projects a well test will also need to be provided to determine the amount of water available.  This will in turn determine the size of the pump and storage tanks needed and the number of cattle that can be used for rangeland grazing.  In the same category, the size and number of tanks needed must be assessed based on the number of head grazing and available water. If tanks do exist, are they in good shape or do they need to be refurbished or replaced.

All projects will be supervised by and completed to NRCS standards and specifications.  Projects must be completed by November 15, 2024 to allow adequate time for compliance inspections and final photo documentation. 

The maximum amount for each grant is dependent upon the number of participants meeting the criteria to participate. Grants require matching funds amounting to 50% of the grant total.   The rangeland improvement project matching grant is non-competitive in nature. Applications are due to the YCCD office by February 16, 2024.

For additional information please contact the Yuma County Conservation District in Wray at 970-332-3107 ext. 9002.  An application and information are also available at www.ycconservation.com. 

YCCD Time to Order your Trees, Flowers, Shrubs and Landscaping Supplies

The Yuma County Conservation District (YCCD) in Wray now has trees, flowers, shrubs and landscaping supplies for the 2024 season available.

A variety of trees are available including seedling evergreen plugs and bare root shrubs and trees.  These low-cost seedling and bare root trees can be used for wind breaks, erosion control, snow breaks, wildlife habitat or any other use that can be beneficial to landowners.

In addition, the YCCD offers larger potted fruit trees and bushes including elderberry, apple, apricot, blueberry, blackberry, cherry, peach, pear, plum, grapes and even rhubarb! There is also a selection of perennial flowers to add to your flower gardens. Newly added this season are a variety of potted shrubs including lilac, potentilla, spirea and honeysuckle!

YCCD also offers native grass seeds, landscape fabric, staples, fertilizer tablets, polymer and a full line of drip irrigation materials as well.

To order, please visit our website at www.ycconservation.com. Orders can also be placed over the phone, by email or in person at the YCCD office. Orders will be accepted until March 29, 2024. Tree pick-up will be mid to late April (customers will be notified of specific day once truck schedules are made).  For additional information, please call the YCCD at 970-332-3107 extension 9002 or email yccd77@gmail.com.

YCCD 2023 Matching Rangeland Improvement Grant Project Completed

The Yuma County Conservation District (YCCD) was awarded a $25,000 grant this past year to fund rangeland improvement projects in partnership with funds from the Colorado Department of Agriculture through the Colorado State Conservation Board.  The YCCD also added an additional $10,000 in funding to increase the overall grant total to $35,000.

This grant project was able to assist six producers with funding in 2023 through the installation of 5 tanks, 8,260 feet of pipeline, 3 solar well pumps, that ultimately impacted 4608 acres of rangeland in the Yuma County Conservation District. 

By participating in the matching grant program, the Yuma County Conservation District was able to help individual producers improve the overall infrastructure of their operations.   “We are excited to be able to help landowners install such practices on their land as we all work to preserve the resources of Yuma County” said Margaret Lenz, President of the YCCD.

 The YCCD is now accepting applications for a similar funding grant project for 2024.  For more information, please contact the YCCD at 970-332-3107 extension 9002 or visit our website at www.ycconservation.com.