Applications are now being accepted for 2014 conservation cost-share funds through the North Platte Natural Resources District. Cost-share programs are available to landowners in Banner, Garden, Morrill, Scotts Bluff and southern Sioux counties for soil, water and range conservation improvements.

Applications can be submitted between March 3rd and March 14th at USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offices in Scottsbluff, Bridgeport, and Oshkosh. North Platte NRD General Manager, John Berge, stated that the earlier sign-up will allow landowners to get a jump-start on conservation projects. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and limited to one application per landowner.

The Conservation Cost-Share Program reimburses cooperating landowners for a portion of the costs of installing conservation practices on their farm or ranch. The NRCS provides technical assistance to the landowner for installation. In most cases, the cost-share rate is 50 or 65 percent of the actual or average cost (whichever is less). Maximum annual payment per landowner per practice is $3,000. Applicants must receive approval from the North Platte NRD Board of Directors before beginning work.

Eligible practices include windbreak planting (65 percent cost-share rate) with a minimum of 300 trees planted; irrigation water management (50 percent) to conserve ground water and surface water by improving water use efficiency on irrigated lands; and planned grazing systems (50 percent) to reduce erosion and improve water quality by maintaining or improving plant cover for increased forage production, enhanced wildlife habitat, grazing uniformity, and water use efficiency.

Other eligible practices include terrace systems (65 percent); livestock water facilities (50 percent); irrigation tailwater recovery pits (50 percent); grade stabilization structures (65 percent); diversions (65 percent); grassed waterways (65 percent); range seeding or pasture planting (65 percent); and stream bank stabilization (65 percent).

For a complete list of cost-share practices, visit www.npnrd.org or call (308) 632-2749.