Conservation cost-share

Funding and technical assistance is available to landowners for projects that improve water quality by reducing erosion and controlling stormwater runoff.

For additional cost-share grant information, contact Kevin Ellis at kevin.ellis@hennepin.us.

Available funds 

Landowners may receive funding of up to 75 percent of the total eligible costs of installing a conservation practice.

All practices must be approved prior to construction. Landowners will be reimbursed when the project is complete.

Priorities for funding

We encourage the use of practices that improve soil health, including planting cover crops and reducing tillage.

Agricultural landowners or operators can receive funding and support to try effective practices that stabilize soil and make yields more consistent and sustainable over time.

Eligible projects

Eligible projects include those that:

• Reduce stormwater runoff
• Stabilize eroding areas
• Protect shorelines from erosion
• Reduce wind erosion

Projects must be designed to be effective for at least 10 years.

Cost share for conservation: Common practices to reduce erosion, improve soil health and water quality (PDF, 2MB)

Project selection

Annual funding for this program is very limited. Hennepin County works hard to ensure that the funding is well-spent on projects that have the most impact and address the county’s priorities.

To evaluate projects, county staff work with residents to describe the project, estimate the cost, and estimate a quantifiable conservation benefit.

Potential projects are reviewed no more than once per quarter. County staff make decisions about proceeding with projects after this review.

If a project is not selected, it may be put on hold for future consideration if the resident is still interested. Projects may be declined if county staff doesn’t find it feasible.

Soil health program

We have funding and support to promote soil health. There are several ways to improve soil health:

• Reduce tillage
• Add cover crops
• Add diversity to the crop rotation

Farmers who improve soil health see many benefits: stabilized soils, improved soil fertility, reduced need for inputs, and yields that become more consistent and sustainable over time.

Hennepin County soil health incentive program (PDF, 1MB)

Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) website

Assistance

Landowners participating in the state cost-share program receive technical assistance from natural resources staff. Assistance includes:

• Conducting site visits and determining the best practices to install
• Surveying and designing the project
• Producing a rough cost estimate
• Providing the landowner with a designed plan for submission of bids
• Meeting with the landowner and contractor prior to construction
• Supervising construction
• Certifying completion of the project