Conservation cost-share

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

Private landowner interest form

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)

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