The San Juan Conservation District offers “Conservation Helping Hand” grants to assist landowners in the La Plata County, Archuleta County and Pine River areas.
The grants help landowners implement conservation practices on their property. Grants can pay up to 50 percent of the project cost or up to $3,500.
Conservation practices eligible for grants include planned grazing systems, more efficient irrigation systems and healthy forest restoration that benefits livestock and wildlife.
Applications will be taken until March 31. They will be reviewed by board members and prioritized based on environmental benefits and cost of implementation.
Approved applicants will be notified by April 12. All projects must commence by July 1 and be complete by Sept. 30.
Technical assistance will be provided by Natural Resources Conservation Service, and projects must meet NRCS standards and specifications.
Applications are available at the NRCS office in Durango, 31 Suttle Drive, or by calling 259-3289. Applications are also available at the Pagosa Springs office, 505A County Road 600, or by calling (970) 731-3615.
