State Cost Share Program
Stream and Riparian
The Shawnee County Conservation District offers financial assistance through the State Cost Share Program to support conservation practices that reduce erosion, improve soil health, and protect water quality.
 
Stream and Riparian
Projects that are implemented in stream and riparian corridors can play a significant role in improving and protecting stream health and downstream water quality and clarity. The following practices are approved through the State Cost Share program for local districts to offer related to riparian area protection:
Eligible Cropland Practices

• Prescribed Burning,
• Pond,
• Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment,
• Fence,
• Riparian Forest Buffer,
• Access Control, Mulching,
• Tree/Shrub Site Preparation,
• Livestock Pipeline,
• Pumping Plant for water supply,
• Heavy Use Area Protection,
• Spring Development,
• Watering Facility, Water Well,
• Windbreak/Shelterbelt Renovation
• Forest Stand Improvement.

Program Regulations & Requirements (K.A.R.)
The State Cost Share Program follows Kansas Administrative Regulations for the Water Resources Cost Share Program (WRCSP) and the Non‑point Source (NPS) Program. Key requirements include:
Project Approval & Maintenance

• Projects must be approved by contract before any work begins.
• Practices must be maintained for at least 10 years, or for the life of the practice.
• A prorated repayment may apply if maintenance requirements are not met.

Financial Assistance

• Assistance is limited to 70% of actual cost or the countywide average cost, whichever is lower.
• Funding levels cannot change mid‑year unless authorized by the Kansas State Conservation Commission.
• Maximum cost share is:
• $10,000 per practice, or
• $20,000 for livestock waste or irrigation systems in high‑priority areas.

Inspection & Certification
A district technician or qualified representative will:

• Inspect work in progress.
• Verifying the practice meets specifications.
• Certify proper installation to the Kansas State Conservation Commission.

How to Apply
Applications are processed through the Shawnee County Conservation District.
 
Required Application Items

• Landowner name (operator of record for cover crops)
• W‑9 for all owners (trusts must include W‑9s for all members)
• FSA Form 156
• Project map with details clearly marked
• Original signatures
• Completed ranking criteria form

Additional Application Questions

• Previous cost share participation within the past two years
• Current crop and planned crop
• Fertilizer application with cover crop seeding (Yes/No)
• Desired grass type (cool season or warm season)
• Planned termination method for cover crops

 Contracting & Deadlines

• No work may begin prior to contract approval.
• Work typically may not begin before July 1 of the program year.
• Contract work window: July 1 – April 15
• Contracts may carry a default 60‑day expiration, unless modified by the district.
• Extensions may be granted within the contract year.

Maintenance & Repayment Schedule

• If practice fails to be maintained for the full 10‑year lifespan, repayment may be required:

Year After Installation-Repayment Required

• Within 5 years- 100%
• Year 6- 80%
• Year 7- 60%
• Year 8- 40%
• Year 9-20%
• Year 10-10%

Maintenance responsibilities must be transferred if the land is sold. 
  
Projects that are implemented in stream and riparian corridors can play a significant role in improving and protecting stream health and downstream water quality and clarity.
 

Average Cost

📞 Call: (785) 266-9053 ext. 3                                                     Visit: 3231 SW VanBuren Street Ste: 2 Topeka, Kansas 66611                                        📧 Email: [email protected]